Health Department

Established in 1877, the Illinois Department of Public Health assesses the public health status, prevents epidemics and the spread of disease, protects against environmental hazards, guards against the occurrence of injury-causing situations and responds to disasters. The department assures the quality and accessibility of health services and provides family planning and pediatric care services. It administers the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program, which is a federal health, nutrition and prevention program for infants, pregnant women and children under the age of 5. The Illinois Department of Public Health preserves the state's records on births, deaths, marriages and divorces. The department operates the offices of human resources, health promotion, women s health, and preparedness and response. It maintains a location in Bellwood, Ill.

Founded in 1977, the Illinois Department of Public Health offers community-based services for children and families. Its child welfare program features therapeutic intervention and support, psychological evaluation and clothing. The department also offers emergency and financial assistance services. It provides foster care services for the victims of child abuse and neglect. The department additionally offers health care, counseling and crisis intervention services. It also provides institutional care, independent living and psychological assessment programs. The Illinois Department of Public Health also issues licenses for group homes and day care agencies. It offers testing, screening and vaccinations programs to protect children against infectious diseases. The department maintains birth, divorce and death records. It also inspects dairy farms and processing plants, as well as offers drug prevention and nutritional programs.