The Oak Park Public Health Department joins other front line local health departments in acknowledging the importance of our work. Our primary goals are to prevent injuries and illness, promote health behaviors and equitable health systems, and protect the community from disease outbreaks and emergencies. The public may not always see the work we do, but Oak Park is safer and healthier because of it.

The Oak Park Public Health Department was established by Village ordinance in 1905 and was first led by Dr. Frank Needham, pictured. The Department became a state-certified local health department in 1949. In 1922, the first President-appointed board of health was established and it included Dr. Charles E. Hemingway, Ernest’s father, as a member. The early years of the Department were marked by the response to three epidemics: typhoid in 1915, the Spanish flu in 1918, and smallpox in 1920.

This year we celebrate 119 years since our founding and 75 years since receiving our state certification. The Department is made up of 13 employees, three part-time employees, two interns and one consultant across the following divisions:  Animal Control, Emergency Preparedness, Environmental Health, Epidemiology, the Farmers’ Market, Grants Coordination, Health Education, Leadership and Administration and Public Health Nursing.

We protect community health and economic vitality by upholding policies that improve the public's health, like state and Village policies that govern the sale and public use of tobacco. We are continuously assessing the community’s health needs to improve our ability to promote and maintain better health outcomes.

Animal Control

Our Animal Control officer enforces local ordinances related to domestic animals and also addresses nuisance or dangerous animal complaints. By law, our officer can only assist with nuisance wildlife cases where the animal (such a skunk, opossum, coyote or racoon) appears injured, sick or aggressive. 

The Animal Control officer also oversees the pet licensing program and offers guidance on responsible pet ownership. In addition, they manage Oak Park's rodent abatement programs.  

Environmental Health

This division plays a crucial role in preventing environmentally-related illnesses and promoting a healthy community. The Environmental Health team inspects and regulates food establishments, tanning salons, daycares, and other facilities to ensure compliance with health codes and promote safe environments. They also address issues related to air and water quality, lead hazards and the spread of pathogens by mosquitos and birds.

Emergency Preparedness

The Emergency Preparedness coordinator develops and maintains plans to respond effectively to public health emergencies 24/7, such as disease outbreaks, natural disasters, and bioterrorism threats. They coordinate with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure a coordinated response and provide training and resources to the community.

Epidemiology

Our staff epidemiologist investigates and monitors the spread of diseases within the community, identifies risk factors and implements control measures to prevent further transmission. They analyze data to detect patterns and trends, and provide guidance to healthcare providers and the public.

Farmers' Market

The Farmers' Market manager organizes and manages the Oak Park Farmers' Market, providing a venue for community members to access fresh, locally grown produce and other food products. They also lead community nutrition programming.

In 2024 the Market will be held from May 18 through October 26, this long-time cornerstone of the Village supports local agriculture, promotes healthy eating habits and fosters a sense of community.

Grants Coordination

The Department's work is supported in large part by grant funds, and in a typical year, between 15 and 20 grants sustain our programming. Our Grants Coordinator is responsible for researching and identifying grant opportunities that align with the Department's priorities and initiatives. They meticulously prepare grant applications, ensuring all requirements are met and budgets are accurately projected to maximize funding potential. Once awarded, the grants coordinator closely manages the budget and reporting processes with program staff to ensure compliance with our multiple funders' terms and conditions.

Health Education

The Health Education team develops and delivers educational programs and resources to promote healthy behaviors and prevent disease and injury. This programming is often delivered in close collaboration with community organizations to provide information on health topics that are relevant to Oak Park community members. You'll often see this team at community events like A Day in Our Village, back-to-school events, block parties and community festivals. They provide training to community members on topics like opioid overdose prevention. This team is also responsible for health communications for the Department, including social media, print materials and health alerts.

Leadership and Administration

The Health Director provides strategic leadership and oversight for all programs and services, ensuring they meet the community's public health needs. As the highest-ranking public health official, they make key decisions, develops policies, and represents the department in interactions with community stakeholders. The Administrative Assistant supports the health director and other staff by managing schedules, assisting with board and commission correspondence, staff meetings, budget tracking and organizational tasks to keep the department running efficiently.

Public Health Nursing

The Public Health Nursing division provides a range of preventive and health promotion services, such as immunizations and wellness screenings. This division is on the front lines of helping to manage and control communicable disease outbreaks in our community. They also offer education and support to both community members and health care providers for managing chronic conditions and promoting healthy lifestyles.