Press Releases
Year
Summer Food Service Program Starts Tuesday
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 22, 2020
Contact
Brandon Meline, Director of MCH
(217) 531-4308
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Summer Food Service Program Starts Tuesday
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Hosts Summer Food Program Providing Free Meals to Children
Champaign, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is hosting the Summer Food Service Program (SFSP) again this year beginning Tuesday, May 26. The program provides free meals throughout the summer months when children are not in school.
SFSP is sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education and will run through midAugust. All meals are free to children ages 1-18 regardless of income or residency. The following times and locations will be available:
- CUPHD lobby located at 201 W. Kenyon Road in Champaign o Breakfast and lunch are provided together in one bag from 10 a.m.- noon; Grab-and-go, parents can pick up for their kids Monday through Friday
- Mobile sites o Ivanhoe Estates in Urbana, beginning May 26, Breakfast and lunch provided in one bag from 10-11 a.m.; Grab-and-go, parents can pick up for their children Monday through Friday
- Dollar Tree in Urbana (Colorado Ave.), beginning June 5, with Sola Gratia Farm holding a pay-what-you-can market and lunch provided from 1-3 p.m.
“The Summer Food Service Program is a very important program. Many children get most of their nutrient intake from school food service nine months out of the year and it can be a challenge for some families during the summer. We are very pleased to be able to provide this service when school is out,” according to Brandon Meline, Director of Maternal and Child Health.
The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District proudly sponsors programs such as these to help children learn and grow. For more information on programs like this or other available services, visit www.c-uphd.org.
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Champaign County Has Confirmed Two Additional Coronavirus Cases
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 21, 2020
Contact
Julie Pryde, Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Champaign County Has Confirmed Two Additional Coronavirus Cases
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Announces that Two Additional Champaign County Residents have Tested Positive for Coronavirus
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) announced two additional cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Champaign County. One resident is a male in his 30s and the other is a male in his 50s. Both are in home isolation and recovering. Public health officials are identifying and contacting all close contacts. Champaign County has a total of three cases at this time.
Everyone should consider themselves at risk for exposure to coronavirus and should stay home as much as possible. While at home everyone should self-monitor which means to check yourself for fever and remain alert for cough, shortness of breath or sore throat. Testing is not indicated for persons who are mildly ill or are not showing signs of illness. This helps conserve personal protective equipment and reduce possible exposures to healthcare workers. Testing priority will be given to hospitalized patients with severe acute lower respiratory illness, for example pneumonia, as well as persons (staff or patients) who are part of a cluster of two or more possible confirmed cases in a residential congregate setting that serves more vulnerable populations such as an assisted living facility.
“I can assure you that public health and all community partners are working tirelessly on our community-level response to COVID-19. Your adherence to public health guidance keeps you, your family, our healthcare providers, first responders and other essential staff safe,” said Julie Pryde, Public Health Administrator.
COVID-19 Patient Resources:
CUPHD
- (217) 239-7877
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - c-uphd.org
Carle
- (217) 902-6100
- Online screening tool at carle.org to screen and educate patients about COVID-19.
- A smart form will guide patients through a series of questions to assess their symptoms and risk and provide guidance on how, where or if a patient should seek care.
OSF
- 833-OSF KNOW (833-673-5669)
- The COVID-19 Nurse Hotline is staffed by OSF registered nurses around the clock, and during times of heavy usage will be staffed by other OSF health care professionals.
- Clare, the virtual assistant chatbot on osfhealthcare.org, is equipped to begin screenings for and educate the public about COVID-19.
- OSF COVID Companion is a free text messaging tool that the public can use to receive guidance about COVID-19. To subscribe, users can text OSF to 67634.
Christie Clinic
- (217) 366-4070 (8 am – 5 pm; Monday – Friday)
- Visit christieclinic.com or follow Christie Clinic on social media for the most up to date information on COVID-19.
- Christie Clinic has a drive through testing facility outside the Christie Clinic on Windsor location. Patients identified through screening to need testing will be directed to this location. Patients need to call ahead before coming to the drive through testing location.
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Champaign County Has First Confirmed Coronavirus Case
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
March 15, 2020
Contact
Julie Pryde, Administrator
(217) 531-5369 /
Amy Roberts, Public Relations
(217) 531-4264 /
Champaign County Has First Confirmed Coronavirus Case
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Announces that a Champaign County Resident has Tested Positive for Coronavirus
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) announced the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) in Champaign County. The resident is a female in her 50s and is in home isolation and recovering. Public health officials are identifying and contacting all close contacts.
COVID-19 is a novel virus which is different than the seasonal flu. Most people have little or no immunity due to the lack of exposure to the virus or similar viruses. It is extremely important that everyone help to stop the virus from spreading. CUPHD urges residents to stay home as much as possible, cancel large gatherings of 25 people or more, and call a health care provider before seeking treatment if you have symptoms. Individuals over the age of 60 and people who have serious chronic medical conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, and lung disease are at higher risk of getting sick from COVID-19. Extra precautions need to be taken by those most at risk such as stocking up on supplies and medications and avoiding travel and crowds. Testing is currently based up presented symptoms including a fever and/or signs or symptoms of lower respiratory illness, such as cough and shortness of breath, and epidemiological risk factors including contact and travel history.
“We are asking for the community’s assistance and we need people to take action now to reduce the number of cases at any one time so that our health care system is not overwhelmed. Continue to practice good preventive measures, stay home when you are sick, and avoid crowded places,” said Julie Pryde, Public Health Administrator.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), you can take the following steps to help limit the spread of the virus:
Everyday preventative actions:
- Stay home when sick
- Cover your cough and sneezes with a tissue, dispose and wash hands
- Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds
- Clean frequently touched surfaces
During the pandemic (which is now):
- Avoid close contact; practice social distancing
- Stay home if someone in your home is sick
For sick persons:
- Create a separate room for sick household members
- Use a facemask at home or in public
- Avoid sharing personal items
- Postpone or cancel your attendance at large events
For up-to-date information on this changing situation, visit CUPHD’s Facebook page and website, www.c-uphd.org. To have a coronavirus-related questions answered, email
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