Will County Public Health & Safety Committee July 3 Meeting Briefs

Grain Dust Complaint Prompts Investigation: Will County resident Tracy Henning of unincorporated Peotone addressed the committee about health problems she attributes to grain dust from a neighboring facility. Henning, who has been diagnosed with lupus and toxic grain dust syndrome, reports debilitating symptoms when dust fallout occurs from the facility located 6-8 feet from her residence. The EPA has acknowledged the facility is operating beyond legal dust fallout limits, and the Illinois Environmental Agency has issued a letter of intent to sue. Committee Chair Mica Freeman directed county staff to coordinate with both the health department and land use department to investigate the matter.

Overdose Deaths Declining: Substance use initiatives coordinator Dr. Kathleen Burke reported that overdose deaths in Will County are running 48% lower than the previous year, continuing a positive trend in overdose prevention efforts. The health department’s naloxone distribution and education programs continue expanding throughout the county.

WIC Coordinator Retires: Pat Krause, WIC Coordinator, retired June 30th after 31 years of dedicated service to the Women, Infants, and Children program. The department thanked Krause for her contributions to the program serving nearly 9,000 county residents.

Facility Improvements Continue: The health department is completing facility upgrades including floor refinishing, carpet replacement with luxury vinyl tile in provider offices, and installation of new workstations. A new Bolingbrook suite is expected to be operational by mid-July, pending final utility connections.

Sunny Hill Achievements: Sunny Hill Nursing Home staff received certifications in antimicrobial stewardship and completed AED training for all facility staff. The facility also celebrated Certified Nursing Assistants Week and hosted a successful Father’s Day car show for residents and families.