4th Installment Features ……
info from Peoria City/County Health Dept. and Peoria County
[Editor’s Note: The Community Word offers this column to various agencies and governmental organizations in an effort to inform the public just what it is that they do for our Peoria-area community. Again, this month we are proud to present two contributors!]
Peoria City/County Health Department Celebrates National Public Health Week
Since 1995, communities across the country have celebrated the first full week of April as National Public Health Week. This year during April 2-8, 2012, the Peoria City/County Health Department will celebrate the contributions of public health and highlight issues that are important to improving the health of the community.
“Public health departments contribute to health by protecting the water we drink, the food we eat, and providing health protection through immunizations,” says Greg Chance, Public Health Administrator for Peoria City/County Health Department. “Additionally, it is the local health department that serves as the sentinel to ensure that infectious diseases do not gain a foothold in our community.”
Chance states, “The health of a community depends on many different factors, including quality of health care, individual behavior, education and jobs, and the environment. The Peoria County Community Health Improvement Plan 2011 identifies three priority community health challenges that must be addressed to improve public health in Peoria County – obesity, oral health, and reproductive health. The Plan outlines suggested community-based health improvement programs and services to address these public health challenges. However, the Community Health Improvement Plan emphasizes that Peoria County will not make significant public health improvements unless allPeoria County residents get involved in creating a healthier community.”
“The community health system includes everyone who has a responsibility to promote good health in our communities,” Chance adds. “If just one neighborhood enhances the ability for local residents to exercise more, one employer launches an exercise program, or one group of people join together to bring fresh fruit to schools, we can create a group of community health successes. Celebrate public health success and commit to health improvement during National Public Health Week and all year long as we work together. A healthier Peoria County begins today, join the movement.”
For more information about Peoria City/County Health Department and public health issues, visit our website at www.pcchd.org or “Like” us on Facebook.
Peoria County Seeks Civic-Minded Individuals to Serve as Election Judges
The recent General Primary Election brought attention to the need for more election judges. Peoria County joins other local municipalities in its search for civic-minded individuals to serve as election judges. Election judges respect and understand the importance of administering an election. They experience the excitement and energy of Election Day and share their enthusiasm of the electoral process with the voters at their precinct. Election judges play a critical role in the democratic process by ensuring all registered voters have an opportunity to cast their ballot on Election Day.
In addition to election judges, Peoria County also has tech judges. Tech judges are responsible for making sure the electronic voting equipment is set up properly. These judges are also able to trouble shoot equipment problems that may arise on Election Day. Both election judges and tech judges receive training in advance of an election: four hours for election judges, more for tech judges. On Election Day, election judges earn $155 and tech judges earn $230. Judges can earn more for additional responsibilities, such as picking up election supplies, delivering ballots after the polls close, and working during early voting.
Election judges must be 18 years or older, a U.S. Citizen, and registered to vote. Judges are approved by their affiliated party chair, the process for which is handled by the County Clerk’s Office. On Election Day, judges arrive at their assigned polling at 5:00 a.m. to set up for polls to open 6:00 a.m.
Peoria County residents interested in serving as an election judge are encouraged to call the Peoria County Clerk’s Office at 672-6070; others are encouraged to call their local municipality.