"The Director's Diagnosis"

Dear Partners in Health, 

As I write to you, we remain in the midst of some of the most turbulent and unpredictable times we have faced in the public health arena. The recent moves by the Trump administration to slash grant funding and the federal Health and Human Services workforce have created enormous uncertainty and left us having to think differently to fulfill our solemn obligation to protect the health and wellbeing of our citizens. 

These concerns are playing out in a number of ways. There is an ongoing legal challenge to many of these cuts, and while early rulings have provided a pause on many federal actions, the legal fight is likely to continue for weeks or months. 

At this moment, it is up to those of us in public health… at the state or local level, in health care institutions, and in the various related associations and trade groups… to be more creative and adaptable as we adjust to this rapidly changing landscape. We must prioritize our limited resources and become more efficient, so that we can do the most good with the resources we have. We must find ways to make up for the gaps in institutional knowledge caused by the loss of experienced federal workers and the potential disruption in our relationship with groups like the World Health Organization. We must advocate for the programs and policies that help our Illinois residents be healthier and more productive citizens. 

In this edition of Health Matters, you will read more about our efforts to do just that, including the meeting IDPH arranged last month with Illinois-based experts on global health challenges. We are working together to identify ways that we can fill the gaps caused by these changes at the federal level, and to ensure that we are prepared to meet any health challenge that affects the health of Illinois residents. The partnerships we have built throughout the state, the nation, and the world will allow us to remain vigilant and ready to meet our obligation to preserve the public’s health and wellbeing, and be the credible voices they need to make the best decisions for themselves and their families.  

There is still, unfortunately, much that we don’t know about how this will all ultimately play out. But as I have done many times in the past few months, I want to once again reassure you that IDPH will not be deterred in our mission to protect the people of Illinois and give them the tools available to live happy, healthy lives. We at IDPH are trying to be as transparent as possible about what’s going on, and I encourage you to bookmark the newly expanded IDPH communications web page where you can read our press releases and statements, connect to all of our social media platforms, listen to our podcasts, and read our annual report.   

Thank you for all that you do in partnership with us to meet that obligation every day.  

Yours in good health, 

Sameer 

In response to a series of moves in the first weeks of the Trump administration – including thousands of layoffs at the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, attempts to halt hundreds of millions in grant funding, and an announced plan to withdraw from the World Health Organization (WHO) – the Illinois Department of Public Health has initiated a series of steps in order to maintain its readiness to respond to health crises despite the loss of those federal assets. 

Director Vohra issued a statement shortly after the WHO withdrawal was announced, laying out the potential consequences of such a move, and has released other statements providing updates and guidance in response to this evolving situation.  IDPH also sprang into action to make sure that it could compensate for any loss of resources or institutional knowledge as a result of the administration’s actions. The department moved quickly to secure BlueDot, a high-tech service that will help IDPH conduct surveillance of disease outbreaks that could impact Illinoisans. The service will address potential lapses in surveillance that could result from U.S. moves to limit or cut off contact with the WHO. 

IDPH also convened a gathering of public health leaders and experts on global health issues to further discuss ways to maintain readiness despite the federal cuts. The work of the Illinois Global Health Advisory Coalition continues, bringing together some of the best public health minds in the state and nation to identify potential problems and implement work-arounds. 

When news broke in late March that the administration was halting grant dollars that had already been allocated related to the COVID-19 public health emergency, Illinois joined multiple other states in a legal action to challenge those cuts. While that court fight plays out, IDPH is working closely with grantees, providing guidance on best practices to ensure that they are aware of how to best adapt to this loss of funding. The department continues to work on contingency plans and to prioritize programs to make sure that essential public health services are not interrupted. 

IDPH is also carefully monitoring changes in the meeting schedule of groups like the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the FDA’s Vaccine & Related Biological Advisory Committee, bodies that are instrumental in the development of vaccines against seasonal respiratory illness. It’s unclear at this point how those changes might ultimately affect the development and distribution of those shots. 

 

Through it all, IDPH has worked to communicate with local health departments, grantees, and other partners and stakeholders about these changes, their potential impact, and the steps the department is taking in response.

30 Days of Public Health Celebration Continues

This month, IDPH launched 30 Days of Public Health — a month-long celebration recognizing the vital role public health plays in the lives of all Illinoisans. From safeguarding communities to empowering individuals, this initiative shines a light on the people, programs, and impact behind the work we do every day. 

Our "public health heroes" in Illinois are taking on even greater importance in the wake of federal changes that threaten to drastically shrink the health-related workforce. The champions of public health at the state and local level will be doing more than ever before to ensure that public health efforts continue without interruption and serve the people whose health, and perhaps lives, depend on those services. The 30 Days initiative will underscore their important work.

Highlights include a video message from Governor J.B. Pritzker, a podcast on the 30 Days observance featuring IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra, a dedicated campaign webpage, homepage banner, engaging social media content, a “Public Health History Minutes” podcast series (in both English and Spanish), and a press release picked up by local news organizations.  

You can learn more at the special IDPH "30 Days of Public Health" webpage. You can also see all of this information, and much more, by following IDPH across all of its social media channels (click here to access all of the platforms where you can find IDPH).

IDPH, Alzheimer's Association Team Up On New Brain Health Campaign

The Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, announces the launch of the Illinois Brain Health Project, a groundbreaking public health initiative designed to educate Illinoisans about the importance of brain health. This comprehensive campaign focuses on reducing cognitive decline by addressing modifiable risk factors and promoting healthy lifestyle practices, with a particular emphasis on reaching diverse, underserved, and higher-risk communities.

Many people overlook or neglect their brain health until they experience cognitive decline, not realizing that simple, everyday actions can help keep their brains healthy. This campaign is designed to educate local Illinois communities on the easy, everyday actions that can support brain health—like physical activity, quality sleep, and cognitive activity—that are within everyone's reach, no matter their circumstances. The goal is to make brain health accessible and stress-free, so you can care for your brain without feeling overwhelmed. The campaign will launch with digital ads and a website (www.yourbrainwillthankyou.com).

"We are proud to partner with the Alzheimer's Association of Illinois on this innovative and memorable brain health awareness campaign,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “This campaign will promote the documented benefits of staying mentally and physically active and engaged. Dementia can be a devastating diagnosis for individuals and families, but there are steps you can take now to greatly reduce your future risk. Let’s do all we can to improve our brain health now and for our future. Your brain will thank you."



“By focusing on reducing modifiable risk factors and promoting healthier lifestyles, this initiative has the potential to improve outcomes for individuals at risk of cognitive decline, particularly in underserved communities,” said Delia Jervier, Regional Vice President and Alzheimer’s Association Illinois Chapter Executive. “The Illinois Brain Health Project represents a significant step forward in creating a healthier future for all Illinoisans.”

Follow IDPH across our social media platforms by clicking here.