In an effort to help address the serious and growing drug addiction problem in our communities, Lake County, SWALCO, and local law enforcement have partnered on a program that allows people to drop off controlled substances at local police departments. These drugs often include opioids, such as heroin, morphine, and prescription pain relievers. Watch our latest Dirty Jobs episode as I participate in the delivery, sorting and disposal process.

A mosquito pool sampled June 23 in Highland Park has tested positive for West Nile virus, the first confirmed indicator of the disease’s presence in Lake County this year.  In 2015, five human cases of West Nile virus were reported in Lake County. You can report areas of stagnant water which are conducive to mosquito breeding by calling the Lake County Health Department’s West Nile virus hotline at 847-377-8300. View signs and symptoms. 

To address the growing number of Lake County residents struggling with opioid addiction, the Lake County Health Department/Community Health Center is doubling the capacity of its Medication Assisted Treatment program. Treatment will be expanded to 200 people through a $325,000 grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration.

The need for this service has increased, as the number of substance abuse related deaths in Lake County have tripled in the past 20 years.  Through this grant, the County plans to enhance the program and reduce the number of overdose deaths. The funds will provide medications, increase medical provider hours, add substance abuse counselors and a licensed clinical social worker. Watch this video to learn more about the expansion of the MAT program.

Individuals who struggle with substance abuse will be able to get directed quickly to treatment through a pilot program launched by the Lake County Opioid Initiative called “A Way Out. The program will be offered 24 hours a day, 365 days a year at participating police departments across Lake County. Individuals, who possess narcotics or paraphernalia, enter a participating police department and tell an officer they are requesting help will avoid criminal charges as long as the participant seeks assistance. Watch this video to learn more. 

Lake County is participating in a new, bipartisan national Data-Driven Justice Initiative, launched June 30 by President Barack Obama. Lake County is among 67 city, county, and state governments across the country that have been selected to join this initiative because of our commitment to innovative solutions that reduce our jail population - especially those with mental illness, better serve our communities, and save taxpayer money. 

Lake County Board Chairman Aaron Lawlor said, “We are proud to be part of this national team that will focus on using data-driven strategies to divert low-level offenders with mental illness out of the criminal-justice system and into effective, community-based care. Lake County and the nation are combating a crisis related to properly treating people with mental illness.  I believe this is the greatest moral imperative for our leaders to address.  Our jails should not be mental health hospitals. By working together, we can not only save taxpayer resources by reducing our jail population, but also help stabilize families and better serve our communities.”

View Lake County’s news release and the White House Fact Sheet for details on the Data-Driven Justice Initiative. 

Lake County is lucky to be the home of 75 inland lakes and miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Check out Visit Lake County, which includes a listing of beaches to visit across Lake County including hours and attractions.

Make sure to check the Lake County Beach Advisory page provided by the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center for daily updates on inland and Lake Michigan beaches. Get information too using the free phone application called myBeachCast.

Forest Preserve News

Check out upgraded practice facility at Countryside 
Golfers at Countryside Golf Club in Mundelein will be welcomed this year by an upgraded practice facility. The driving range teeing area is now 30 percent larger, allowing more than 60,000 square feet of perfectly manicured blue grass. The teeing area drainage has also been improved to increase usability throughout the season. Learn more

Enjoy summer concerts at Independence Grove
Enjoy some wonderful music under the stars at Independence Grove Forest Preserve in Libertyville. The Events in the Plaza outdoor concerts are held at 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays through Aug. 9. There are no rain dates. Check out this year’s concert lineup. 

Find the ideal program for your career path, meet admissions representatives who are ready to help you, and learn about the 130 academic programs from 20 Illinois institutions available in Lake County at the University Center of Lake Center of Lake County Open House.

When: 6 to 8 p.m., July 13
Where: University Center of Lake County, 1200 University Center Drive, Grayslake
RSVP online, or call 847-665-4000

Warm weather means farmers markets! Shop for fresh fruits, vegetables, baked treats and more while supporting local businesses at one of Lake County’s farmers markets. Check out our Farmers Market Finder to discover a farmers market near you. 

With the summer season unofficially kicked off, that means for many getting the boats in the water. Boating is one of the most popular activities in Lake County, and it’s no surprise as the County offers so many lakes to visit as we enjoy the warmer weather. Check out BoatingLakeCounty.com as your boating resource including maps of all the County’s public boat ramps, lakefront dining and a boating blog. 

The Lake County Board and our economic development partners are continuously collaborating on initiatives to improve our economic environment, from a healthcare consortium to address workforce shortages and increase apprenticeship opportunities, to a proposed innovation and research park at Rosalind Franklin University. Watch the Lake County Partners Update from the June County Board meeting to learn more. (Item 56). Additionally, more than 600 government and business leaders recently gathered to get an update on the national and local economy, and other important issues facing our county including employment, workforce, and housing. Learn more in this video.

Lake County Government offers vast array of job opportunities
We work to improve the quality of life in Lake County and provide services that benefit more than 700,000 Lake County residents. We have many departments that specialize in providing different services for Lake County. From law enforcement and health care, to engineering and information technology, we offer a wide spectrum of careers. Watch this video to see what you can do by working for Lake County. 

Grayslake workforce development satellite site has moved
Effective Monday, July 11, the Lake County Workforce Development Satellite site at the College of Lake County in Grayslake has moved to Building 4.  The times for the information sessions at this site also have changed.  Learn more

Do you need assistance finding a job?
Lake County Workforce Development can help you find your next job, and can even connect you with resources to help develop your skills. Reach their latest Success newsletter, which highlights how recent job seekers and trainees recently made the employment connection!

Upcoming Community Job and Resource Fair
Meet with local employers at the upcoming Job Community Job & Resource Fair. Bring plenty of resumes, and dress in business, or business casual attire. More information

When: 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 28
Where: Greenbelt Cultural Center, 1215 S. Green Bay Road, North Chicago