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Nursing, WIC, and FCM Departments

Nurses helping patient

“Caring is the essence of nursing.”
-Jean Watson

DCHD nursing services are currently located at the satellite office location in Tuscola Outlet Mall, Building J600. Hours of operation are Monday-Friday 8:00 a.m. to 4:45 p.m. To make an appointment or learn more about our many services, please call 217-253-4137.

Communicable Disease

A communicable disease is any disease that can be transmitted by infectious bacteria or vital organisms from
one source to another. Our communicable disease program tracks disease in Douglas County and provides
follow-up. For individuals who have a communicable disease, the program helps provide education and referral
services. For others who may be exposed, the risks are lowered by medical intervention referrals and
education.


For more information concerning testing, reporting, or treatment of communicable diseases, contact DCHD at
217-253-4137.

COVID-19

For more information on Covid-19 resources, please refer to the links below:

Family Case Management

Family Case Management (FCM) is a health program that assists pregnant women and children in obtaining health care services in order to have a healthy pregnancy, and to promote the healthy development of the child and family. The goals of the program are to:

  • Provide access to primary healthcare

  • Identify and resolve access barriers through referral and linking

  • Provide health education to all eligible clients

  • Reduce infant mortality

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FCM builds close relationships between physicians, hospitals, and other medical providers. It teams up with community organizations to discuss obstacles in accessing medical services, childcare, transportation, housing, food, mental health needs, and substance abuse services. FCM is also an authorized agent for completing Medicaid Presumptive Eligibility (MPE) applications for pregnant women and can help families in filling out applications for KidCare insurance assistance.

To learn more about or enroll in this program, Douglas County residents should contact DCHD at 217-253-4137.

Flu Shot

Douglas County Health Department offers yearly flu shots in the fall, available to children and adults while supplies last. More specific information on when flu vaccines are in stock will be posted on our social media platforms, or you can call 217-253-4137. Flu shot consent forms can be found below. Please fill out, print off and bring to your appointment.

Immunizations

Immunizations protect children from many diseases and illnesses. But to get the most protection, your child should receive these shots early and at the right times. Check your child’s immunization records to make sure they are up to date. If you don't have it, these records can be obtained from your doctor or clinic, the health department, or the Illinois Dept. Of Public Health immunization program.

If your child needs immunizations, call your doctor or our nursing department for an appointment. Be sure to bring your child’s immunization record with you to these appointments, as a current and up-to-date record is important when enrolling in daycare or school. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends following the immunization schedule for infants and children linked in the button below. 

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Children aren’t the only ones needing protection from diseases. Too often, adults fall prey to illnesses that could have been prevented with proper vaccination. DCHD can offer the following shots to adults:

  • Flu shots—Typically available in October. Call 217-253-4137 for specific dates and locations. We are a Medicare provider for this immunization.

  • Pneumonia shots—Available all year round, and during flu season DCHD runs clinics offering this shot at a discounted price. Call for specific dates and locations. We are a Medicare provider for this immunization.

  • Tetanus shots—Available with a physician’s prescription

  • Hepatitis A & B—Available all year round. Call for more information.

  • COVID-19 shots—Available as supplies last. Use the button below to schedule an appointment at one of our monthly clinics or call for more information.

Lactation and Breastfeeding

The DCHD breastfeeding support program, a division of our Women Infants & Children (WIC) program, offers support and encouragement to mothers through education and one-on-one counseling. We can provide instruction to new mothers on how to breastfeed, and if needed, help you work through any difficulties with nursing and/or pumping. Our staff includes several experienced lactation consultants who are here to help with any questions or concerns related to latching, nursing, lactation, pumping, breast milk, milk storage, breast care and more.

 

To speak with one of our lactation consultants, please call the office at 217-253-4137 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. After hours, click on the button below to reach our Breastfeeding Support Group page for assistance.

Lead Poisoning 

Lead is a poisonous metal our bodies cannot use. Lead poisoning – which can be contracted by breathing in or eating lead in paint, dust, drinking water, or contaminated dirt – can cause learning, hearing, and behavioral problems. It can harm your child’s brain, kidneys and other organs, and without intervention, some of these effects may be permanent.

Children with lead poisoning usually do not look or act sick. The only way to know is by getting a blood test. All children ages 6 months to 6 years should be tested for lead poisoning. Illinois law requires all children entering state-operated daycare, nursery school, preschool or kindergarten to provide of a blood level assessment.

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To find out how to have yourself or your child tested, call your healthcare provider, or contact DCHD at 217-253-4137.

If you think your home has lead paint:

Removing lead paint is very dangerous; you should not do it yourself. Call your local health department or the IDPH’s Lead Poisoning Clearinghouse of Information at 217-782-0403 or 1-800-545-2200, TTY (hearing impaired only) 1-800-547-0466 for information on safely removing lead paint.

Tuberculosis

DCHD provides tuberculosis (TB) screening and treatment for Douglas County residents confirmed with active TB, and preventative services for persons exposed to but not having active TB. Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease that is spread through the air, and typically attacks the lungs. It was, at one time, the leading cause of death in the U.S. People with TB can be treated and cured if they seek medical help. Those with latent TB (no signs or symptoms) can take medicine to prevent ever developing TB disease. A TB skin test can help determine if you have latent TB infection.

Symptoms of TB disease are a bad cough lasting more than 2 weeks, pain in the chest, coughing up blood or sputum. They can also include weakness or fatigue, weight loss and/or loss of appetite, chills, fever, and night sweats.

Vision and Hearing 

Vision and hearing screenings are provided for children ages 3 to 5 who attend a licensed preschool or daycare center in Douglas County and are provided to county parochial schools. Screenings can also be done by appointment for children ages 3-18. The Illinois Child Vision and Hearing Act allows state resources to fund these screenings.

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These screenings do not result in a diagnosis, instead, they provide methods to determine if more medical testing is needed. Children identified with a vision or hearing problem are referred for further medical evaluation, and DCHD nursing staff coordinates their follow-up care. Please call DCHD at 217-253-4137 for more information.

Women Infant Children (WIC) 

*This institution is an equal opportunity provider. For more information, you can view the full USDA non-discrimination statement below.

Women, Infants & Children (WIC) is a special supplemental food program, funded by the USDA, to provide nutritious foods and nutrition education to eligible participants. Benefits include nutrition education and counseling, and links to other health and social service agencies. Eligible participants include:

  • Pregnant women

  • Postpartum women (up to 6 months after delivery)

  • Breastfeeding women (up to 12 months after delivery)

  • Infants

  • Children up to age 5

Participants must also meet USDA income standards. Please note, many WIC program participants have jobs, may receive food stamps, public aid, general assistance, school lunch, and Head Start and still qualify. Current guidelines can be reviewed by clicking the button below.

WIC visits are done by appointment. Please bring the following information to your appointment:

  •  Birth certificate or hospital footprints for infants and/or children

  •  Proof of income – 2 recent wage stubs, Public Aid card, income tax return

  •  Proof of address – rent receipt, utility bill, etc...

  •  Bring eligible child/children scheduled for WIC clinic

  •  If available, bring social security card, immunization records, WIC ID card

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How it works:

The above information is reviewed, along with participants’ health histories, and a health screening is performed on each participant. Information is plotted on growth charts and evaluated individually to determine WIC eligibility. Participants are then counseled by a health professional, eating habits are discussed, and food histories are evaluated. At that time, each participant is informed of their eligibility and WIC Program responsibilities.

Eligible participants are issued food coupons, which can be used for specified foods at WIC approved stores. Nutrition education classes are also provided on a variety of topics, including nutrition during pregnancy, infant nutrition, shopping on a limited budget, snack foods for children, and more.

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For more information on car seat safety, click the button below:

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