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Measles cases are on the rise globally and here in Illinois the number is increasing as well. Vaccines are 97% effective in preventing this highly contagious disease.  To learn more about this infection and get information on vaccination, go to https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/diseases-a-z-list/measles.html.  Learn how to identify measles and the safe and effective vaccine that can prevent this potentially life-threatening infection for adults and children. 

About IDPH

Illinois Department of Public Health Welcomes New Assistant Director

News – Monday, June 1, 2020

Amaal V.E. Tokars, EdD. joins IDPH

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is announcing today its new Assistant Director, Amaal V.E. Tokars, EdD.  Most recently, Tokars was the Kendall County Health Department Executive Director since 2005 where she oversaw daily operations for the health department.  She is a Certified Public Health Administrator with expertise in adult education and experience in community engagement, culturally competent service design, planning, performance management, social change, and human services.  In her new role, Tokars will represent IDPH with external partners and serve as the primary liaison with its 97 certified local health departments. 

“I would like to welcome Amaal Tokars to the Illinois Department of Public Health,” said IDPH Director Ngozi Ezike.  “She brings a wealth of public health experience with her, including working closely with IDPH for more than a dozen years.  Her extensive work in all hazards planning will be extremely valuable as we continue to work through one of the biggest health challenges of our time.”

Tokars has served as the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium President and is actively involved in the Illinois Public Health Association and Illinois Association of Public Health Administrators.

“I am so pleased to be joining the Illinois Department of Public Health and working for Dr. Ezike, who is such a humble woman.  We need humility during this world pandemic,” said Tokars.  “I am always interested in examining data to identify who is being hardest hit.  This can inform our community education, health strategies, and even the way we do contact tracing, which will be so important as we continue to battle this pandemic.”

Tokars will begin with IDPH on June 8, 2020.  IDPH would like to thank Evonda Thomas-Smith, who is retiring from the State, for her dedication and service.