Stopping services bad for Kane County

I have serviced Kane County residents for the past six years and it breaks my heart to see that the services could end. The Kane County Health Department has come a long way in the past 17 years with family case management, Women Infants & Children, teen parenting services and HealthWorks of Illinois helping reduce infant mortality rates, domestic violence and depression among the residents in Kane County.

Transitioning clients to an other agency is a huge slap in the face to the residents of Kane County and especially to those who use and depend on the services. The health department clients will tell you, I don't want to go to VNA, I don't want to go to Aunt Martha's. They appreciate the health department and the dedication its employees have shown them.

As a worker in the Kane County Health Department, I know firsthand the vital services we perform for thousands of Kane County citizens. The county board is set to vote on whether to continue these services. If they vote to reduce the critical services provided by the health department to women and children who depend on these services, the health and welfare of the county will be jeopardized.

These services include assisting over 6,000 pregnant women and/or mothers with children one year or younger to obtain services such as doctor referrals and developmental screening for early intervention and prenatal health.

I urge the county board to continue providing these services so that we can truly say that we care for the health and welfare of all the members of our community.

Amy Valle

Oswego