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The Health Information Services Division offers a variety of education and programming to help residents lead a healthier lifestyle. Scroll down for brief summaries of the programs currently offered:
Access to Care is a model primary health care program serving uninsured individuals in suburban Cook County, and in Chicago, west of Cicero Avenue and north of North Avenue. The program offers low-cost primary health care, supplementary pharmacy, laboratory and radiology services to qualified individuals and families. To view eligibility requirements, visit www.accesstocare.org. For more information call 708.358.5484 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health  .
Adolescent Health Program offers engaging and informative programming regarding topics that are difficult to speak about with teenagers, such as substance abuse, inactivity, self esteem, peer pressure and sexuality. The purpose of this program is to address health challenges and promote healthy behaviors among Oak Park youth through organized community efforts, educational programs, public awareness and prevention activities. Programs and workshops are offered to all youth-oriented organizations, including schools and churches. Among the programs the following:
- Teen Aware, 10-session prevention education program for middle school students to promote good health and reduce negative health outcomes. Topics include self-esteem, decision making, conflict resolution, drug /alcohol/tobacco, nutrition and fitness. Educational presentations on sexual health, decision-making, peer pressure, substance abuse and healthy relationships.
- School-based health initiative at Oak Park River Forest High School to promote good health information and education through counseling and presentations.
- Keeping It Real, a 10-session program designed to prevent HIV, STDs and pregnancy among high school students.
- Spikin’ for Health Volleyball Camp, a one day summer volleyball camp for ages 10 – 13. The camp targets obesity with physical activity through sports and provides information on nutrition, physical activity and negative health outcomes.
- Assistance to local youth organizations in developing and facilitating mentoring, life skills education and physical activity programs.
For more information call 708.358.5499 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health .
If you do not have access to healthcare, visit the Community Health Center Locator website or contact PCC Community Wellness Center, 14 Lake St., at 708.383.0113. PCC accepts several major health plans, as well as Medicaid and Medicare. A sliding fee scale also is available to those without health coverage.
Freedom from Smoking, a free six-week program developed by the American Lung Association, is offered periodically. The program can help participants quite by identifying personal reasons to stop smoking, learning about different approaches to smoking cessation, offering ideas for what to do when cravings come, discovering the healthy relief of recovery symptoms and preventing relapse. Classes are taught by a trained and experienced health educator. Registration is required. For more information call 358.5484 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health .
Free hand washing education programs are offered to schools, daycare facilities and food establishments to promote the importance of safe food handling and hand washing to prevent illnesses. Health Department officials supply and distribute all educational materials at every session, along with posters and stickers. For more information call 708.358.5487 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health .
Designed by the not-for profit Cooper Institute, the Heart Smart program teaches women 18 and older simple strategies for developing habits that can help reduce many of the risk factors associated with heart disease and stroke. The 12-week programs are offered periodically throughout the year. One-hour session are held each week, both in the morning and the evening to suit participant's schedules. Registration is required. For more information call 358.5484 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health .
KidCare, a state program, offers health care coverage to income-eligible children and pregnant women and help in paying premiums of employer-sponsored or private insurance plans. The plan covers doctor visits, hospital and clinic care, X-rays and laboratory tests and prescriptions. For more information or to apply call 708.358.5484 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health .
A comprehensive state health insurance program available July 1, 2006, to every uninsured child. Parents will pay monthly premiums for the coverage, but rates for middle-income families will be significantly lower than what they would pay for private health care insurance.
For more information visit www.allkidscovered.com.
The Living a Healthy Life With a Chronic Disease series is support group where participants will learn how to deal physically and emotionally with their disease, stay healthy and fit, communicate effectively with their family, friends, and doctor about their disease and evaluate new treatments for their disease. Developed and tested by Stanford University, this six-week program has been shown to help those who suffer with chronic disease such as arthritis, cancer, diabetes and HIV/AIDS become actively involved in their care. Registration is required. For more information call 708.358.5492 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health .
The N-O-T program is specifically designed for teenagers who want to quit smoking. Statistics show those people who start smoking at a younger age are more likely to be heavy smokers later and have more difficulty quitting. Developed by the American Lung Association in collaboration with researchers at West Virginian University, the N-O-T program teaches teens how to manage nicotine withdrawal and prevent relapse by using a life-skills approach. Trained facilitators conduct sessions in a friendly and sensitive environment. Registration is required. For more information call 358.5484 or -email the Oak Park Department of Public Health .
The Oak Park Oral Health Referral Program helps children and adults find access to dental care services. Eligible residents receive low-priced dental services from local participating dentists and dental specialists. The program is open to low-income adults and families, children attending the Infant Welfare Clinic and families on Medicaid/KidCare. For more information or to apply call 708.358.5484 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health .
With the goal of educating the community about the harmful effects of secondhand smoke and what can do to help eliminate its impact, the Health Department offers free secondhand Smoke education programs for schools, day care facilities and local community organizations. All participants receive a pocket brochure listing Oak Park's smoke-free restaurants and thank you cards to demonstrate support of local smoke-free businesses. For more information call 70.358.5487 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health .
Regular walking has many positive benefits, including improving stamina, energy and weight control. Walking also can reduce the risk of coronary heart disease, diabetes, high blood pressure and osteoporosis. Walks are held from July through September. Registration is required. Participants receive a free pedometer to count their steps. For more information call 358.5487 or e-mail the Oak Park Department of Public Health .
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708.358.5480
health@oak-park.us
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