Press Releases
Year
International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 24, 2023
Contact
Joe Trotter, Harm Reduction Program Coordinator
(217) 531-5370 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
(217) 531-2925 /
International Overdose Awareness Day is August 31
CUPHD to Provide Free NARCAN® Kits During Drive-Thru Event
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) recognizes August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day. International Overdose Awareness Day is a campaign that aims to honor the many lives lost to drug overdose by raising awareness about the opioid crisis. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is observing this day by distributing NARCAN® (naloxone) to community members empowered to mitigate the impacts of this crisis.
NARCAN®, also known as naloxone, is a medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to the opiate receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of opioids, which allows the individual to restore normal breathing and save their life. NARCAN® is safe to use on someone who is unconscious, making it a crucial tool in overdose response. If a person is administered NARCAN® and is not overdosing on opioids, they will not be harmed.
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District will distribute free NARCAN® kits at a drive-thru event on August 31, 2023, from 8:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. Individuals can drive to the south side of the CUPHD building located at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign and look for the small shed. Staff will be on hand to provide kits and answer questions. By distributing NARCAN® kits for free, CUPHD equips the community with the knowledge and tools needed to respond effectively to opioid overdoses. This ensures that individuals are well-informed, capable advocates, and can raise awareness about opiate overdose prevention.
Opioid overdoses are a serious public health concern. It is vital to take every opportunity to raise awareness, provide resources, and support those affected by this crisis. Participating in initiatives like the NARCAN® distribution drive on International Overdose Awareness Day can save lives and foster a safer and healthier community.
For more information: https://www.overdoseday.com/
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Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to Close Early on Friday, August 4, at 2:30 p.m.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 2, 2023
Contact
Julie Pryde, Administrator
217-531-5369 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-2925 /
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to Close Early on Friday, August 4, at 2:30 p.m.
Closure due to water shutoff necessary for area construction project
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) will close at 2:30 p.m. on Friday, August 4, due to a water shutoff at the main building located at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign. Due to ongoing construction in the area, the water supply must be turned off for a period of time. Services at CUPHD will resume Monday, August 7, at 8:00 a.m.
The Friends of Champaign County Food Pantry that is normally held on Sundays at CUPHD will also be closed this Sunday, August 6, and will return on August 13 at 1:30 p.m.
For the latest updates and information, follow our Facebook page at www.facebook.com/CUPHD/ or our website, www.c-uphd.org.
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August is National Breastfeeding Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2023
Contact
Jennifer Lotton, Breastfeeding Program
Coordinator
(217) 531-4286 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
(217) 531-2925 /
August is National Breastfeeding Month
Second Annual Breastfeeding Supplies Drive to Take Place the Entire Month of August.
CHAMPAIGN, IL - In conjunction with National Breastfeeding Month, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is pleased to announce the second annual breastfeeding supplies drive. Building upon last year’s success, the drive will now take place throughout August. Supplies donated will be distributed to parents enrolled in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. This program provides support to expectant and postpartum parents to help them learn about breastfeeding and overcome obstacles they may face on their journey to accomplish individual breastfeeding goals.
According to the 2022 CDC Breastfeeding Report Card, 84.9% of babies born in Illinois in 2019 were breastfed at least once. At six months, only 58.7% continued to breastfeed, with less than half of those babies being exclusively breastfed. Breastfeeding rates continue to drop as babies' age increases, with only 35.4% of babies receiving breastmilk at 12 months1. These breastfeeding rates are in stark contrast to recommendations set forth by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). The AAP “recommends exclusive breastfeeding for approximately six months after birth. Furthermore, the AAP supports continued breastfeeding... as long as mutually desired by mother and child for two years or beyond2.” Breastfeeding has short and long-term health benefits for both mom and baby. Breastfed babies get sick less often and have a reduced risk of asthma, eczema, ear infections, lower respiratory infections, diarrhea, vomiting, childhood obesity, childhood leukemia, type 2 diabetes, necrotizing enterocolitis, and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS). Adolescents and adults who were breastfed as babies are also less likely to be overweight or obese and have type 2 diabetes. Benefits for the lactating parent include reduced risk for breast cancer, ovarian cancer, high blood pressure, and type 2 diabetes, and is also associated with easier weight loss after pregnancy and reduced rates of depression3,4.
Through the breastfeeding supplies drive, CUPHD hopes to support WIC families by providing them with the supplies they need to breastfeed longer. This will help empower them to meet their breastfeeding goals and improve their family’s health.
An Amazon wish list has been curated for virtual donations that will be sent directly to CUPHD to distribute to clients enrolled in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor program. Donations from this list can be made year-round. Products can also be donated in-person at CUPHD, August 1st-31st, at the WIC intake window inside the CUPHD main lobby.
Ways to donate:
- Online: Amazon wish list o Wish list will remain open year-round, 24/7.
- In-person:
- CUPHD Champaign WIC desk (201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign): Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
- CUPHD Rantoul WIC desk (520 East Wabash Avenue, #2, Rantoul): Tuesday and Friday, 8:30 a.m.—noon, 1:00 p.m.—4:30 p.m.
- Urbana Farmers Market WIC booth o Saturday, August 5, 7:00 a.m.—noon
- Come celebrate National Breastfeeding Month with breastfeeding-related games, giveaways, information about WIC and breastfeeding laws, and more!
- Champaign Farmers Market WIC booth o Tuesday, August 8, 3:00 p.m.—6:00 p.m.
- Same activities as the Urbana Farmers Market booth: games, giveaways, information about WIC and breastfeeding laws, and more!
Items needed:
- Nursing pads, pillows, and covers
- Breast milk storage bags
- Breast pumps (electric and manual) and breast pump accessories
- Self-care items, such as lotions, hand sanitizer, makeup remover wipes, etc. All items must be new and sealed in their original packaging.
For more information on National Breastfeeding Month, please visit https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/national-breastfeeding-month.html.
1 https://www.cdc.gov/breastfeeding/data/reportcard.htm
2 https://publications.aap.org/pediatrics/article/150/1/e2022057988/188347/Policy-Statement- Breastfeeding-and-the-Use-of
3 https://www.womenshealth.gov/breastfeeding/making-decision-breastfeed#1
4 https://www.cdc.gov/nccdphp/dnpao/features/breastfeeding- benefits/index.html#:~:text=Breastfeeding%20can%20help%20protect%20babies,ear%20infections%20and%2 0stomach%20bugs
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