DeKalb County Health Department

06/02/2026

Edited: Update (June 2, 3:30 PM): Service has been restored.

Service Alert! Illinois WIC EBT cards are currently experiencing a statewide outage and are not processing correctly at stores.

At this time:
• WIC EBT cards may not work for buying items
• Phone systems for checking or confirming information may not work
• Online systems and files for WIC vendors and participants may not be available

WIC appointments are still happening as scheduled. However, people may have to wait longer than usual because of these technical problems.

The problem is being worked on right now, and services will be fixed as soon as possible. Thank you for your patience and understanding. We will share updates when we have them.

06/01/2026

Today we recognize Lisa Gonzalez, Public Health Administrator, for 10 years of dedicated service to our community.

For the past decade, Lisa has provided leadership, guidance and support to our staff while helping advance our mission of protecting, promoting and improving the health of our community.

Thank you, Lisa, for your commitment to public service and for all you do for our team and the residents of DeKalb County. Congratulations on 10 years!

06/01/2026

At WIC, we support and celebrate all families. Everyone deserves access to healthy foods, breastfeeding support, health care referrals, and more.

If you are pregnant, breastfeeding, postpartum, or caring for a child under 5, your family may qualify for WIC.

Getting started with WIC is worth it. Contact our WIC program at 815-748-2402 to learn more. 🌈

05/29/2026

Coyotes and foxes are a natural part of Illinois wildlife, but increased sightings can raise questions and concerns. As DeKalb County IL Animal Control receives more calls related to wildlife activity in our community, we encourage residents to learn how to safely coexist with these animals and reduce potential conflicts around homes, pets, and neighborhoods.

Learn more from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources: https://wildlifeillinois.org/

There’s a certain cadence to the calls about coyotes that come in throughout the year. Coyotes stalking pets. Coyotes taking chickens. Sick-looking coyotes found curled up by the backyard fence. Regardless of the circumstances of the call, each caller is looking for help. This article shares some of the most common questions received and provides tips for living with coyotes in Illinois. Read the full story at: https://outdoor.wildlifeillinois.org/articles/the-seasonality-of-nuisance-coyote-calls

05/29/2026

Stroke is a medical emergency and recognizing the signs quickly can save a life. Remember BE FAST:

Balance – Sudden loss of balance
Eye – Vision changes
Face – Drooping on one side
Arm – Weakness or numbness
Speech – Difficulty speaking
Time – Call 911 immediately

Every 40 seconds, someone in the U.S. has a stroke. Acting fast can reduce long-term disability and improve outcomes. If you notice any of these signs, don’t wait, call 911 right away.

05/28/2026

Peas are the WIC-approved food of the month! Peas are packed with health benefits, and they’re a highly versatile kitchen staple that can be eaten raw, steamed, boiled, roasted, or pan-fried.

Peas are packed with antioxidants that help build your immune system. Peas are also a great source of protein and fiber, helping your body break down carbohydrates and manage your blood sugar!

This month, try incorporating peas in your family's diet.

05/27/2026

This month in communicable disease prevention, we’re highlighting travel health and prevention planning.

Travel consultations help individuals prepare ahead by reviewing recommended vaccines and prevention guidance based on destination and itinerary. Planning early helps support safer, healthier travel.

05/26/2026

ECO TIP TUESDAY: Household Hazardous Waste Isn’t Regular Trash.

Paint, chemicals, automotive fluids, cleaners and other hazardous materials should never go in your household trash or recycling bin. Improper disposal can harm sanitation workers, contaminate the environment and create risks to public health.

Dispose safely. Protect your community. Learn what items require special disposal and where to take them:
https://health.dekalbcounty.org/services/solid-waste-and-recycling/

05/25/2026

Our staff wishes everyone a safe, happy and healthy Memorial Day!

A reminder that we are closed today for the Memorial Day holiday. We will reopen and resume normal hours on Tuesday, May 26, 2026 at 8:00am.

05/23/2026

Do you want to apply for medical cannabis in Illinois, but don't know where to start? Our staff can assist with the application process for the Illinois Medical Cannabis Patient Registry Program.

Application assistance is available on-site or by phone. For more information, contact 815-748-2489 or mcpp@dekalbcounty.org.

For a list of qualifying conditions, visit https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/medical-cannabis/debilitating-conditions.html