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December 2024 Public Health E-Newsletter |
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World AIDS Day 2024:
Health care is a human right
In honor of World AIDS Day on December 1, we stand in solidarity with nearly 40 million people living with HIV and AIDS across the globe and reflect on the ongoing work needed to end the epidemic. While much progress has been made to destigmatize and increase access to health services like HIV prevention, treatment and care, there is still work to do.
The Oak Park community has been involved in efforts to address the HIV epidemic since word of the first known cases of AIDS began to spread in 1981. We have created a video that explores the significant role the Oak Park community played in creating systems of support in the early days of the HIV epidemic. The video features interviews with Oak Park residents who pulled together in the face of stigma and fear to form a local response to HIV. By lifting up these voices, we hope to inform younger generations and to inspire continued action in the fight against HIV.
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In case you missed it
Our final Narcan training of the year was held November 23. These 90-minute training sessions cover how to administer Narcan effectively and are a part of our ongoing effort to combat the opioid epidemic in our area. A big thank you to our trainers and the 135 community members who took part in our trainings this year. Stay tuned for upcoming sessions in the new year!
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Catch us in the community
This month we are supporting our partners Thrive Counseling Center, the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township and the River Forest Township as they host an event focused on men's mental health. The panel discussion is set for 7 p.m. Wednesday, Dec. 11, at Willard Elementary School, 1250 Ashland Ave. in River Forest.
Whether you're looking to learn, share, or connect, this event is a safe space for open dialogue on the traditional views of masculinity and how it affects mental well-being. We hope to see you there - together we can make a difference and reshape the narrative around men's mental health!
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Mourning the loss of Detective Allan Reddins
As Oak Park continues to mourn the loss of Detective Allan Reddins, a member of the Oak Park Police Department who was killed in the line of duty on Nov. 29, we send our condolences to his son and his large extended family.
We also acknowledge the collective grief that we all feel. In the coming days, there will be opportunities to come together to honor the life of Det. Reddins, including a candlelight vigil planned for 5:30 p.m. tonight (Friday, Dec. 6) in the courtyard at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. More information about memorial and funeral services can be found on the Village website at www.oak-park.us/reddins.
If you or someone in your life needs help processing feelings around community violence and the loss of Det. Reddins, there are several resources in Oak Park ready to support you. In times of tragedy, it's important to remember that it's normal to feel a range of emotions including confusion and anger. Taking care of your mental health by reaching out for support, maintaining routines, and engaging in self-care can help process grief and begin to heal. Contact Thrive Counseling Center or NAMI Metro Suburban.
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Oak Park's Medical Reserve Corps
Are you interested learning new skills while working to keep your family and community safe during disasters? Consider joining the Village of Oak Park Medical Reserve Corps!
The Oak Park MRC is a group of local volunteers who donate their time and expertise to prepare for and respond to emergencies, as well as supporting ongoing preparedness initiatives. Examples include staffing cooling/warming shelters during extreme temperatures, assisting with vaccination clinics, and re-stocking Narcan boxes. Depending on your level of interest, there are different tiers of involvement you can choose. Click here to learn about becoming an Oak Park MRC Volunteer!
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Feeling SAD?
As we enter December, it's time to highlight Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month. SAD is a form of depression that lasts for a season, typically during the winter months, due to decreased exposure to sunlight. Shorter days and the stress of the holidays can bring feelings of sadness, loneliness and fatigue. While it’s common to feel down during this time, there are simple steps you can take to protect your health.
If you are experiencing increased feelings of sadness, loneliness, or fatigue, we recommend that your reach out to your health care provider. Some of the treatments your provider may discuss, include:
Light therapy - sitting in front of a very bright light box every day for about 30−45 minutes, usually first thing in the morning, from fall to spring.
Psychotherapy - learning new ways of thinking and behaving and changing habits that contribute to depression
Antidepressant medication - These work by changing how the brain produces or uses certain chemicals involved in mood or stress. They can be effective alone or with psychotherapy.
Vitamin D - If suffering from a vitamin D deficiency, supplements may help improve symptoms
Prioritizing your well-being this time of year can make a big difference in how you feel. Any time you experience changes in your mood or feel overwhelmed, it's okay to reach out to a professional. Oak Park has two organizations that can provide help 24 hours. Contact Thrive Counseling Center or NAMI Metro Suburban
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Local resources for gender-affirming care
For community members who do not identify with binary gender norms, finding gender-affirming care can be an empowering step in their health journeys.
By doing meaningful research, it's possible to find health care providers who respect and affirm gender identity and receive health care that is tailored to each person and their individual needs. Here are just a few factors that can make a difference for a person who is seeking gender-affirming care:
- Find health care providers with specialized training in gender-affirming care.
- Seek medical practices that highlight their inclusivity. For example, they openly state they are LGBTQ+ friendly.
- Gather recommendations from local organizations, like OPALGA+ in Oak Park.
- Research insurance policies that offer coverage for gender-affirming care
To get started with your search, you can check out the LGBTQ+ Healthcare directory and LGBTQ+ Care page on the Rush website. If you need somewhere to start your learning journey, click here for book recommendations and resources provided by the Oak Park Public Library.
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As the year comes to a close, we want to wish you a joyful holiday season! We look forward to continuing to keep you informed and updated on all health-related things in the new year. Thank you for reading and here's to a happy and healthy 2025!
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