Kane County Health Department: Advancing Public Health Since 1985
The Kane County Health Department (KCHD), established in 1985 by a resolution of the Kane County Board, has been a vital resource for public health in the region for the past 40 years. . As a certified department under the Illinois Department of Public Health, KCHD provides a broad range of services aimed at promoting health and wellness for over 515,000 residents of Kane County.
Mission and Focus
The mission of the Kane County Health Department is to promote, protect, and advocate for the health and well-being of Kane County. This mission drives the department’s efforts to ensure that every resident has access to essential public health services and resources.
Vision
Kane County residents are the healthiest in Illinois.
Mission
Promote, protect, and advocate for health and wellness in Kane County.
10 Essentials of Public Health
- Assess and monitor population health status, factors that influence health, and community needs and assets.
- Investigate, diagnose, and address health problems and hazards affecting the population.
- Communicate effectively to inform and educate people about health, the factors that influence it, and how to improve it.
- Strengthen, support, and mobilize communities and partnerships to improve health.
- Create, champion, and implement policies, plans, and laws that impact health.
- Utilize legal and regulatory actions designed to improve and protect public health.
- Assure an effective system that enables equitable access to the individual services and care needed to be healthy.
- Build and support a diverse and skilled public health workforce.
- Improve and innovate public health functions through ongoing evaluation, research, and continuous quality improvement.
- Build and maintain a strong organizational infrastructure for public health.
Programs and Specialties
The Division of Community Health coordinates public health initiatives tailored to address the specific needs of Kane County residents. Through a comprehensive range of programs, services, and outreach efforts, the division promotes and protects the well-being of the community by coordinating systems that support local stakeholders. Collaborating closely with community organizations, healthcare providers, and governmental agencies, the division aims to foster a healthier public health environment and empower individuals to make informed decisions about their health. These efforts enhance the overall quality of life within Kane County.
Key Initiatives and Programs
- AOK - All Our Kids Network
- Behavioral Health
- Children's Mental Health
- Early Childhood Mental Health Consultation
- Integrated Referral and Intake System (IRIS)
- Making Kane Fit for Kids
- Opioid Overdose Prevention and Naloxone Distribution
- Tobacco and Vaping Prevention
- Violence Prevention
The Division of Disease Prevention aims to support the health of the community by providing education and outreach to the residents of Kane County. Our multi-faceted programs help prevent disease through primary, secondary, and tertiary prevention. We work directly with individuals and families at our clinics and through our home visiting programs, offering resources and assistance with navigating the healthcare system.
Key Programs
- High Risk Infant Follow-Up
- iGrow Coordinated Intake
- Immunizations
- Kane Kares (Nurse-Family Partnership)
- Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program
- Tuberculosis Program
The Division of Health Protection includes Environmental Health and Communicable Disease. Environmental Health identifies and manages environmental factors that can impact human health, such as food safety, lead poisoning prevention, air and water quality, and vector control. Communicable Disease focuses on protecting residents from health threats posed by infectious diseases and outbreaks. This is achieved through disease trend analysis, education, disease investigations, outbreak management, and collaboration with healthcare providers and support for affected individuals.
Key Programs
- Air Quality (Radon)
- Communicable Disease Surveillance
- Epidemiology
- Foodborne Illness Surveillance
- Food Establishment Inspection
- Lead Inspections
- Outbreak Surveillance
- Property Maintenance
- Septic Inspections
- Sexually Transmitted Disease Surveillance
- Tanning Inspections
- Vector Control
- Well Inspections
The Division of Planning & Information Management was created in 2023 with the goal of strengthening the capacity of the Kane County Health Department (KCHD) by developing strong plans to accelerate and improve health outcomes. The division supports the infrastructure needed to provide equitable opportunities for the community’s health. By integrating leadership priorities, data-driven evidence, and staff expertise, we help develop initiatives through research, analysis, and both internal and external quality improvement tools. With health equity at the forefront of our efforts, we support KCHD’s ability to communicate and advance the health of Kane County residents.
Key Programs
- Community Health Planning
- Epidemiology
- Illinois Project for Local Assessment of Needs (IPLAN)
- Kane Health Counts Data
- Sharing and Action Teams
- Medical Reserve Corps
- Performance Improvement
- Public Health Accreditation
- Public Health Emergency Planning and Training
- Workforce Development
Locations and Accessibility
The Kane County Health Department operates from two main locations to better serve the community:
- Aurora Office: (primary location) 1240 N. Highland Ave., Aurora, IL 60506
- Elgin Office: 1750 Grandstand Pl., Elgin, IL 60123
More information about the Kane County Health Department, including details about its programs and services, can be found at www.kanehealth.com.
