Lake County Digest
Promoting breastfeeding:
The Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center will celebrate and promote breastfeeding this month in conjunction with Gov. Rod Blagojevich's declaration of August 2007 as Breastfeeding Promotion Month in Illinois. The health department's Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children will promote this theme by encouraging moms to initiate breastfeeding during their baby's first hour of life. Early breastfeeding is associated with reduced mortality in the first month of life, as well as increased exclusive breastfeeding and longer duration of breastfeeding. The WIC program will also host a series of breastfeeding celebration teas to raise awareness that breast milk provides nutritional and health advantages that last far beyond infancy; protects the infant against infections and allergies; helps defend against obesity and diabetes; and supports maternal health and infant bonding. The program provides free health screening, referrals, nutrition counseling, health education, breastfeeding support and vouchers for nutritious supplemental foods to eligible Lake County residents. For information, call (847) 377-8420 or visit WIC's Web site at: http://www.co.lake.il.us/health/pcs/wic.asp.
Grant applications sought:
The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County is inviting grant proposals. This is the foundation's first grant-making year. It anticipates awarding nearly $500,000 in grants for programs designed to improve access to quality health care for Lake County's low-income, uninsured and under-served residents. Letters of Inquiry must be postmarked by Aug. 25. The foundation will make grants only to tax-exempt 501(c)(3) organizations that provide direct medical, dental, vision and mental health care; community health education; and post-secondary education that prepares Lake County residents to pursue health-related careers and to work in underserved Lake County communities. Grants will range from $25,000 to $100,000. The Healthcare Foundation of Northern Lake County was incorporated in June 2006. It was created following the sale of St. Therese and Victory Memorial Hospitals in Waukegan to Community Health Systems.
Photography in Gurnee:
Entries from this year's Best of Gurnee photography contest will be on display in village hall's lobby from now through Aug. 20. Visitors may look at the images from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. In addition, a display will be set up at the Gurnee Days festival starting Aug. 10. Village officials said a record 37 entries were received. Categories included Gurnee by Day, Gurnee by Night, Gurnee Landmarks and Gurnee at Work. Officials hope to post the work on Gurnee's Web site. The winners will be revealed at the Aug. 20 village board meeting.