WC Health & Safety
Will County Jail Faces Major Staffing Crisis as 70 Employees Eligible to Retire by 2030
County officials warn of potential budget impact as adult detention facility grapples with unprecedented turnover Will County’s adult detention facility is heading toward a staffing crisis that could significantly impact county finances and jail operations, according to testimony presented to the Public Health & Safety Committee on June 5. Chief Deputy Dave Adams warned committee…
Read MoreWill County Health Department Reports Sharp Decline in Overdose Deaths
2025 fatalities running 40% lower than previous year, officials attribute success to expanded Narcan distribution Will County is experiencing a significant reduction in overdose deaths, with 2025 fatalities running 40% lower than the previous year, according to data presented to county officials June 5. Dr. Kathleen Burke, coordinator of Will County’s substance use initiatives, reported…
Read MoreWill County Health Department Faces Funding Uncertainty as Federal Grants Under Review
Multiple revenue sources threatened as department seeks legislative support for public health programs Will County Health Department officials are closely monitoring potential federal funding cuts that could impact multiple programs and services, according to testimony presented to county leaders June 5. Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta reported that the department has already received notification that its…
Read MorePublic Health and Safety Committee Meeting Briefs
Sunny Hill Nursing Home Tour Praised: Committee members who attended the May 9 tour of Sunny Hill Nursing Home praised the facility’s condition and operations. Member Raquel Mitchell called it “the best nursing home I have ever been in” and encouraged other members to schedule tours. The facility celebrated National Nursing Home Week and Mother’s…
Read MoreHealth Department Faces Funding Cuts, Reviews Options for Programs
The Will County Health Department is assessing its options after being notified of the termination of a $1 million federal grant for respiratory disease surveillance and outbreak response, officials told the county’s health committee Wednesday. Elizabeth Balada, representing the health department, reported that a two-year grant providing $500,000 annually through July 2026 has been “clawed…
Read MoreCounty Health News Briefs
Sunny Hill Nursing Home Reports Full Capacity: The county-owned Sunny Hill Nursing Home is operating at 100% capacity with all 156 beds filled and a waiting list, Administrator Maggie McDall told the health committee. Officials plan to review the facility’s admission policy next month, likely returning to prioritizing Will County residents only. Transportation Agreement Advances:…
Read MoreSubstance Use Initiative Reports Early 2025 Overdose Data, Outreach Efforts
Will County has recorded eight fatal overdoses and seven overdose reversals so far in 2025, according to data presented to the county health committee on Wednesday. Connie Dewal, program manager for the Will County Substance Use Initiatives, provided an update on overdose statistics and community outreach efforts during the committee meeting. Dewal noted that more…
Read MoreCounty Food Access Program Reports Progress on ARPA-Funded Initiatives
Four community organizations are expanding food assistance services across Will County through nearly $80,000 in federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds administered by the county’s food access collaborative. Caitlyn Daly, program manager of the Will County MAP Collaborative, provided a progress report to the county health committee Wednesday on efforts to address food insecurity…
Read MoreSunny Hill Nursing Home Reaches Full Capacity, Completes Bed Upgrades
Will County’s Sunny Hill Nursing Home is operating at 100% capacity with a waiting list for admissions, prompting officials to consider reinstating a policy that would prioritize county residents, Administrator Maggie McDall told the county health committee Wednesday. “We have 156 beds and we are completely full with a waiting list,” McDall said. “It has…
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