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April 2025 Public Health E-Newsletter |
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National Public Health Week
It's National Public Health Week from April 7-13 this year!
The 2025 National Public Health Week theme is “It Starts Here” — and in Oak Park, we’re proud to say it really does. From supporting community safety with Narcan boxes placed throughout the Village to distributing gun locks at events, we’re focused on prevention and access. We’re also committed to keeping residents informed, with regular updates on disease trends and health advisories in our newsletter.
We believe that healthier communities start with local action — and Oak Park continues to lead by example. Click here to read more about our different divisions and what they do on our website!
How social factors impact Arab-American Health
In honor of Arab American Heritage Month, we are highlighting the underrepresentation of Arab Americans in the health system and the unique health challenges this community faces. Social determinants of health, such as language barriers, discrimination, and limited access to culturally competent care, contribute to disparities in healthcare access and outcomes.
A major challenge in addressing these disparities is the lack of disaggregated health data on Arab Americans. They are often categorized as "White" in health research and federal reporting, which obscures disparities and prevents targeted health interventions. Without accurate data collection and representation in research, it becomes difficult to advocate for necessary policy changes and funding for health initiatives tailored to this community. As part of our efforts to improve health equity for all, the Oak Park Public Health Department is conducting a community health survey to gather more comprehensive demographic data. This will help ensure that all community members are better represented in health initiatives and research.
Read the full article here!
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Suicide Prevention and
Gun Safety
Join us at 7 p.m. on Wednesday, April 16 at the CRC, 229 Madison St. for presentations from local experts, including a guest speaker from the Illinois Attorney General's Office, on smart storage and firearm restraining orders.
As part of an ongoing educational series on suicide prevention, this event features the ways gun safety can prevent self-harm and suicide. Registration is not required but will help us plan for seating and refreshments. Sign up here today!
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Narcan training in April
Throughout 2025, we are hosting a series of free community trainings on opioid overdose prevention and the use of Narcan nasal spray. Your next opportunity to participate is at 1 p.m. on Saturday, April 12 at the Oak Park Public Library. Sign up here!
Our 90-minute training is ideal for people who want to be ready to respond if they encounter a person experiencing a potential opioid overdose. The training covers harm reduction principles, signs and symptoms of opioid overdose, how Narcan works in the body, hands-on practice with Narcan nasal spray and includes time for questions and answers. Participants will also receive a free opioid overdose prevention kit to take home.
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Epidemiology Corner
As we move into the warmer months, public health officials are closely monitoring the rise in infectious diseases, including measles, COVID-19, and seasonal flu.
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Measles: Health officials have issued a measles travel advisory for Texas and New Mexico due to reported cases. Although there is only a travel advisory for those two states, there have been outbreaks reported across 13 other states. Measles is highly contagious, but the MMR (measles, mumps, rubella) vaccine offers strong protection. If you’re traveling, check your vaccination status to ensure you are up to date!
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COVID-19: With summer gatherings and increased travel, COVID-19 cases are expected to increase nationwide. Seniors and immunocompromised individuals are strongly encouraged to get the latest COVID-19 booster for added protection.
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Flu: Even though spring is around the corner, flu cases continue to circulate. Staying current on flu vaccinations is key to avoiding severe illness. It’s never too late to get the flu vaccine!
Vaccines remain our best defense against preventable diseases. If you haven't already, take a moment to review your immunization records and stay up to date on all recommended vaccines to protect yourself and those around you.
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Catch us in the community!
Join us for the 9th Annual Community Health & Wellness Fair, hosted by the Oak Park River Forest Chamber of Commerce, on Sunday, April 27 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m.
This free, family-friendly event brings together local health and wellness providers to share resources, offer health screenings and promote tools for a healthier lifestyle.
The Oak Park Public Health Department will be tabling at the event — stop by to learn about what our different divisions are up to, ask questions and pick up helpful materials on our current health programming. This fair is a one-stop shop for health resources and community connection so don't miss out!
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Tackling Climate Change in Oak Park
Climate change can often feel overwhelming, but in Oak Park, we’re taking steps to reduce its impact and help ease the anxiety many feel about our changing world. Strategies aimed at minimizing climate change often also have benefits for the population's health. For example, increasingly poor air quality elevates rates of asthma and higher temperatures lead to more heat-related illnesses.
Here’s how Oak Park leads the way in responding to climate change:
Peer-to-peer support through climate coaches
The Oak Park Climate Action Network offers neighbor-to-neighbor Climate Coaches who volunteer their time to provide practical advice on a variety of topics related to improving energy efficiency in Oak Park homes. From insulation and energy retrofits to heat pumps and geothermal systems, Climate Coaches are standing by to help answer questions and set Oak Parkers on the path to improved energy efficiency. This free service is a great first step before applying for an energy efficiency grant. Find more information and request a Climate Coach on the Oak Park Climate Action Network website.
Community solar program
The Village participates in a community solar program with partner MC Squared Energy. This program gives Oak Park residents the opportunity to lower their energy bills while supporting solar energy development across Illinois. Learn more about how you can participate in the Oak Park Community Solar Program.
Energy efficiency grants for homeowners
The Village is working to reduce emissions and help ease utility costs for residents. Through the Energy Efficiency Grants Program, homeowners can receive financial support to improve the efficiency of their homes or transition from gas-powered equipment to electric alternatives, making their properties more sustainable and cost-effective.
Promoting electric vehicles
Transportation makes up about a quarter of Oak Park’s emissions, and the Village is committed to reducing this impact. We are promoting electric vehicle (EV) adoption by installing public EV charging stations and integrating electric vehicles into the Village fleet. Find more information and resources related to Electric Vehicles in Oak Park on the Village website.
Earth Month events
The Village's Office of Sustainability & Resilience is joining with community partners to promote a wide range of Earth Month events and activities throughout April! Visit www.oak-park.us/SustainabilityEvents for the full list!
Oak Park is dedicated to creating a more sustainable, resilient future, and by taking these actions, we’re not only fighting climate change — we’re also building a stronger, more connected community.
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Stay up to date with the latest health trends and updates by visiting our 'Latest Public Health News' section on the Village website! Here, you'll find information on communicable diseases and seasonal health concerns, public health programming and other key developments impacting the community's well-being.
Click here to read more!
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