Illinois Department of Public Health

Monday health news round up

2 years ago | Alex Parker

Health experts say minority access key to reform

Many minority groups and communities suffer from unequal access to health care, a panel said last night. Fixing them should be a priority in the national health care debate, they said.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

Free breast, cervical exams threatened as state budget wrangling continues

The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, which provides services to more than 36,000 uninsured women, would have to slash services if state budget cuts go through.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

Nursing homes on "high alert" for swine flu

Nursing homes are reducing activities and screening guests at the door in order to curb the possiblity of swine flu, which has yet to make its way to those facilities. Still, the possibility scares administrators.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

IDPH director: Combat experience helped in battling swine flu

For the director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, responding to the swine flu threat mirrored his experiences as a colonel in the Illinois Army National Guard.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

Students happy to be back in the classroom at Kilmer

Confirmed cases of swine flu in Chicago and the state continue to rise, as Chicago Public Schools officials declare Kilmer Elementary open. It was closed last week after a 12-year-old student came down with swine flu symptoms.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

Chicago swine flu count rises to 16

City officials continue to be cautious, hammering a message of calm and prevention, urging people to wash their hands, cover their coughs and sneezes and teach those habits to others.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

State will more than double its stockpile of antiviral drugs

With swine flu cases on the rise, Illinois health officials expect to have more than 600,000 regimens of antiviral drugs on hand by week's end, for hospitals and health clinics statewide.

over 2 years ago | Peter Sachs

As swine flu fears grow, Mexican consulate says don't panic

As city and federal officials evaluate the threat of swine flu, the Mexican Consulate is urging the public to stay calm, saying the threat has been diminished.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

Illinois' public health now relies on the click of a button

Medical students must reach out to their patients and embrace technology and teamwork, say leaders of three of the state's largest public health organizations.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

Audit finds U of C hospital violated federal law when patient died

State health department investigators found the University of Chicago Medical Center violated a federal law requiring hospitals to treat and stabilize patients who come for emergency treatment.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

Mental health center patients plead their case

Four city mental health centers are set to close April 7. City council members heard impassioned testimony from patients and advocates who want the centers to remain open.

over 2 years ago | Alex Parker

New water testing model debuts at 63rd Street beach

A new system to provide faster and more accurate testing of lake water for E. coli and other contaminants was unveiled for the 63rd Street beach.

3 years ago | Shannon McGee