Tuesday, April,7, 2026 | View in browser
STI Awareness Week, April 12 - 18
Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are infections that people can get through sexual contact. During STI Awareness Week, we seek to raise awareness about STIs, promote sexual health as an essential part of overall health, and reduce STI-related stigma, fear, and discrimination.
If you are sexually active, or thinking of becoming sexually active, it is important that you "Talk, Test, and Treat" to protect your health:
Talk: Talk with your partners and your doctor about sexual health.
Test: Many STIs have no symptoms; testing is the only way to know your status.
Treat: Many STIs are curable, and all STIs are treatable. Work with your healthcare provider to get the correct treatment.
Visit the City's STI Webpage or call 311 for more information.
Human Services Division
 Spring into Action & Step into Wellness!
Get ready to move, connect, and feel your best. We invite everyone who lives, works, or plays in Evanston to join the 15th annual We’re Out Walking (WOW) Kickoff Event on Sat., April 25, starting at 11 a.m. at ETHS Willie May Fieldhouse.
Group walks, fitness and wellness challenges, t-shirts, giveaways, and more are all in store at the kickoff and throughout the 16-week initiative!
More information can be found on the WOW webpage and on the WOW Facebook page.
Questions? Email our Community Health Specialist, Kayla Smith, or call 847-448-4311.
Ongoing Community Health Initiative
We’re expanding access to free prevention resources in our community. Free condoms are now available to anyone who needs them at select local barbershops, making it easier than ever to prioritize your sexual health.
You can pick them up at:
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Ebony Barber Shop – 1702 Dodge Ave.
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Church Street Barbershop – 1905 Church St.
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Reese’s Barber Studio – 1618 Emerson St.
No cost. No questions. Just accessible resources to help keep our community healthy.
Ombudsman Unit
 Ongoing Initiative:
Join us on the first Thursday of each month to learn more about supporting and caring for individuals living with disabilities, mental illness, or age-related needs. The Community Resources Coalition meeting is a great opportunity to build connections and support your loved ones.
Public Health Division
Environmental Health Unit
New team member in the Health Department!
Join us in welcoming Tom Schrilla! Tom began his role as our new Public Health Preparedness Specialist on March 23. He obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Geology from the School of Science and Engineering at Tulane University. Before joining us, he worked in a multitude of emergency response roles, including Senior Emergency Manager for the City of New Orleans, Office of Homeland Security Emergency Preparedness, and Deputy Planning Section Chief. He has extensive experience and expertise in emergency preparedness, response coordination, evacuations, and large-scale incident management.
Other Updates:
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In late March, a pest control technician attended Dr. Bobby Corrigan’s nationally recognized Rodent Academy, gaining advanced training in rodent behavior, biology, and control strategies.
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Our Public Health Preparedness Specialist also participated in the IDPH Strategic Planning Retreat in Urbana-Champaign, collaborating with partners statewide to strengthen emergency readiness.
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The Health Department is gearing up for summer, processing festival applications and preparing for the outdoor farmers market opening on May 2.
Communicable Disease Unit
 Public Health Partner Spotlight
Effective communicable disease control work relies heavily on interactions with outside organizations. Individuals within those entities who consistently demonstrate reliable, proficient, and professional partnerships deserve recognition.
Dimitri Dawson is the Infection Preventionist at Westminster Place, an approximately 280-bed skilled nursing, intermediate care, and assisted living facility in Evanston. For the last three years, he has been responsible for implementing and managing the infection control and prevention program in addition to conducting orientation for new staff. He is a graduate of Purdue University, USF (MPH in progress), and has a CIC Infection Control certification as well as an extensive public health background.
The City’s Communicable Disease Unit has worked closely with Dimitri on respiratory illness outbreaks, cases of gastrointestinal illness, and other communicable disease concerns. “Dimitri is such a pleasure to work with,” according to Sue Whiting, Communicable Disease Liaison. “He is always aware of public health rules and reporting requirements, and understands what information is pertinent and what actions need to be taken. And this is in addition to his facility monitoring, information gathering, analysis, and staff training responsibilities. I don’t know how he does it all and remains so consistently pleasant.”
The Evanston Health and Human Services Department would like to commend Dimitri’s dedication to protecting the health of the residents at Westminster Place and celebrate his commitment to public health.
Ongoing Initiative:
Receive free condoms, lubricant, dental dams, STI and HIV risk-reduction resources, and more every second Tuesday of the month at the Evanston Public Library from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m.
Workforce Development Unit
 Evanston Hospitality Employers Hiring Event
Evanston’s hospitality industry is hiring! Connect with local employers offering opportunities in restaurants, hotels, catering, and events at a hospitality hiring event on April 14, 2026, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the YWCA Evanston/North Shore, 1215 Church St.
Why attend?
- Meet hiring managers ready to hire
- Explore roles from entry-level to management
- Discover long-term career pathways
- Build valuable local connections
This is your chance to launch a career in a growing industry. Register for this hospitality hiring event early and bring your resume.
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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