Oak Park celebrates National Public Health Week
Published on April 02, 2025
National Public Health Week runs from April 7-13, and this year's theme is "It Starts Here."
In Oak Park, public health really does start with the Oak Park Public Health Department. From supporting community safety with Narcan boxes placed throughout the Village to distributing gun locks at events, local public health officials are focused on prevention and access and committed to keeping residents informed.
Climate Action Starts Here (Environmental Health Division)
Environmental health is climate health. In Oak Park, the Environmental Health team ensures the safety of the community's food and environment by conducting more than 250 restaurant inspections annually and providing education on single-use serviceware bans. The Public Health Department prioritizes lead poisoning prevention by supporting families with elevated blood lead levels and licensing lead risk assessors to investigate hazards. Oak Park's Animal Control Officer also protected pets and public safety by returning 75 lost animals to their homes in 2024. By safeguarding the spaces where community members eat, live and play, Oak Park is advancing local climate resilience from the ground up.
The Future of Public Health Starts Here (Nursing & Epidemiology Division)
The Village's public health nurses and epidemiologists are a cornerstone of Oak Park’s community health response. In 2024, they organized five MMR vaccine clinics to respond to the measles outbreak and provided ongoing case management for families facing lead exposure. They also coordinated community blood drives, collecting 41 pints — enough to potentially save 123 lives. Whether tracking disease outbreaks or delivering lifesaving vaccinations, the team ensures Oak Park is prepared for emerging public health needs today and into the future.
Health Equity Starts Here (IPLAN & Partnerships)
Health equity begins with listening — and in Oak Park, the Public Health Department is doing just that. Through the Village's Community Health Needs Assessment and IPLAN strategic planning, local health officials are surveying residents to better understand the barriers they face and where the Public Health Department's efforts can have the most impact. These insights directly shape Oak Park's health programs and guide the Public Health Department's partnerships. The Public Health Department also engage local organizations to co-create solutions that advance equity, ensuring every Oak Park resident has the opportunity to thrive, regardless of background or ZIP code.
Advocacy Starts Here (Emergency Preparedness Division)
Preparedness is more than planning — it's empowering communities to act. Oak Park’s Emergency Preparedness team supported 10 public health response efforts in 2024, including vaccine clinics, migrant health support and warming/cooling center operations. More than 2,000 COVID tests were distributed, and the Village's reactivated Medical Reserve Corps now has 125 trained members ready to assist in times of crisis. From pandemic readiness to extreme weather events, the Public Health Department is working behind the scenes to keep the community informed, prepared, and resilient.
It Starts Here: Your Health is Our Mission (Health Education Division)
From reducing opioid overdoses to promoting safer communities, Oak Park’s Health Education Division leads with impact. In 2024, the team trained 135 community members on how to use Narcan, conducted 151 Smoke-Free Illinois Act compliance checks and distributed more than 4,000 gun safety conversation cards to local high school students. The Public Health Department also handed out gun locks at community events and continues to build awareness around safe storage practices. With every health education campaign, local public health officials are creating opportunities for residents to protect their well-being and build a healthier Oak Park for all.
