Press Releases
Year
CUPHD Expands Efforts to Prevent Overdose Deaths
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 27, 2025
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
CUPHD Expands Efforts to Prevent Overdose Deaths
On International Overdose Awareness Day, CUPHD Raises Awareness of the Opioid Crisis and Shares New Strategies to Protect the Community
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) recognizes August 31 as International Overdose Awareness Day. This global campaign honors the many lives lost to overdose while raising awareness about the opioid crisis. Opioid overdoses remain a serious public health concern, and it is vital to take every opportunity to raise awareness, provide resources, and support those affected.
NARCAN® (naloxone) is a live-saving medication that can reverse the effects of an opioid overdose. It works by binding to opioid receptors in the brain and blocking the effects of opioids, allowing the individual to restore normal breathing. NARCAN® is safe to use on someone who is unconscious, making it an important tool in overdose response. If administered to someone who is not overdosing on opioids, it will not cause harm. In 2024, CUPHD distributed more than 14,000 NARCAN® kits and continues to seek innovative ways to address the ongoing crisis.
CUPHD is also developing an Overdose Fatality Review (OFR) team, bringing together local professionals and substance use experts to focus on reducing overdose deaths. Fatality review teams have historically been used to address complex public health issues such as homicide, child deaths, maternal mortality, critical incidents, and suicide deaths. The OFR team will confidentially review local overdose fatalities to identify patterns and develop recommendations for systemic changes to help prevent future deaths.
For more information, visit https://www.overdoseday.com/.
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August is National Breastfeeding Month
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 31, 2025
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
August is National Breastfeeding Month
Fourth Annual Breastfeeding Supplies Drive Launches August 1st, Alongside New Support Group
CHAMPAIGN, IL – In recognition of National Breastfeeding Month, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is proud to announce its fourth annual Breastfeeding Supplies Drive. New this year, CUPHD is also launching Milk Moments, a monthly lactation support group held at the Champaign Public Library. The group will meet on the second Monday of each month from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. (please note: October’s meeting will be held on October 6 due to the holiday.) The group is open to all breastfeeding and chestfeeding families seeking support, connection, and community.
Building on the success of previous years, the supplies drive will take place throughout the month of August. Donated supplies will be distributed to parents participating in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program, which provides support to expectant and postpartum parents. The program helps families learn about breastfeeding and navigate any challenges they may encounter while working toward their individual breastfeeding goals.
Items needed include nursing pads, pillows, and covers; breast milk storage bags; and electric and manual breast pumps and accessories. All items must be new and sealed in their original packaging.
An Amazon wish list has been curated to make virtual donations easy. Items purchased from the list will be sent directly to CUPHD for distribution to clients enrolled in the WIC Breastfeeding Peer Counselor Program. Virtual donations can be made year-round. In-person donations will also be accepted August 1–31 at the following locations:
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CUPHD WIC desk (201 West Kenyon Road, Champaign): Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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CUPHD Rantoul WIC desk (520 East Wabash Avenue, #2, Rantoul): Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
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Orchard Downs clinic (2040 South Orchard Street, Unit 2040-A, Urbana): Thursday, 8:30 a.m. to noon and 1:00 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Breastfeeding Peer Counselors will also be accepting donations at the Urbana Farmers Market on Saturday, August 9, from 7:00 a.m. to noon at the WIC booth. Counselors will be offering breastfeeding-related games, giveaways, educational materials, and information about WIC services and breastfeeding rights. As part of an effort to normalize breastfeeding in the community, the CUPHD Maternal & Child Health Division will set up a Lactation Station, featuring a comfortable space for lactating parents to feed their babies, complete with rocking chairs, fans, and cold water.
For more information on National Breastfeeding Month, please visit https://www.usbreastfeeding.org/national-breastfeeding-month.html.
Download Our Breastfeeding-Donation-Flyer-2025
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Extreme Heat Throughout the Week Can Be Very Dangerous
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 21, 2025
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
Extreme Heat Throughout the Week Can Be Very Dangerous
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges Residents to Take Precautions as Extreme Heat Poses Serious Health Risks This Week
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously high temperatures and humidity for central Illinois over the week. Heat index values could reach 105 to 112 degrees, with the most intense heat expected Wednesday and Thursday and continuing into the weekend. Little overnight relief is expected, as temperatures are only expected to fall into the mid-70s. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) urges everyone to watch for signs of heat-related illness and take precautions to keep themselves, their families, and the community safe.
Heat-related illness can take many forms, ranging from mild heat exhaustion to the more serious and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. These illnesses occur when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. As the body’s temperature rises rapidly, it loses the ability to cool itself through perspiration. A body temperature of 106 degrees or higher within 10 to 15 minutes can result in death or permanent disability if emergency treatment is not provided.
Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include:
- Body temperature of 103 degrees or higher
- Red, hot, and dry skin with no signs of perspiration
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Nausea
Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked car—even for a few minutes or with the windows partially open. The vehicle’s metal exterior conducts and traps intense heat, causing the interior temperature to rise rapidly. This can lead to brain damage or death in a very short time. Heat-related illnesses are more prevalent among children, adults over 65, and pets due to factors such as difficulty adjusting to temperature changes, retaining more body heat, dehydration from exertion, and limited access to fluids.
Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness
- Stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 48 to 64 ounces of cool, non-caffeinated, non- alcoholic beverages daily. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and can increase the risk of dehydration. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty–drink regularly throughout the day.
- Limit activity during peak heat. Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. If outdoor activity is necessary, take frequent breaks in the shade or a cool environment.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Breathable fabrics and light colors help your body stay cooler.
- Cool down when overheated. Take a cool shower or sponge bath if you begin to feel too warm.
- Seek air-conditioned spaces. If you feel overly warm, move to an air-conditioned environment. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider visiting a mall, library, grocery store, or other public space to cool off.
Cunningham Township, CUPHD, The Salvation Army of Champaign, and Friend in Me, in collaboration with City of Champaign Township and other partners, are opening a temporary 24-hour emergency shelter from Sunday, July 20, through Saturday, July 26, in response to the extreme heat.
The shelter will serve adults experiencing homelessness who are referred to by Strides Shelter. Eligible individuals must complete an intake at Strides Shelter between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. daily. After intake, they should return for evening check-in between 7:00 p.m. and 10:00 p.m. to be placed on the emergency shelter waitlist.
Strides will provide transportation to The Salvation Army. Please do not drop individuals off at the shelter directly.
The following is a list of additional cooling centers available throughout the local area, courtesy of Champaign County Emergency Management Agency. Please note that some are only available during business hours.
- Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, 201 W. Kenyon Rd., Champaign
- Lincoln Square Mall, 201 Lincoln Square, Urbana
- Market Place Mall, 2000 N. Neil St., Champaign
- Forum Fitness Center, 200 W. Flessner Ave., Rantoul
- Rantoul Police Department, 109 E. Grove Ave., Rantoul
- Champaign Park District, Leonhard Center, 2307 Sangamon Dr., Champaign
- Champaign Park District, Martens Center, 1515 N. Market St., Champaign
- Urbana Park District, Health and Wellness Facility, 2002 E. Washington St., Urbana
- Public buildings, including libraries and municipal, state, and federal buildings, during normal business hours.
CUPHD also maintains a Google map of cooling center locations:
https://bit.ly/keepsafeChampaign
CUPHD is a kid-friendly cooling center open 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Free breakfast and lunch will be provided July 25–August 11 for children 18 and under as part of the summer meals program. Television, free Wi-Fi, and books for kids are also available.
Anyone can suffer heat-related illness, and CUPHD urges everyone to take precautions in the summer heat and check on children, those 65 and over, disabled persons, and pets frequently.
For more information, please visit http://www.champaigncountyema.org/ and https://ready.illinois.gov/hazards/extremetempshot.html.
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Download 2025-07-21-extreme-heat-PR
Also see Public Health Temporary Emergency Shelter Overflow Plan