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September 2026 Public Health E-Newsletter |
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 Catch us in the community this month
Though summer is winding down, community events are heating up this September! Read on to learn more about educational and volunteer opportunities, festivals and networking events coming up in the next few weeks. These gatherings offer not only the opportunity to interact with Health Department staff, but also a way to catch up with your neighbors and learn about local resources and services. There's even a chance for free pie!
BarrieFest, Saturday, Sept. 12
Come see us at BarrieFest on Saturday, Sept. 12 from noon to 5 p.m. at Barrie Park! Our focus will be to provide cycling and e-ride safety education along with free bike helmets to the community while supplies last. Our public health nurse will also be on hand to answer your health questions and provide free blood pressure screenings. Other Village departments and community organizations will have booths with resources, giveaways and staff to answer your questions.
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Blood Drive, Tuesday, Sept. 15
Not all heroes wear capes. Some just roll up a sleeve.
Did you know: one blood donation can save the life of up to three people in our community? People rely on blood donations for surgery care, after car accidents, after childbirth and countless other medical situations.
Sign up today to be a health hero and donate at our blood drive taking place from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. on Tuesday, September 15 at Village Hall, 123 Madison St. Click the button below and look for the Oak Park Public Health Department blood drive to sign up.
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Free Narcan training, Saturday, Sept. 19
Come join us at 1 p.m. on Saturday, September 19 at the Community Recreation Center (CRC) for a free community training on opioid overdose prevention and the use of Narcan nasal spray. Learn harm reduction principles, how to recognize an overdose and how Narcan works — all with hands-on practice included. Every participant will receive a free opioid overdose prevention kit.
By learning these life-saving skills, you can be prepared to help anyone experiencing an opioid overdose and also help reduce the stigma around substance use and recovery.
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Farmers' Market Pie Bake Off, Saturday, Sept. 19
It's pie time! The Oak Park Farmers' Market Pie Bake-Off is this month, and there are three ways you can take part in the fun.
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Enter your pie into the contest. Applications to be a contestant are being accepted through Sept. 9. Create a delicious pie featuring Market ingredients and see if you can win the top prize. Register here.
- More of a judgy type? You may want to apply to rate the pies and award the top three spots to the best bakers. Appy to be a judge by sending a one or two paragraph email to farmersmarket@oak-park.us by Sept. 9 detailing why you would be a good judge for the contest.
- If you're only out to satisfy your sweet tooth, come by the Market the morning of Saturday, Sept. 19 to get a free sample of the contestants' creations. Samples are first-come, first served while supplies last.
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Suicide Prevention Summit, Friday, Sept. 25
We are joining our community partners for another year to present the at the Hyatt Lodge Conference Center in Oak Brook. This conference features a variety of local experts with knowledge and resources to share about suicide awareness and prevention. Breakfast and lunch are provided with registration, and professionals can also earn continuing education credits. This day of learning, connection and action will cover topics including how to navigate grief after suicide, suicide prevention for men of color, clinical pathways for suicide prevention and other emerging behavioral health issues. Learn more about our fantastic lineup of speakers and exhibitors here.
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Healthy Aging Month
This month, we are encouraging healthy habits for our community members across the lifespan. People of all ages and abilities can take steps today to stay healthy as they age, like staying physically active, eating a healthy diet and playing an active role in their health care. We in the Health Department are here to help all Oak Parkers achieve their best health. If you need assistance finding care as you age, reach out at 708.358.5480
As you may know, the Village also has a citizen commission dedicated to addressing the evolving needs and interests of residents as they age. The Aging in Communities Commission works to develop a community-wide lens to identify not only a set of plans, programs, procedures and services but also an inclusive awareness and approach that facilitates livability for everyone. Learn more about this work on the commission's webpage.
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Sickle Cell Awareness
Approximately 100,000 Americans live with sickle cell disease, a rare chronic condition
that causes the red blood cells to harden and form a sickle shape. This sickling causes severe and unpredictable pain, intense fatigue, frequent infections and more.
About 1 in 13 African Americans carry the sickle cell trait, and many do not know they have it.
One of the most critical treatments for sickle cell? Blood transfusions. Donors of all backgrounds are needed to help maintain a donor blood supply to treat conditions such as sickle cell. Consider donating in our Sep. 15 blood drive at Village Hall to support people living with this condition.
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Five-year community health plan to be presented to Board of Trustees
On Tuesday, Sept. 29, we are scheduled to present our 2026 - 2030 community health assessment and community health improvement plan to the Village's Board of Trustees. This document, also known as the Illinois Plan for Local Assessment of Needs (IPLAN), is completed every five years and submitted to the Illinois Department of Public Health so our department can be recertified by the state.
The IPLAN process and document, which take about a year and a half to produce, pull together the Village's health data and information gathered from community engagement activities to identify community health needs. From there, we work with community partners to formulate goals and strategies to address these needs. We also consider the social determinates of health, which are the conditions in the environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play and age that affect a wide range of health, functioning and quality-of-life outcomes and risks. This all comes together in the final IPLAN.
Once accepted by the Board and verified by the state, the Village, our community partners, the medical sector, our local nonprofit network and fellow taxing bodies can use the strategies in the IPLAN to kickstart health initiatives that will improve the long-term health of Oak Park.
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Preparedness starts at home
September is National Preparedness Month. Every September, we in the Health Department and our emergency preparedness partners like to remind community about what you can do to prepare to keep you and your loved ones safe during emergencies. It is important for every household to have a preparedness kit put together before an emergency or disaster arrives. The kit should include the essential items your family needs to stay safe and comfortable if something happens. Some examples in items to include:
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Water (one gallon per person per day for several days, for drinking and sanitation)
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Food (at least a several-day supply of non-perishable food)
- Battery-powered or hand crank radio and a NOAA Weather Radio with tone alert
- Flashlight
- First aid kit
- Extra batteries
- Whistle (to signal for help)
- Dust mask (to help filter contaminated air)
- Plastic sheeting, scissors and duct tape (to shelter in place)
- Moist towelettes, garbage bags and plastic ties (for personal sanitation)
- Wrench or pliers (to turn off utilities)
- Manual can opener (for food)
- Local maps
- Cell phone with chargers and a backup battery
These are just the basics. To learn more about what to include in your household's kit, where to store it and and how to maintain it, visit www.ready.gov/kit.
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Protect your crew: vaccinate for the flu!
With students back in the classroom, indoor gatherings increasing and respiratory illness season approaching, we're here to remind you that the flu can be a real pain. A typical bout of the flu can mean sick days from work and school and cause you to miss out on family and holiday gatherings. At worst, it can cause people with chronic conditions severe complications that can land them in the hospital. Consistent handwashing, staying home when sick and annual immunizations can help keep the community as healthy as possible.
Flu shots are recommended for everyone older than six months. The flu vaccine is offered through most healthcare providers and at numerous commercial pharmacies, grocery stores and other retail sites in the Oak Park area.
Most of these sites accept private insurance and Medicare Part B to help cover the cost of the flu shot. Many sites will vaccinate children as young as 18 months. Protect your crew - vaccinate for the flu!
You can always email us at health@oak-park.us or call 708.358.5480 with questions about access to an affordable flu shot or help locating a vaccine provider.
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