Health Education Program

The purpose of the Health Education Program is to keep the community informed of important health issues and available services, to provide educational programming, to develop promotional campaigns, to distribute information, and to make referrals as needed. Staff in the Health Education program directly provide services for key disease prevention initiatives offered to Woodford County citizens.

Break the Habit

The Woodford County Health Department would like to announce a new program offered to residents in Woodford County entitled "Break the Habit". The program may allow smokers some financial assistance with the purchase of nicotine replacement, such as nicotine patches or Chantix. Financial assistance for the program will be offered on a first come first serve basis to Woodford residents as funding permits. In addition to the nicotine replacement therapy assistance, the program will also offer free one-on-one telephone support for smokers through the Illinois Tobacco Quitline (1-866-QUIT YES).
For information, call 467-3064 or email: jhageman@woodford-county.org

Illinois Tobacco Free Communities (ITFC)

WCHD provides incentives and recognition to Woodford County food establishments which are smoke-free, offers counseling and smoking cessation assistance to women enrolled in our WIC program, offers materials and, presentations on tobacco prevention activities to schools, and compiles data on prevention efforts in Woodford County that is reported quarterly to the State.

Click here for information on smoke free families

Click here for information on how to quit smoking during pregnancy

Click here for frequently asked questions about the Smoke Free Illinois Act

Woodford County Tobacco Prevention Coalition

The Woodford County Tobacco Prevention Coalition is group of community members dedicated to the cause of reducing the effects of tobacco in our communities. The objectives of the coalition are to...

Educate young people about the dangers of using tobacco.
Encourage quitting smoking for all age groups.
Advocate for clean indoor air in all settings.

This Coalition encompasses a diverse membership, including hospitals, schools, private citizens, and other county and community agencies.

For more information on how you can join us in the fight for clean air call Jill at (309) 467-2371 ext 4709.

Illinois Smoke-free Restaurant Recognition Program

The Illinois Smoke-Free Restaurant Recognition Program was created by the Illinois Department of Public Health to address the concerns of restaurant patrons who are exposed to second hand smoke in restaurants. This program encourages restaurant owners to go smoke-free, creating a healthier environment for both customers and employees. Educational brochures that explain the program are available from the Illinois Department of Public Health and Woodford County Health Department. All restaurants who participate in the program are recognized on the Illinois Department of Public Health's website, their local county health department's website, and annually in local newspapers.

Click here to download a list of Woodford County smoke-free restaurants

Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP)

The Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program can provide eligible women who reside in Woodford County with a free mammogram, breast exam, and Pap test.

Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) Guidelines:

If you live in Woodford County and do not have insurance, you may be eligible for a free mammogram, breast exam and Pap test. These important screening tests are provided through the Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP).
Women with a limited income, who have no health insurance or are under insured for these screenings, and meet the age guidelines below may be eligible for free screenings.
Women between 40 and 64 years old may qualify for a free mammogram and breast exam. *Note: Women younger than 40 with symptoms of breast cancer may qualify for these screening services.
Women between 35 and 64 years old may qualify for a free Pap test. *Note: Women younger than 35 with symptoms of cervical cancer may qualify for this test.
For more information and to find out if you are eligible contact Woodford County Health Department, (309) 467-2371, extension 4213.

Heart Smart for Teens

Woodford County Health Department and area schools work together to inspire local teenagers to adopt healthier eating and exercise habits. Heart Smart for Teens, funded through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Office of Women's Health, is a program that educates and encourages teenagers to take personal responsibility for their health. The objectives of this program are:

to increase teenagers awareness of how their daily food choices and physical activity choices impact their health,
to educate teenagers on the current recommendations for nutrition and physical activity presented in the new USDA dietary guidelines,
to provide teenagers with an opportunity to work on building skills they need to successfully make the improvements that positively impact their current and future health,
to have fun trying new physical activities and healthy snacks.

The goal of this program is to positively impact each teenager’s health through the development of lifelong healthy eating and physical activity habits. Woodford County schools that have participated in the 12-week Heart Smart for Teens program include Metamora High School, Metamora Grade School, Low Point-Washburn Junior and Senior High, and Roanoke-Benson High School. Classes are offered one day each week during health class and cover the following health topics: the new MyPyramid guidelines, making healthy food choices, the importance of lifelong regular physical activity, primary risk factors for heart disease, osteoporosis prevention, and information about eating disorders. The program includes two special exercise classes: Yoga/Pilates and a Walking Challenge. Students are also taught how to use a step counter to monitor their daily physical activity.

The Heart Smart for Teens program has been well received by students and teachers alike. Comments received from students about the program include: “I have a healthier lifestyle after Heart Smart for Teens”, “I eat better now and make sure I get my physical activity every week”, and “I am eating more healthy since I took this program”. For more information contact Woodford County Health Department by calling (309) 467-2371, extension 4213.