OTTAWA, IL – During the first full week of April each year, the American Public Health Association (APHA)
brings together communities across the US to observe National Public Health Week. National Public Health
Week, with the theme “Protecting, Connecting and Thriving: We Are All Public Health,” will be observed April
1-7, 2024.
Making communities safe and healthy is public health’s top priority. Public Health serves as an
invisible shield of protection to promote and protect the health of people in the communities where they live,
learn, work, and play for generations to come. The APHA states “when we all come together to support public
health, all of us — individuals, families, communities and the public health field — can achieve the goals of
public health.”
As a reminder, here are a few of the programs and services the Health Department offers on a regular basis.
Citizens are encouraged to call and speak with a staff member for additional information and questions.
• Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) – Do you qualify for a free mammogram and pap smear?
Our IBCCP staff are available to answer eligibility questions and enroll qualified women.
• Women, Infants, and Children (WIC)- The mission of the LaSalle County WIC program is to improve the
health status of women, infants, and children; to reduce the incidence of infant mortality, premature births
and low birth weights; and to aid in the development of children. This program serves income eligible
pregnant, post-partum, breastfeeding women, infants, and children up to age five years. The WIC program
provides health screening, nutrition education and counseling, and supplemental foods including formula
for infants.
• Family Case Management Program (FCM) provides outreach, comprehensive case management, and
support services to prenatal women, infants and children. The primary objective of the program is to
reduce infant mortality by ensuring early and consistent prenatal care for women throughout their
pregnancy. Education on a healthy pregnancy is ongoing and individually structured to meet the needs of
the client. After the baby is born, FCM staff assure that the infants and children are receiving periodic well
baby/child check-ups and immunizations.
• The Blood Pressure Monitoring Program is open to anyone wants their blood pressure taken and is
followed up with education on control measures including nutrition, physical activity, smoking cessation and prescription medications. The program operates on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from
8:00am-4:00pm.
• Free HIV tests and Hepatitis C Screening (finger stick test) – If you feel you should be tested or have
questions regarding your risk factors, our communicable disease nurse is available to answer questions in
a confidential setting.
• Low-cost childhood and adult immunizations – Please call the Health Department to schedule an
appointment.
• Flu, RSV, and COVID-19 Vaccinations – are available at the Health Department on a walk-in basis Monday
through Friday from 8:00am-4:00pm.
• Free Radon Test Kits – The Health Department, through a grant from the IEMA, has free radon test kits
available to residents of LaSalle County. Test kits can be picked up at the health department during regular
business hours (Mon.-Fri., 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.) at 717 E. Etna Road in Ottawa. A staff member will assist
you with the instructions on using the test kit, as well as provide information regarding radon, radon
measurement, and radon mitigation. Additionally, should your radon test results show a high level of radon
in your home, the health department can provide you with a list of licensed radon measurement
professionals and licensed radon mitigation professionals for follow-up.
• Free Larvicide to Property Owners – The Health Department, through a grant, offers larvicide to
property owners looking to reduce mosquito breeding sites. With West Nile virus season right around
the corner, property owners are encouraged to pick up a package of NATULAR® DT. NATULAR® DT, is
a mosquito larvicide that controls larvae of mosquitoes for up to 60 days. Manufactured by Clarke,
Natular® DT is an easy-to-use, bi-layer tablet that prevents mosquito breeding in standing water sites
around yards. The larvicide can be picked up at the Health Department (717 Etna Rd. Ottawa –
8:00 a.m.-4:30p.m.). Each package contains 12 tablets. At this time, supplies are limited to one per
household.
The LaSalle County Health Department will also utilize social media to help increase awareness of public health
issues and National Public Health Week during the month of April. The Health Department’s Facebook page
will be updated frequently with posts that offer tips on a variety of public health issues and also highlight
some of the programs available at the Health Department. For additional information on programs and
services offered, please contact the LaSalle County Health Department at 815-433-3366 or visit the Health
Department’s website at www.lasallecountyil.gov.