Press Releases
Year
Women Out Walking Mini-Grant Awarded to Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 14, 2014
Contact
Nikki Hillier, Program Coordinator
(217) 531-2914
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Women Out Walking Mini-Grant Awarded to Champaign-Urbana Public Health District
New Community Walking Program to Promote Women’s Health
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is set to kickoff a new community walking program aimed at women. The Illinois Department of Public Health, Office of Women’s Health, is awarding CUPHD $4,500 for the nine- month program that focuses on improving women’s health through physical activity.
Women Out Walking is a 12-week walking challenge for women in which participants use a step counter to track their daily steps. At the end of the week they will report their weekly step total to their team captain. The team structure is an important component of the program because it encourages participants to provide positive reinforcement to the other members of their team. The commitment to report step totals each week also will help keep participants involved in the program. There will be weekly challenges and prizes given to participants throughout the program. At the conclusion of the 12 weeks, recognition will be given to the winning team(s).
Registration to participate in the Women Out Walking program will be on the CUPHD website in February. CUPHD plans to host a Women Out Walking kick-off event to start the program on March 28, 2014. More details to follow.
For additional information, contact Nikki Hillier at 217-531-2914.
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H1N1 Flu Activity is on the Rise in the Community
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 9, 2014
Contact
Julie Pryde, Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
H1N1 Flu Activity is on the Rise in the Community
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Flu Vaccination for Everyone Six Months and Older
Champaign, IL – Influenza activity is on the rise in this community. The ChampaignUrbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is encouraging everyone to protect themselves and their families by getting a flu shot now. “H1N1 has been reported in Champaign County,” said Julie A. Pryde, Administrator of Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.
“There have been H1N1-flu hospitalizations as well.”
The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting widespread influenza activity in Illinois with 122 flu-related intensive care unit hospitalizations and six flu-related intensive care unit deaths. IDPH expects to see an increase in the number of hospitalizations and deaths.
So far this season, 2009 H1N1 viruses have been most common. The 2009 H1N1 viruses have circulated as a seasonal flu virus worldwide since it emerged in 2009, causing a pandemic. During the pandemic, younger adults and children, particularly people with chronic medical conditions and pregnant women, were harder hit by H1N1 compared with adults aged 65 and older. If the H1N1 virus continues to circulate widely, illness may disproportionately affect young and middle-aged adults this season.
“The single best way to prevent flu is to get a flu vaccination every year,” said Pryde. “The good news is this year’s flu shot includes protection against H1N1. If you have already had your flu shot this season, great! If you have not had one this year, get it now. It can take up to two weeks to get full immunity from the flu shot.”
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is still providing flu vaccinations on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday between 8:30 – 11:30 AM and 1:00 – 4:30 PM.
CUPHD accepts private insurance, Medicaid, Medicare, Visa, Master Card, cash and personal check. Anyone wishing to pay cash, the cost will be $35.00. The Vaccine for Children (VFC) Program is also available for children who qualify. Flu shots are also available at local pharmacies.
Additional influenza planning resources and information are available at www.cuphd.org. For updates on H1N1, infectious disease and local emergency response, “Like” Champaign County Prepares on Facebook.
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December 1st is World AIDS Day
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
November 26, 2013
Contact
Candi Crause, Director
(217) 531-5372 /
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
December 1st is World AIDS Day
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Encourages Everyone to Get Tested
Champaign, IL – Annually, December 1st is observed as World AIDS Day in an effort to raise awareness of the global impact of HIV/AIDS. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), it is estimated that more than one million people are living with HIV in the United States and 33.4 million worldwide. Of the 12,000 new infections each year, one in four is in youth 13 to 24 years old.
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) encourages people to get tested and know their status. The CDC estimates that of the one million people living in the United States with HIV, one in five is unaware of their infection. According to Candi Crause, Director of Infectious Disease Prevention and Management, “HIV is 100 percent preventable. The key to overcoming this epidemic is to not only educate people on the facts of HIV/AIDS but to open the lines of communication. HIV spreads through silence and lack of communication. Access to testing and risk reduction supplies is crucial.”
CUPHD provides case management services for over 300 HIV-positive clients in 17 counties in East Central Illinois. Services include medical and dental assistance, nutritional assistance, utility and housing assistance, legal assistance, mental health assistance and support group assistance.
CUPHD’s Infectious Disease division offers HIV education, prevention and testing at the 201 West Kenyon Road facility in Champaign. Testing is available Monday thru Friday, 8:30 – 11:30 AM and 1:00 – 4:30 PM. Individuals living with HIV who would like to access services should contact Gary Dunn at (217) 531-5368.
For more information on services at CUPHD, visit www.c-uphd.org.