Jersey County Health Department

09/05/2025

A great update for nursing mothers at work!

📢 Update for Illinois Families & Employers
Governor Pritzker signed an amendment to the Illinois Nursing Mothers in the Workplace Act (effective Jan 1, 2026).
🍼 What’s new?
• Employers must provide a reasonable paid break time each time a mom needs to pump, for up to 1 year after birth.
• Extra time can be taken from other paid breaks/mealtimes.
• Employers cannot require moms to use paid leave or reduce pay.
📖 Background
2001 – Unpaid breaks required
2018 – “Reasonable” paid breaks added
2026 – Mandatory pay for lactation breaks at regular rate; cannot require use of paid leave
✅ This is a big step for supporting nursing mothers and infant health in Illinois. Please share to spread awareness!
This builds on what many employers—like FCHD—are already doing to support working moms. 💼👶
Stay tuned to hear directly from our staff about what this means to them!

09/05/2025

🚗💉Drive-Thru Vaccine Clinics Start September 23! 🚗

Stay healthy this fall—no appointment needed!
📅 Clinic Schedule:

September: 23rd & 30th
October: Every Tuesday & Friday
⏰ Hours: 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM & 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM

✅ Vaccines available:

Flu
Shingles
Tdap (tetanus, diphtheria, pertussis)
Pneumonia
RSV
COVID-19 (Should be in stock by September 23rd)
…and more!

09/04/2025

🌳 Heading Outdoors? Protect Yourself from Ticks!
Stay on clear trails, use an EPA-registered repellent, and wear long sleeves & pants.
Before you head home, do a full-body tick check—including behind ears, under arms, and along hairlines.

🕷️ Quick action = better protection. Stay safe and enjoy the outdoors!

09/02/2025

We need YOUR feedback. Please take our community survey regarding substance use, recovery, and mental health treatment. With your help, we can shed the light on areas that need attention in our community regarding substance use and recovery. Follow the link below or scan the QR code to get started. Share with your family and friends!
https://surveymars.com/q/NFizP6TVB

08/31/2025

🕯️ Today is Overdose Awareness Day. 🕯️

We pause to remember the lives lost to overdose — our friends, family, neighbors, and community members. Each person had a story, a voice, a heart.

💜 This day is not just about remembrance — it's about ending the stigma surrounding substance use, supporting those who are struggling, and spreading hope through compassion and education.

Let’s come together to raise awareness, advocate for change, and ensure that no one feels alone in their battle.

If you're struggling or know someone who is, there is help. There is hope. You are not alone. Jersey County ROSC is here to connect you to your journey to recovery.

*Narcan always available at Jersey County Health Department.

💜

08/29/2025

Thank you to everyone that entered the Breastfeeding drawing for Breastfeeding month! Our winner of the goody basket is Caroline Crawford Sutton. You can pick up your basket at the Health Department.

08/29/2025

🚨 Overdose Awareness & Narcan Saves Lives 🚨

Every second counts in an overdose. Knowing the signs and how to respond could save a life.

Signs of opioid overdose may include:
• Slow, irregular, or no breathing
• Blue or gray lips/fingertips
• Unresponsive or unconscious
• Pinpoint pupils
• Gurgling or choking sounds

💊 Narcan (Naloxone) is a safe, easy-to-use medication that can reverse an opioid overdose.
✅ Available as a nasal spray
✅ Works within minutes
✅ Safe to use even if you’re not sure the person has taken opioids
✅ Can be given more than once if needed

💙 Carrying Narcan = carrying hope. You don’t need a prescription and can get it for free at the Jersey County Health Department

👉 Share this post. You never know whose life you might help save.

08/28/2025

If some of your staff is in need of the food manager certification, you are in luck. Linda will be hosting a class at DJ's in October. Sign up today before it fills up!

08/28/2025

💙 Mental Health Matters 💙

This time of year can bring stress, anxiety, and big emotions for students. Let’s help them feel supported!

Tips to support your child’s mental wellness:
✔ Check in and make it okay to talk about mental health
✔ Build a routine with regular sleep and meals
✔ Practice coping skills, like journaling or deep breathing

Learn more: https://www.samhsa.gov/mental-health/children-and-families/school-health?fbclid=IwY2xjawMJrTlleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF3VFN3dXlTMzE0MU9KVG1mAR42VlPUaw9maBTDzphUZ3tNyFDOmJBCJabS4Hp4jFkhx2LFsXuOgPDuNwavFg_aem_9xki4Y5Ww4SOHK1G7Ae74w

08/26/2025

⚠️ Cooler temps don’t mean mosquito season is over! ⚠️
Two mosquito samples from Jersey County have tested positive for West Nile Virus. Remember:

✅ Use repellent when outdoors
✅ Wear long sleeves and pants when possible
✅ Eliminate standing water (buckets, gutters, birdbaths, old tires)

🦟Protect yourself and your family!

08/22/2025

08/21/2025

🦟 Fight the Bite! 🦟
Mosquitoes aren’t just annoying—they can carry diseases. Keep your family safe with these prevention tips:

✅ Dump standing water – empty buckets, flowerpots, birdbaths, and kiddie pools at least once a week.
✅ Protect yourself – wear insect repellent with DEET, picaridin, or oil of lemon eucalyptus.
✅ Dress smart – wear long sleeves and pants when possible, especially at dawn and dusk.
✅ Keep screens secure – repair holes in window and door screens to keep mosquitoes out.

🚫 Don’t give mosquitoes a place to breed—take action today!