Dear Lake County Health Department Partner:

I am writing to inform you about a significant change at the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center. I have resigned from my position as the Executive Director. My last day will be June 17.

I am grateful for the valuable experience and opportunities I have gained during my time here. What I have seen over the last couple of years is a high level of innovation and flexibility working across all areas. The work we have done has helped solidify the Health Department’s reputation as a successful organization.

Even with all the external changes, the Health Department is in a much stronger place now. Collaboratively, we have had many accomplishments, including:

• Achieved accreditation through the Public Health Accreditation Board

• Grew our budget from $71 million to $75 million and maintained jobs

• Redesigned clinical services to better function within the larger public health system and have a greater impact on the health of Lake County residents

• Established performance measures for every program at the health department

• We created strong collaborations with many incredible partners

Over the last couple of weeks, I have been working with the Board of Health and Governing Council on a transition.  They have named Mark Pfister, Director of Prevention, as Interim Executive Director. Mark has been with LCHD/CHC for 25 years. Since I started at the Health Department, Mark has helped me tremendously. I know I am leaving the Department in good hands with Mark and the entire executive team.

I would like to express my gratitude to the Board of Health, the Community Health Center Governing Council and the Lake County Board for their commitment and dedication to the work we do, and especially to Board of Health President, Tim Sashko, County Board Chairman, Aaron Lawlor, and County Administrator Barry Burton for their strong support for the Health Department. I look forward to seeing the Health Department continue on its path to achieve the highest level of health for all in Lake County.

Sincerely,

Tony Beltran
Executive Director
Lake County Health Department/
Community Health Center

The Health Department, the Lake County Stands Against Stigma Coalition and other community partners have organized a free health fair in observance of National HIV Testing Day.

The event will be held on Monday, June 27, from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m., on the front lawn of the Belvidere Medical Building, 2400 Belvidere Rd., Waukegan (near the corner of Belvidere Road and Keller Avenue).

In addition to free health and community resources, free HIV tests (for people 13 and older) and hepatitis C tests (for people 18 and older) will be available.  A finger stick will be used for the HIV and hepatitis C testing. Results are available within 20 minutes. Information about viral hepatitis and sexually transmitted infections will also be available. For more information contact the STI Program at 847-377-8450.

The Health Department's Animal Care and Control Program is offering a low-cost pet vaccination clinic on Saturday, July 16 in Zion, from 9 a.m. until noon. It will take place at the Zion Park District, Bethel Blvd and 27th Street.  The clinic provides a convenient and affordable way for Lake County residents to keep their pets up to date with shots and rabies tags. Click here to read about costs and services.

It is never too soon to think about scheduling your school physical. Do not wait until the rush right before the start of the new school year. The Health Department's community health centers, with locations in Waukegan, Highland Park, Zion, Round Lake Beach, and North Chicago, have set aside time specifically for children to come in for school physicals. Please call (847) 377-8800 to schedule an appointment. Click here to find a health center near you.

Do not let ticks ruin your summer outdoor enjoyment. Here are some tips:

• Avoid tick habitat by staying on trails when in forest preserves and parks.
• Wear light-colored, protective clothing, such as long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, boots or sturdy shoes, and a head covering. Tuck trouser cuffs in socks and tuck in shirt tails.
• Apply insect repellent containing DEET primarily to clothes. Walk in the center of trails so plants do not brush against you.
• Check yourself, your children and other family members every two to three hours for ticks.
• If your pets spend time outdoors, regularly check them for ticks, too.
• Promptly remove any ticks to help prevent infection.

Learn about the North Shore Health Center's 10th anniversary, June pet vaccination clinics and upcoming Rx for Health walks in this month's edition of Healthy Lake County. Click here to watch.

Health Department program staff provided helpful information in May during a health fair held in observance of National Hepatitis Testing Day. Along with information about hepatitis B and C prevention, care and treatment, visitors to the Lake County Building in Waukegan could receive blood pressure screenings, dental information and general information about overall health and well being. The Health Department's Sexually Transmitted Infections program provides counseling and resources, as well as a monthly support group for those infected with hepatitis C.  Please call 847-377-8450 for more information.

The Lake County Forest Preserves, the Lake County Health Department, NorthShore University Health System and other partners have organized “Rx for Health - Walking in Nature," a program that brings together naturalists and health providers for guided tours of Lake County’s forest preserves. Click here for the schedule of free walks open to the public.

In an effort to raise awareness about suicide prevention, the Waukegan Cares Foundation is hosting its 4th annual 5K “Wauk” For Awareness Saturday, August 27 at Founders Park, 10385 W. Beach Road in Beach Park. Warm up is at 10:30 a.m. and the walk begins at 11:05 a.m. Included in the event is a canine demo at 12:30 p.m. Tables, booths, a fire truck, a bounce house, and a dunk tank will also be available from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.

Anyone who makes a $25 donation to participate receives a free lunch. Those who make a $25 donation and sign-up by August 1 will also receive a free event t-shirt. To register for the walk or to sign up to host a table or booth, contact Tom Granger at 847-417-2495.

Staff members of the Health Department's Crisis Care program are working with law enforcement in a pilot program called "A Way Out" to fast-track users to substance abuse programs and services. Available 24 hours a day, seven days a week at police departments in Grayslake, Gurnee, Libertyville, Mundelein, Lake Forest, Round Lake Beach and Round Lake Park, the program ensures no criminal charges will be sought for those who may be in possession of narcotics or paraphernalia, as long as assistance is sought by the prospective program participant.

You can find “A Way Out” in just a few easy steps:

1. Locate a participating police department.
2. Walk in through the main doors of the department nearest you.
3. Tell the clerk at the reception window that you want to participate in “A Way Out”. If you are seeking help after open lobby hours, locate the call box on the wall and tell dispatch you want to participate in “A Way Out.” A program representative will be with you to take you through the next steps.

Click here to view a brief video.