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Gov. Quinn: Stay safe in the heat with IDPH services

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer
Monday, July 18th, 2011, 10:00am
Gov. Quinn: Stay safe in the heat with IDPH services

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - On Sunday, Governor Pat Quinn encouraged Illinois residents to take preventive action during the extremely hot weather to stay safe, cool and avoid heat-related illnesses.

Gov. Quinn urged residents to take advantage of services available from the Department of Public Health, Department of Human Services and the Illinois Emergency Management Agency. Everyone is urged to check on those most vulnerable to the heat including the elderly and children.

"High heat and humidity can lead to serious health problems, particularly for the elderly and young children," said Governor Quinn. "It’s extremely important for people to recognize the signs of heat-related illness and take action to prevent becoming sick from the heat.

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Williamson Co. hospital report card

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer
Saturday, July 16th, 2011, 10:00am
Williamson Co. hospital report card

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health has an interactive map available with hospitals throughout Illinois, including Southern Illinois.

To see reviews and information on the hospitasl in Williamson County, click here.

Copyright 2011 KFVS. All rights reserved.

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IDHS provides almost $1 million in disaster food relief

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer
Friday, July 15th, 2011, 10:00am
IDHS provides almost $1 million in disaster food relief

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Human Services announced Friday they have finished processing applications for Disaster Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program benefits for Southern Illinois flood victims.

The department distributed $970,451 in federally-funded Disaster SNAP benefits to 3,314 households with 7,775 residents in 15 counties affected by the flooding.

“The unprecedented flooding in southern Illinois had a devastating effect for many families and businesses,” said IDHS Secretary Michelle R.B.

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IDPH: Hospitals reporting fewer infections

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer
Thursday, July 14th, 2011, 11:42am
IDPH: Hospitals reporting fewer infections

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold announced Thursday hospitals in Illinois have reported fewer health care-associated infections in 2010 compared to 2009.

The IDPH analyzed central line-associated bloodstream infection data as part of the Illinois Hospital Report Card, and found more than 75 percent of Illinois hospitals had the same number or fewer infection cases in 2010 than in 2009.

They say in 2009, 383 bloodstream infections were reported in adult intensive care units in Illinois and 282 were reported in 2010.

“Although results are only for two years, they indicate a significant step forward in the prevention of infection and protection of Illinois patients,” said Dr. Arnold. “Hospital surveillance of infections and public reporting on the Illinois Hospital Report Card Web site play key roles in prevention efforts.

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Bi-County Health Dept. offers prevention tips for mosquito bites

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer
Tuesday, July 12th, 2011, 4:45pm
Bi-County Health Dept. offers prevention tips for mosquito bites

FRANKLIN AND WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Franklin-Williamson Bi-County Health Departments are urging residents to stay safe while outdoors and are offering tips to prevent mosquito bites.

The health department says mosquitoes often carry diseases like West Nile virus.

Local health departments all across Illinois are working closely with the Illinois Department of Public Health and the Illinois EPA to educate the public on preventing West Nile.

Any location that has stagnant water is a potential breeding site for mosquitoes. One of the most problematic sites is piles of used tires. The design of tires means they easily fill with water from rain and collect leaf litter.

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Williamson Co. cooling center

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer
Monday, July 11th, 2011, 12:17pm
Williamson Co. cooling center

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Governor Pat Quinn has made over 120 state facilities into cooling centers throughout the state of Illinois as part of the Keep Cool Illinois campaign.

The cooling centers will be open during normal business hours from 8:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

The Williamson County cooling center is located at 1107 West DeYoung in Marion, Ill.

For a complete list of these cooling center you can click here. For more information about them, you can call the Illinois Department of Human Services hotline at 800-843-6154.

Copyright 2011 KFVS. All rights reserved.

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New legislation allows those with disabilities to wear bracelet that contacts 911

Submitted by Amber Ruch, KFVS12 County News Digital Content Producer
Wednesday, July 6th, 2011, 11:50am

WILLIAMSON COUNTY, IL (KFVS) Governor Pat Quinn announced Wednesday she signed a legislation to improve the security of Illinois residents with different disabilities using a remotely-activated bracelet.

The bracelet will contact emergency services during a missing persons incident.

“We need to make sure that our most vulnerable citizens can get help when they most need it,” said Governor Quinn. “This measure will greatly help caregivers and emergency personnel respond to someone who needs assistance and return them safely.”

Under the current law, it is a Class A misdemeanor to install or connect an automatic alarm, alarm altering device or mechanical dialer that contacts 911. House Bill 1610 is an exemption for bracelets that can be remotely activated to alert emergency response personnel of a person in need.

The bracelets are activated under the new law are activated upon alert from a missing person's registered caregiver.

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