April 4-10, 2022 is Public Health Week. According to the Centers for Disease Control, “Public health is the science of protecting and improving the health of people and their communities. This work is achieved by promoting healthy lifestyles, researching disease and injury prevention, and detecting, preventing and responding to infectious diseases.” The mission of the Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD) is to fulfill society’s interest in assuring conditions in which people can reach their maximum health potential. ICPHD focuses on services to help Iroquois County residents achieve a high level of wellness through the core functions of public health. The Environmental Health division works to ensure a safe living environment for Iroquois County residents through programs that address food, water, and septic safety. The Community Health division serves residents by working to prevent disease outbreaks and addressing chronic disease concerns through immunization, screening testing, communicable disease investigation, and education. Public Health Emergency Preparedness engages in the planning and managing of local response to any natural or man-made public health emergency. ICPHD also offers services to assists seniors ages 60 and over, and their families, through the Community Cares and Respite programs in their Senior Services division. Through its large variety of programs and collaboration with outside agencies, ICPHD staff work diligently to promote health and wellness for the residents of Iroquois County. To learn more about ICPHD programs visit, https://iroquoiscountyil.gov/offices/health-department or call 815-432-2483.