Madison County Health Department
101 East Edwardsville Road
Wood River, IL 62095
Phone: (618) 692-8954
Fax: (618) 692-8905
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Madison County Health Department |
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Health Promotion
“Health is a positive concept emphasizing social and personal resources, as well as physical capacities.” -The Ottawa Charter for Health Promotion The goal of Health Promotion Services is to educate citizens about the positive effects of a healthy lifestyle and to encourage them to alter lifestyles through changes in behavior. Lifestyle changes are facilitated through the combination of efforts to enhance awareness, change behavior, and by creating environments that support good health practices. These lifestyle changes often require addressing physical, mental, and social issues contributing to the behavior. Health Promotion collaborates with many county agencies, organizations, and community members to prepare and offer education. Many of the programs are administered with schools, community organizations, collaborations, citizens, state and regional programs, coalitions, and media. This list of internet resources includes just a few of the sites that the Health Promotion staff regularly visits. There are numerous links to other helpful sites from the links listed below. Partnership for a Drug Free America The National Clearinghouse for Alcohol and Drug Information The National Institute on Drug Abuse www.nida.nih.gov or www.clubdrugs.org National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence American Academy of Pediatrics National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) Illinois Drug Education Alliance (IDEA) Madison County Regional Office of Education Illinois Department of Human Services Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA) Illinois Society for Public Health Education National Society for Public Health Education American Public Health Association Illinois Public Health Association The Pennsylvania State University College of Health and Human Development The Prevention Research Center for the Promotion of Human Development (Penn State) Saint Louis University School of Public Health Saint Louis University School of Public Health Prevention Research Center The Saint Louis University Obesity Prevention Center Saint Louis University Health Communication Research Laboratory Heartland Center for Public Health Workforce Development The University of North Carolina School of Public Health The University of Michigan School of Public Health Johns Hopkins University School of Public Health Harvard Center for Society and Health Harvard School of Public Health University of Illinois at Chicago School of Public Health Campaign For Tobacco-Free Kids American Association for Health Education The Center for Prevention Research and Development Public Health Futures Illinois Web site Health is a very broad topic. Many things influence health and quality of life. The Health Promotion Division primarily focuses on chronic diseases and their effects on health. Often community members are seeking information on certain health topics and diseases, but they need a simple place to begin. Here is a link to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Health Topics A to Z webpage that should help as a first step in the quest for information. Illinois Project for Local Assessment of Needs (IPLAN) IPLAN is a living document of community health needs and a plan to meet those needs as developed by the community with a process lead by the local health department. Section 600.400 of the Illinois Administrative Code requires local health departments (LHD’s) in Illinois to complete a community health needs assessment and health plan to fulfill the provisions for certification at least every five years. The Institute of Medicine’s (IOM) landmark report, The Future of Public Health, recommends a renewal of efforts from all corners of society to address the mission of public health. The report reaffirmed local public health agencies as “the final delivery point for all public health efforts” and called for “policy development and leadership that foster local involvement and a sense of ownership, that emphasize local needs, and that advocate equitable distribution of public health resources and complementary private activities commensurate with community needs.” The Madison County Community Health Plan is a response to the IOM’s recommendation and provides the methodology to achieve a healthier community. The Madison County Community Health Plan addresses the priority health issues of Respiratory Disease, Cancer, Cardiovascular Disease, and Unintentional Injury which were identified in the Madison county Community Health Needs Assessment. It is the result of the cumulative efforts of health professional, health agencies, citizens, and health department representatives. The Community Health Plan establishes objectives and intervention strategies that will impact positively on the health of the community. The Madison County Health Department utilizes the plan to develop programs designed to address the identified priorities and community perceptions. Copies of the Madison County Needs Assessment and Madison County Community Health Plan are available at the Madison County Health Department. To request a copy, contact Sharon Kadell at 692-7040 ext. 6068. The plan is also summarized on the IPLAN website under the SHARE button. As well, a multitude of statistical data by state, county, and community level is available on the IPLAN website. For more information contact, Amy J. Yeager at 692-7040 ext. 6087 or email the IPLAN webmaster. The IPLAN Web site is app.idph.state.il.us. Madison County Partnership for Community Health The Madison County Partnership for Community Health (MCPCH) is the voice of community health for Madison County residents. Any community member or agency can join MCPCH to assist with identifying health concerns and working on solutions to address them. MCPCH works to accomplish the health priorities that are identified and established every five years in the Madison County Community Health Plan. Priorities are determined following an extensive community needs assessment. The health priorities for 2001-2006 are respiratory disease, cancer, cardiovascular disease, and unintentional injuries. MCPCH forms action committees based on the priority areas. These committees meet monthly to work on their plan. Come help make a healthy difference for yourself, your family, your neighbors and all of Madison County. Call today to find out more, and we’ll see you at the next meeting! If improving the health of Madison County citizens is important to you, consider joining the citizens, health professionals and agencies who work together as the Madison County Partnership for Community Health. To join a committee or for more information about MCPCH, call (618)-692-7040 ext. 6068. Respiratory Cardiovascular Motor
Vehicle Cancer Health Promotion offers a variety of programs and services to educate the public and influence behavior change. The division often has grants that open opportunities to focus intensely on certain health issues. New programs, initiatives, and presentations are continuously developed to meet the needs of the community and health concerns affecting the population. When possible, the division strives to base programming on current research, methods, and theories within the field. The following is an overview of the types of services and programs offered by the Health Promotion Division. Special requests are considered and filled at the discretion of the division manager. General Services The Health Education Team services include but are not limited to: presentations, health fairs, community events, school events, coalitions, community resources, media campaigns, media relations, health department promotion, consultations, curriculum development, peer leadership programs, and program development, implementation and evaluation. Contact Amy J. Yeager at 692-7040 ext. 6087. Illinois Restaurant Recognition Program Restaurants in Madison County receive recognition for being a smoke-free establishment, a certificate, and their business is posted on the Illinois Department of Public Health Web site. A Healthy Eating brochure for Madison County is also available as part of this program. Other coalitions in Madison County are working toward more smoke-free restaurants. Contact Lisa Modrusic at 692-7040 ext. 6089. Teens Against Tobacco Use (TATU) Teens are trained in tobacco specific sessions to become peer leaders in their school. After the training, their TATU group at school develops a plan to address tobacco issues for that school year. Examples of activities include presentations to younger students, a tobacco-free activities week (similar to Red Ribbon Week), a tobacco rap song, campaign for smoke-free restaurants in their community and participation with school programs and PTA groups. Madison County focuses on training middle school students as TATU peer leaders. Technical assistance is offered throughout the year. TATU is a program developed by the American Lung Association. Contact Lisa Modrusic at 692-7040 ext. 6089 for Madison County information or visit www.lungusa.org/smokefreeclass/ for curriculum details. Freedom From Smoking This eight-session smoking cessation program is offered at Anderson Hospital in Maryville (288-5711 ext. 564, 344, or 488) and St. Anthony’s Wellness Center in Alton (462-2222) and Alton Memorial (1-800-392-0936) with program materials supplied by the Health Department. Some locations may charge a fee for participation and some may be free. Contact the site for specific dates, times, and possible fees. The program was developed by the American Lung Association. Camp Success Camp Success is a unique and exciting weekend program that combines learning and fun in a positive setting. Through the program, students are introduced to skills necessary to be successful in school, in family, and in life. Participants at Camp Success enhance academic skills, increase self-confidence, promote healthy lifestyles, and enhance leadership abilities. These new skills will help students start to reach their full potential. Camp Success combines physical, mental and social wellness components integrated with academic, leadership and life skill development to open students to new skills and increased confidence while displaying how all of these factors work together and affect their quality of life. A team of teen staff and adults help lead activities and sessions throughout the weekend. Camp Success is coordinated by Madison County Health Department, Chestnut Health Systems, Madison County Regional Office of Education, and the Alton School District (founding district). Approximately 150-200 people participate in each camp, held at Lake Williamson Center in Carlinville, IL. Camp Success is offered in the fall for high school students and in the spring for middle school students. For upcoming dates or registration information, contact Amy J. Yeager at 692-7040 ext. 6087. Madison County Youth Forum The Madison County Youth Forum provides students a unique opportunity to discuss issues that affect the youth of Madison County. Youth participants spend the day discussing concerns related to the chosen health topic and developing recommendations on how to address the identified problems. During the evening panel session, youth share their recommendations and proposed solutions with a panel of community leaders and community members. All Madison County high schools are invited to send a cross-section of ten students representing their school and community. Teen facilitators and college students lead the afternoon discussion sessions. Youth Forums stimulate community involvement and teamwork to accomplish solutions proposed by the participants. Some examples of past successes include the Zero Tolerance Law, breathalyzers at local proms, successful passage of a few community tobacco ordinances, an attempted passage of a county tobacco ordinance, progress toward a countywide teen center, and implementation of a countywide youth alcohol initiative. The Madison County Youth Forum is a collaborative effort with many agencies, organizations and schools participating in the planning process. For upcoming Youth Forum dates or more information, contact Amy J. Yeager at 692-7040 ext. 6087. Madison County Youth Board (since 1996) The Madison County Youth Board is designed for the express purpose of offering adolescents committed to leadership and wellness activities a voice in a formal structure. The Madison County Youth Board consists of adolescents from Madison County high schools and an adult advisory committee. The adolescents on the board are accountable to their local school, community agencies, fellow board members and to the adolescents of their communities to provide fair and comprehensive representation as a board member. This involves the implementation of a broad-based peer network designed to provide Madison County wellness, social, educational and recreational activities for youth in the community. The Madison County Youth Board focuses on a common goal to provide a forum for expressing ideas, solving problems and doing their part to establish a safer, secure county for the youth of today and the future. Youth Board members develop leadership skills, gain knowledge of health and safety concerns, develop networks among peers, learn to conduct meetings, organize initiatives and gain interest in their county and how it functions. Madison County Youth Board has initiated or participated in projects including Crazy Olympics, county and local tobacco ordinances, a press conference, grant writing, Statewide Youth Boards, community service projects, Staying Alive Night, working with local violence prevention committees, working with the Sheriff’s Department on underage drinking issues, exploring the initiation of a state bill to increase identification at the point of sale for alcohol and tobacco products and development of a proposal to create a countywide teen center. For more information, contact Amy J. Yeager at 692-7040 ext. 6087. Heart Smart for Teens This educational program targets 8th grade girls in Madison County Middle Schools focusing on physical activities, healthy eating, and heart health topics. The program is a 9-week in class or after school program. For more information, contact Beth Darling at 692-7040 ext. 6050. Prostate Cancer Screenings This program provides FREE prostate cancer screenings for men from Madison and St. Clair counties in Illinois. Two ways to test the prostate are the Prostatic Specific Antigen (PSA) test and the Digital-Rectal exam (DRE). Men from families with a history of prostate-related problems should start getting tested at age 40. Starting at age 50, men should get checked even if they have NO symptoms. Call for a FREE screening appointment at 692-8954 ext. 2. Secondhand Smoke This educational program focuses on the health effects of secondhand smoke on adults and children. Participants are shown a display of the ingredients in cigarettes. A discussion is included on ways to avoid secondhand smoke. Participants are provided with various handouts and pamphlets related to the topic. Contact Lisa Modrusic at 692-7040 ext. 6089. Poison Display This display highlights various poison “look-a-likes,” i.e. piece of Hershey candy bar and chocolate laxative. A discussion is included on how to avoid accidental poisonings, areas of concern in the home and information on the Illinois Poison Control Center. Parents are given various handouts and home safety checklists, and children are given several activity sheets related to poison prevention. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. Hygiene Presentation This program involves the use of Glo-Germs and the Glo-Light. Participants are given a few drops of the Glo-Germs (fluorescent lotion used to represent fake germs) and are instructed to inspect their “dirty” hands under the light. After washing their hands, participants inspect their hands under the light to see if all the germs are off. A discussion of proper handwashing techniques follows. This presentation can be adjusted from adults to young children. Contact Lisa Modrusic at 692-7040 ext. 6089. Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) This presentation is designed to explain the fundamentals of the IBCCP program. Participants will be given information on what is provided by IBCCP and who may be eligible to receive services. Participants will be given several pamphlets explaining IBCCP and educational information on breast cancer. Contact Lisa Modrusic at 692-7040 ext. 6089. Alcohol Education A variety of programs addressing the subject of alcohol are available. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. Presentations targeting youth focus on explaining to middle school and high school students the dangers of alcohol use by young people and how differently alcohol affects young people than it does adults. Alcohol is defined as a central nervous system depressant drug, and it is discussed how its use can cause individuals to make poor, often life-altering decisions. Legal ramifications of youth alcohol use are reviewed. Presentations targeting adults define alcohol as a central nervous system depressant drug and explain the difference between use and abuse. The adult program also goes on to explain youth alcohol issues and the important role that adults play in reducing youth alcohol use and youth access to alcohol. A specific program is available to address impaired driving. Where alcohol is defined as a central nervous system depressant drug and a socially acceptable chemical, this program expands to include the effects on judgment, decision-making, vision and motor skills in relation to operating a motor vehicle. Learning to CARE The program consists of four lessons, 45 minutes each and targets 4th grade students. The presenter visits the classroom once a week for four weeks. The curriculum covers the topics of Helpful Drugs/Harmful Drugs and marijuana, alcohol, tobacco, and decision making. Each lesson includes information for the students to take home to their parents on the topic of that day. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. The Other Drugs of ATOD (Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drugs) Informational programs are available on a variety of chemicals of abuse. These drugs include Marijuana, Methamphetamine, and Club Drugs (ecstasy, GHB, ketamine). An overview of each of these drugs is provided, or a program can be tailored to address each drug specifically. Programs are geared to both youth and adult audiences. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. Occupant Protection Programs are available to all age groups on the importance of occupant protection. Information is designed to fit the appropriate age, kindergarten through adult. Topics of discussion include adult and child passenger protection laws in Illinois, crash dynamics, proper usage of a vehicle’s safety belt systems, and air bags. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. Creating a Child Friendly Home This program focuses on homes with young children and can be adapted to accommodate group needs. Information is shared about such topics as: developing a safe living environment (safety check-listing the bathroom, bedroom, kitchen and living/dining room), bath-time safety, home food-borne illnesses, family fire safety, and poison proofing the home. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. Stress Management The stress management program covers many facets of understanding and dealing with stress. This program can be tailored to fit time and specific informational needs. Subject areas included in this program are: the definition of short and long-term stress, health issues related to long-term stress, dealing with internal stressors, conflict resolution, nutritional aspects of dealing with stress, and the importance of exercise, as well as relaxation. This program may also be adapted to serve law enforcement, firefighters and EMS providers specifically, with information on critical incident stress. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. Disaster Preparedness Geared to youth and adult, this program provides information on how families can prepare for a possible emergency. The main focus is reviewing how to talk about and develop a family readiness plan for various types of disasters (i.e., tornadoes, earthquakes, storms, terrorism). Participants will walk through the steps of how to prepare a Family Emergency Supply Kit. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. Safe Driving Program This adult program offers a basic review of current driving issues to ensure safer roadways. The program offers information on the Smith System of Driving (Identify, Predict, Decide, Execute), factors that affect braking distance and stopping distance, excessive speed, driver ability, aggressive driving, crash dynamics, and occupant protection. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. Bicycle Safety Information is available for all age groups on the bicycle Rules of the Road, proper helmet fitting, specific accessories needed for a well equipped bike, and general safety issues to follow when riding a bike in various environments. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. Comprehensive Underage Alcohol Initiative A comprehensive underage alcohol initiative is underway to decrease the incidence of underage drinking in Madison County. The initial collaborators for this initiative include Madison County Board Chairman, Madison County State’s Attorney’s Office, Madison County Sheriff’s Department, Madison County Youth Board, Chestnut Health Systems and Madison County Health Department. Additional partners will contribute throughout the phases of the initiative. Components of the comprehensive approach include law enforcement, reevaluation of ordinances, compliance checks, drivers education, parent education, peer leadership programs, server trainings, court sentencing alternatives for first time juvenile offenders meeting specific guidelines, a basics program, and social norms marketing. Contact Jill Heuchert at 692-7040 ext. 6086. COALITIONS The Health Education Team participates with numerous local, state, and regional coalitions that address a variety of health concerns including tobacco prevention, advocacy, secondhand smoke, ordinances, legislation, programs; alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs community coalitions; a community collaboration to increase awareness of agencies and their services; child abuse and neglect, emergency medical services for children; asthma; Madison County Partnership for Community Health (MCPCH) committees including respiratory, cardiovascular disease, cancer, motor vehicle, and various state committees and professional associations. Amy J.
Yeager, MPH
Elizabeth J. Darling, MS
Jill M. Heuchert, BS
Lisa A. Modrusic, BS |