Wednesday, August 19, 2026 | View in browser
Happy National Wellness Month!
Let’s take time to prioritize wellness in every part of our lives, including self-care, stress management, and building healthy habits so we can feel like our best selves.
Here are five ways to guide your wellness.
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Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep every night to improve focus, recovery, and memory.
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Put your phone away at least 30 to 60 minutes before bed. This will help your brain wind down, reduce stress, and help you fall asleep faster.
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Commit to movement through your workday by taking the stairs, walking a lap during a phone call, or utilizing a standing desk.
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Practice emotional wellness by practicing deep breathing & connecting with others.
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Try something new! Pick up a new hobby or join a local club or group.
Human Services Division
 What has the Human Services Division been up to lately?
Join Us at the Evanston Family Fun Fest: Sweet Summer Send-Off by Be Strong Families
We’ll be at the Sweet Summer Send-Off on Saturday, August 22 from noon to 4 p.m. at the Robert Crown Community Center, where we’ll be giving away school supplies and connecting with community members!
Stop by to learn more about the services available through our Health Department, including our commitment to ensuring equitable access to resources and supporting individuals and families experiencing financial distress through our General Assistance and Emergency Assistance Programs.
Come say hello, grab some school supplies, and discover resources that may be available to you and your family!
Building Financial Wellness & Building Better Financial Habits
We proudly hosted two free financial literacy workshops in partnership with the BMO Evanston Branch, equipping community members with practical tools to strengthen their financial well-being.
Participants explored how to:
- Build healthier spending and budgeting habits
- Create greater financial stability
- Establish emergency savings
- Understand different types of bank accounts
- Prepare financially for unexpected expenses
We’re committed to connecting residents with knowledge and resources that support long-term financial stability.
WOW Cooking Class: From Scratch!
We also hosted a WOW Cooking Class with Chef Sofia Martin of The Urban Gourmand, where participants rolled up their sleeves and learned how to make some delicious favorites from scratch.
Together, we learned how to make fresh pasta, homemade ricotta cheese, and Marinara sauce
It was a hands-on experience filled with great food, new skills, and community connection! Follow the delicious recipe(s) by Chef Sofia.
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.
Public Health Division
Environmental Health Unit
What are the Health Inspectors up to?
Our inspectors will be working diligently, ensuring the safety, health, and sanitation at these upcoming City events:
- Evanston Art and Big Fork Festival is August 22-23 in downtown Evanston
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Taste of Evanston is August 30 from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m.
- Evanston Mashup is September 10 at NU's Norris Center.
- We are continuously responding to elevated blood lead levels in children with lead poisoning. Our training lead risk assessors initiate clinical investigations and home risk assessments for all children 6 months to 6 years old with a level of 3.5 micrograms per deciliter or greater.
Communicable Disease Unit
 Bat encounter? Call the City!
During this time of year, bats are very active and therefore more likely to come into contact with people and pets. In fact, August is the month the Illinois Department of Public Health tests the most bats for rabies. If you, a family member, or a pet have an encounter with a bat, the bat should be safely captured. Do not release the bat unless you have been instructed to do so. Once captured, please call the Evanston Police Department at 847-866-5000 so that testing of the bat for rabies can be coordinated through Animal Control.
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)
With back-to-school and fall respiratory virus season right around the corner, August is the perfect time to highlight the importance of vaccines! 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.
Measles Cases Continue to Climb
As of August 7, over 2,400 confirmed cases of measles were reported nationwide so far this year. Illinois continues to hold steady at four cases for 2026, but other states are seeing outbreaks and increases. This year's national case count has already surpassed last year's total (2,289), which proved to be the highest count since 1991, and numbers are expected to remain high as vaccination rates stagnate or decline. Check on your MMR status and get vaccinated.
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
 Build Evanston. Build your career. Join the City's Local Employment Program
Every construction project in Evanston is an opportunity to invest in our community and in the skilled workers who call Evanston home. The City's Local Employment Program (LEP) connects qualified Evanston residents with contractors working on eligible City capital improvement projects, helping ensure local talent has access to local job opportunities.
Whether you're an experienced union tradesperson, an apprentice, or a skilled laborer looking for your next project, the LEP is your opportunity to be visible to contractors seeking qualified local workers. By completing the LEP Interest Form, your information is added to a directory shared with contractors who are working to meet the City's local hiring requirements on eligible projects. While enrollment does not guarantee employment, it ensures you can be considered when opportunities become available.
More than job opportunities, career support
The LEP also provides valuable financial assistance to help participants strengthen their careers in the skilled trades.
Training Tuition Reimbursement: Current LEP participants may qualify for up to $500 per calendar year to reimburse approved industry-recognized certification courses or re-certifications completed through accredited community colleges or trade schools. Pre-approval is required before enrollment.
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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