Press Releases
Year
Summer Food Service Program Begins May 31
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 28, 2024
Contact
Jennifer Lotton, Program Coordinator
217-531-4286 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
Summer Food Service Program Begins May 31
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 Friday, May 31. The program provides free breakfast and lunch throughout the summer months when children are not in school. SFSP is sponsored by the Illinois State Board of Education and will run through August 9.
Meals are served on a first-come, first-served basis to children aged one to 18 in the CUPHD lobby located at 201 West Kenyon Road in Champaign, Monday through Friday. Breakfast is served 9:00 am to 10:30 am, and lunch is served 11:30 am to 1:00 pm. There will be no service on June 19 and July 4. All meals must be eaten on site, and there is no sign-up required to participate.
Meals will be provided without charge and are the same for all children regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability. There will be no discrimination in the course of the meal service. Individuals can file a program complaint of discrimination by completing the USDA Program Discrimination Complaint Form (AD-3027) found online at https://www.usda.gov/oascr/filing-program-discrimination-complaint-usda-customer and at any USDA office. There is also information on how to file by fax and mail on the site.
“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.
Adds Administrator Julie Pryde, “Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is proud to serve as a site for the Summer Food Service Program. This year marks our 15th year as a site for this very important
service. We encourage families with children to take advantage of this program and use our building to avoid summer’s heat. In addition to the breakfast and lunch, we also have free books, free Wi-Fi, cold air conditioning, and Disney+ on the lobby tv.”
For more information on SFSP, visit https://www.fns.usda.gov/summer/sunmeals.
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Champaign County Confirms Case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
May 7, 2024
Contact
Dawn Carson, Communicable Disease Investigator
217-531-2917 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
Champaign County Confirms Case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Advises Residents to Stay Vigilant in Their Efforts to Combat the Spread of Tick-Borne Illnesses
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) has confirmed a recent case of Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) in an individual in Champaign County.
RMSF is a tickborne illness transmitted in Illinois primarily by the American dog tick and is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii. The disease can be fatal if not promptly and properly treated, even among individuals previously considered healthy. Symptom onset is one to four days and includes high fever, severe headache, muscle soreness, gastrointestinal distress, and swelling around the eyes and back of hands. Additionally, a distinct rash may emerge several days after onset, typically appearing as small, flat, pink spots initially located on the wrists, forearms, and ankles, which can extend to the trunk and occasionally manifest on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. It is important to note that some individuals may not present with the rash at all, or the rash may have an atypical appearance. RMSF is not transmitted person-to-person.
Ticks inhabit grassy, brushy, or wooded environments, and may also be found on animals. Engaging in outdoor activities such as walking your dog, camping, gardening, or hunting can potentially expose you to ticks. It is common for individuals to encounter ticks in their own yard or local neighborhood.
Individuals can protect themselves against tick bites by following these tips:
- Talk to a veterinarian about tickborne diseases and prevention products for pets and livestock. Check pets for ticks after coming indoors.
- Use an Environmental Protection Agency-registered insect repellent containing DEET (20-30 percent), picaridin, IR3535, oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE), para-menthane-diol (PMD), or 2- undecanone, making sure to follow product instructions.
- Apply products containing 0.5 percent permethrin to clothing and equipment. Permethrin can effectively treat boots, clothing, and camping gear, maintaining its protective properties through multiple wash cycles. Alternatively, consider purchasing clothing and gear already treated with permethrin.
- Do a body check after returning from the outdoors. Use either a hand-held or full-length mirror to inspect all parts of their body. Once indoors, tick-infested clothing should be placed in a dryer on high heat for at least 10 minutes to eradicate ticks from dry garments.
- Shower within two hours of coming indoors. Showering may help wash off unattached ticks and is a good time to do a tick check
Information on how to remove a tick can be found on the CDC’s tick removal page.
Individuals who become ill with a fever and/or rash after spending time in areas inhabited by ticks
should contact their health care provider immediately.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) has collaborated with the Illinois Natural History Survey to develop an interactive tick surveillance map. This map documents the counties in Illinois where various tick species have been confirmed, along with the diseases they may carry. Additionally, IDPH has issued a press release urging the public to educate themselves on tick protection measures and to actively engage in efforts to "Fight the Bite" this season.
For more information on RMSF, visit https://www.cdc.gov/rmsf/. Additional information on avoiding ticks can be found at https://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/.
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Free Car Seat Check Event in Tolono
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 24, 2024
Contact
Christina Ladage, Senior Car Seat Instructor Proxy
217-531-4306 /
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
Free Car Seat Check Event in Tolono
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to Offer Free Car Seat Checks by Certified Technicians
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) is pleased to announce a comprehensive car seat check event scheduled to take place at the Tolono Fire Protection District, located at 214 North Bourne Street in Tolono, on May 8, 2024, from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm. This event aims to ensure the safety of children traveling in vehicles by offering expert guidance and assistance in properly installing and using car seats. Parents and guardians are encouraged to participate in this vital initiative to safeguard their little ones during travels.
Motor vehicle crashes are a leading cause of death for children, and the latest research from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that 49% of car seats are misused. In Champaign County in 2023, 82% of installed car seats were improperly used. Common issues are children being in the wrong type of car seat for their age and size and car seats being installed improperly, both of which leave children vulnerable to injury in a crash. An average of two children under 13 were killed every day in 2021 while riding in vehicles, and another estimated 318 were injured. "Most parents do what they can but are still unsure," said Christina Ladage. "So, they may be surprised to find out their children aren't as secure as they think. We want to help caregivers ensure their children are safe."
Visitors will spend about 30 minutes with a certified expert, during which technicians will let caregivers know if their children are in the right seats for their ages and sizes, make sure car seats are installed correctly, and explain the importance of registering car seats with the manufacturer so they can be notified if there is a recall. If individuals are unable to attend but would still like to have their car seats checked, they can visit www.nhtsa.gov/equipment/car-seats-and-booster-seats#install-inspection. The
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District also offers free car seat inspections on the second Monday of every month, except for holidays. Appointments are not required but encouraged and can be scheduled by calling 217-353-4932. Drive-ups are also welcome.
For more information on child car seat safety, as well as how to find other car seat check events, go to www.nhtsa.gov/TheRightSeat
