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Dear YWCA Community,
We are reaching out to keep you informed regarding the ongoing Legionella mitigation process at our campus at 1215 Church Street, along with helpful resources and the latest information. The health and safety of our community remain our top priorities. We are continuing to work with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Evanston Health and Human Services Department, and water management consulting firm to follow all recommended guidelines and take every precaution to ensure safe reopening as soon as possible. We appreciate your patience and understanding during this process.
Background on Temporary Closure and Legionella Mitigation
For those who may be hearing about this situation for the first time, as a precautionary measure, YWCA E/NS temporarily closed our building on Thursday, October 10 to implement control measures after the genetic material from Legionella bacteria, which can cause Legionnaires' disease, was detected in the hot water supply. Testing was performed by the Illinois Department of Public Health after we were recently made aware that two individuals who were associated with YWCA E/NS tested positive for Legionnaires' disease.
While Legionella bacteria was detected in parts of the building’s hot water system, no Legionella bacteria was found in our pools. On Thursday, October 10, current program participants were notified about the situation, our mitigation efforts, and were provided with CDC Legionella website and fact sheet resources. On Friday, October 11, a public statement regarding the situation was issued. Mitigation process updates were posted on Saturday, October 12. That information can all be found on our website at https://bit.ly/ywensmitigation, where we will continue to provide all public-facing updates.
Status of Building Reopening and Scheduled In-Person Programming
We have taken all recommended immediate mitigation steps and will reopen once we receive approval from the IDPH Environmental Health team that all necessary strategies are in place for safe reopening. We are optimistic that this approval will take place soon but cannot confirm an exact date at this time.
Once we receive approval and can confirm reopening, we will send a follow-up email to our database and issue any updates on our website. Current in-person programming impacted by the closure includes:
- all Aquatics programs (paused/on hold)
- 40-hour Domestic Violence Training (virtual until further notice)
- Youth Leadership Program (paused/on hold)
- YW Culinary (paused/on hold)
- Spanish-language Basic Money Management workshop scheduled for 6 PM on Tuesday, 10/15 (to be rescheduled)
Health Concerns
If you or someone in your household were recently diagnosed with pneumonia or experienced pneumonia-like symptoms and you were at YWCA Evanston/North Shore within the two weeks before your symptoms started, we encourage you to contact the City of Evanston’s Health and Human Services Department at health@cityofevanston.org or 847-448-4311 for guidance. Steps involved may include a brief interview over the phone to gather additional information, and a recommendation to seek a urine antigen test provided by a physician which can detect Legionella in some cases for days or weeks after treatment for pneumonia.
Next Steps
We understand that trust and transparency are crucial in situations like this, and we will continue to prioritize open communication as we move forward. As a reminder, all information including updates and resources can be found on our website at https://bit.ly/ywensmitigation.
Thank you for your patience and trust in YWCA Evanston/North Shore as we work to ensure a safe and welcoming environment for all. This upholds our values and carries out our mission to eliminate racism, empower women, and promote peace, justice, freedom, and dignity for all.
Warm regards,
YWCA Evanston/North Shore
For general questions or concerns, please contact us at info@ywca-ens.org or call (847) 864-8445. Responses to emails and voicemails left on our mainline number will be responded to in as timely a manner as possible.
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