Tuesday, June 30, 2026 | View in browser
Be you. Be proud. Celebrate!
Happy Pride Month from Evanston Health and Human Services!
This June, we celebrate the LGBTQIA+ individuals and families who make Evanston stronger, more vibrant, and more welcoming. Our department remains committed to providing equitable, affirming services to all residents, every month of the year.
Wishing our community a Pride Month full of authenticity, connection, and joy.
Human Services Division
 ReThink Your Drink: Back Bigger Than Ever!
The Health Department, in collaboration with Dr. Lynn Chehab, a board-certified pediatrician and Endeavor Health, relaunched the Rethink Your Drink (RTYD) campaign. This initiative focuses on raising awareness of the health benefits of reducing sugary drink consumption. To help spread the word, you'll find RTYD posters and flyers on the CTA Purple Line and at several Divvy bike stations throughout Evanston.
Beyond our community, we are expanding by reaching out to other health departments and organizations across Illinois. Part of this campaign includes an interactive Sugar Show, an engaging educational presentation about the risks of sugary drinks and how to make healthier choices. Those interested in hosting a Sugar Show at your school, workplace, organization, or community event can complete the RTYD Sugar Show Request Form.
Ongoing Community Health Initiatives
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We’re Out Walking is still active and always open to more participants! As the weather warms up, consider joining one of the weekly walks. They’re a great way to stay active, bond with neighbors, and get outside! View the WOW Calendar.
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Free condoms are available at select local barbershops, making it easier than ever to prioritize your sexual health. No cost. No questions. 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.
Ombudsman Unit
 Community Resource Coalition
If you or anyone you know is interested in learning more about caring for those living with disabilities, mental illness, or older individuals, the Community Resources Coalition meeting is a great opportunity to build connections and support your loved ones. Join us on the first Thursday of each month.
View our Community Resources Coalition partner list for more information.
The City has launched the final round of its Guaranteed Income Program, which will support 102 local families across Evanston. This initiative is designed to provide direct financial assistance to help households meet essential needs such as nutrition and everyday expenses, offering a meaningful boost toward stability and well-being.
The program reflects the City’s continued commitment to investing in residents and ensuring families have the resources they need not just to get by, but to thrive. This round of Guaranteed Income focuses on supporting low-income families with young children and low-income senior households. Participants will receive $500 a month through December 2026. Health and Human Services staff collaborated with the City Manager’s Office to advertise, recruit, onboard, and administer the program.
Public Health Division
Environmental Health Unit
 Tick Prevention
Community members are encouraged to take precautions against tick bites this summer and fall to help prevent tick-borne diseases such as Lyme Disease.
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Apply an Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-registered insect repellent before going outdoors.
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Avoid tick habitats such as wooded areas and areas with tall grass. Stay in the center of the trail or path as much as possible.
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Wear light-colored long pants and long sleeves to make it easier to spot ticks during tick checks.
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Check your clothes and skin for ticks after coming indoors. Clothes should be tumble-dried on high heat for 10 minutes to kill ticks. Ticks found on the body should be safely removed.
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Shower within two hours of coming indoors.
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If you develop a fever, rash, headache, muscle aches, or extreme fatigue within 30 days of being in a tick habitat, call your doctor and let them know about your symptoms and possible exposure to ticks. Many people who have been bitten by a tick do not realize it.
For additional information, visit the CDC’s website.
Communicable Disease Unit
 Antimicrobial Stewardship and Evanston Nursing Homes
Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is one of the world’s most urgent public health problems. When bacteria, viruses, fungi, and parasites no longer respond to the medications designed to kill them, infections become harder to treat, increasing the risk of severe illness and death. That’s why the Communicable Disease Unit and the City’s Ombudsman, Candice Mitchell, have teamed up to conduct antimicrobial stewardship education sessions at Evanston nursing homes.
These sessions, led by Sarah Franks, DNP, BSN, RN, the City’s Communicable Disease Surveillance Specialist, are open to residents, their families, and facility staff. Topics covered include the immune system, bacteria vs. viruses, appropriate use of antibiotics, and more. Sarah Franks always welcomes questions and discussion. If you or a loved one lives at an Evanston nursing home, please consider attending one of these education sessions. Additional health topics are planned for the future.
Ongoing Initiative:
Get condoms, lubricant, dental dams, STI & HIV risk reduction, and more! Every 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Evanston Public Library from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Workforce Development Unit
 Learn about new employment opportunities!
The City of Evanston and The Mather offer paid career internships
The City’s Workforce Development Division has partnered with The Mather to offer two exciting, full-time paid internship opportunities. Both roles are structured as 6-to-8-week experiences (with the potential to extend to 10 weeks) where you will learn in a supportive team environment.
Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Internship
Kickstart your healthcare career! This cohort experience is specifically designed for Certified Nursing Assistants to refine their clinical skills and deliver high-quality, resident-centered care.
Apply today
To apply for either position, email a copy of your resume to jcooper@cityofevanston.org and krodas@mather.com. *Important: Please use the exact email subject line “eMerge CNA/ Building Services Internship” for your submission. You will then be redirected to complete a formal application.
For more information, join the Workforce Development Newsletter or email workforcedevelopment@cityofevanston.org.
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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