Wednesday, August 27, 2025 | View in browser
As summer comes to a close and our community gears up for a new school year, it’s a great time to focus on health and wellness. Make sure your family is prepared, whether that’s through healthy routines, stress management, or ensuring children are ready to learn and thrive.
August is also National Immunization Awareness Month, reminding us of the importance of vaccines in protecting our community from preventable diseases. As students return to classrooms and families adjust to busier schedules, staying up-to-date on immunizations is one of the most effective ways to keep everyone safe and healthy.
Continue reading to find helpful resources, tips, and upcoming opportunities that support your family’s well-being this back-to-school season.
Human Services Division
 Genealogy Kits: Getting To Know Your Family Roots
Residents interested in participating in this free program can pick up and drop off their kits on the 2nd floor of the Morton City Hall, located at 909 Davis St., outside the Health and Human Services Office, on Mondays and Wednesdays by appointment. If these times don’t work, participants should contact Kayla Smith, Community Health Specialist, at ksmith@cityofevanston.org to make other arrangements.
 We want to hear from you!
We’re dedicated to creating health and wellness programs that fit your needs. Your feedback will help shape future initiatives. Please complete this form or contact Community Health Specialist Kayla Smith at ksmith@cityofevanston.org.
Would you be interested in a cooking class or a financial literacy workshop? Join the interest list and we will contact you when they become available.
Ombudsman Unit
 Stay One Step Ahead of Scams
The Community Resources Coalition, in partnership with the Community Policing Department, will begin sharing monthly updates on scams. Each session will highlight the latest scams to watch for and provide practical tips to help protect you, your family, and your neighbors. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 4, at 10 a.m. at the Evanston Public Library. Everyone is welcome to join, learn, and stay scam-savvy!
Building Caregiver Support
If you or someone you know would like to learn more about supporting individuals living with disabilities, mental illness, or aging-related needs, the Community Resources Coalition meeting is a great place to connect, share, and build resources. The next meeting will take place on Wednesday, September 4, at 10 a.m. at the Evanston Public Library.
Special Projects Unit
 The Evanston Health Hub
Beginning September 1, the Health and Human Services Department will dissolve the Health Hub previously located at Ebenezer AME Church. This change will remain in effect until further notice.
We appreciate the community’s support and engagement during the operation of the Health Hub and will provide updates as they become available.
Public Health Division
 New Public Health Manager: Congrats Enas Syed!
We are happy to announce that, after approximately nine months without a Public Health Manager, and after several interviews, we have selected an internal candidate to fill the Public Health Manager's role.
On August 25, Enas Syed, the City's Public Health Preparedness Specialist, will become our next Public Health Manager. Enas was instrumental in the City's preparedness efforts at the height of COVID-19.
Enas possesses experience in an array of disciplines such as code enforcement, inspections, emergency response, program development, administration, field operations, staff, and resource mobilization. These skills are all relevant and applicable to the success of managing programs and staff.
Enas obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Environmental Health and Chemistry from Illinois State University and a Master of Public Health Degree in Health Policy and Management from Kent State University. She also possesses various public health certificates and licenses that are relevant to the position. Join us in congratulating her as she embarks on this new role.
Communicable Disease Unit
August is National Immunization Month
With the fall respiratory virus season right around the corner, August is the perfect time to highlight the importance of vaccines!
Frequently cited as one of the top ten public health achievements of all time, immunizations have had a huge impact on the health of our nation. Here are just a few:
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Many diseases that were once common childhood illnesses, such as rubella, diphtheria, and polio, are extremely rare in the US.
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One disease, smallpox, which used to kill approximately 30% of those infected, has been completely eradicated due to vaccination.
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The CDC estimates that vaccination of children born in the U.S. between the years 1994 and 2023 will: prevent more than 500 million illnesses, avoid more than 1 million deaths, and save nearly $3 trillion in medical costs and nonmedical costs.
All vaccines go through rigorous safety and efficacy testing before licensure, and even after a vaccine has been approved, data continues to be collected and reviewed for rare side effects. The Evanston Health and Human Services Department encourages all residents to stay up-to-date on vaccinations. Talk with your doctor, pharmacist, or a local travel clinic to find out if there are recommended vaccines you or your children need based on age, travel, medical conditions, or other risk factors.
Workforce Development Division
 Evanston is committed to helping residents thrive through career growth, education, and financial empowerment. This month, a wide variety of opportunities are available, from in-person hiring events to skill-building workshops and workforce networking sessions. Whether you’re just starting your career, looking for a change, or building long-term financial stability, these programs provide the tools and connections you need to succeed.
Explore upcoming opportunities:
 Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
Did you know Evanston offers a Lead Poisoning Prevention Program?
Our Environmental Health Practitioners are licensed lead risk assessors who investigate cases of childhood lead poisoning. When a case is identified, staff conduct a comprehensive inspection of the home and collect environmental samples for laboratory testing to determine the presence of lead.
If hazards are found, we work directly with property owners to ensure they are safely mitigated, without creating additional contamination risks. In addition, Health & Human Services provides preventive inspections for households with young children or pregnant women living in, or frequently visiting, buildings constructed before 1978.
Evanston also offers a free Lead Hazard Reduction Program for income-eligible residents. To see if you qualify and learn more, visit our webpage.
Thank you for learning more about us! Don't hesitate to contact any of our divisions.
Have a great day,
City of Evanston Health and Human Services Department
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