Recently Appointed Illinois Department of Public Health Director to Visit Kankakee During National Public Health Week

KANKAKEE – All this week, National Public Health Week, April 6-12, 2015, Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Director Nirav D. Shah, M.D., J.D. is visiting several communities across the state to hear from local leaders about how to improve the health of Illinois residents.
 
“Improving our public health infrastructure is vital to helping the citizens of Illinois live longer, healthier lives.  But public health cannot do it alone, especially when people are faced with challenges like poverty, poor education, housing and environmental factors,” said Director Shah.  “The public health community must expand its partnerships to collaborate with city planners, education officials, public, private and for-profit organizations – everyone who plays a role in fostering good health.  That is why I’m meeting with different officials – to help expand our partnerships and improve the lives of our citizens.”
 
"The Kankakee County Health Department is excited to host Director Shah's visit during National Public Health Week.  We look forward to continuing our collaborations with IDPH and our community partners to promote health, prevent disease, and achieve healthier communities throughout our county and the region," said Bonnie Schaafsma, Kankakee County Health Department Administrator.
 
WHAT:          Community Public Health Roundtable Discussion – Healthy Illinois Communities
 
WHO:             Illinois Department of Public Health Director Nirav D. Shah
                            Kankakee County Health Department Administrator Bonnie Schaafsma
                            Local Health Professionals and Partners
 
WHEN:          Thursday, April 9, 2015
                            2 p.m.
 
WHERE:       Kankakee County Health Department
                           2390 West Station St.
                           Kankakee, Illinois  60901