Thanks in part to a $9,500 DeKalb County COVID-19 Response Grant received in April 2020, the DeKalb County Health Department continues to provide a safe and operational healthcare facility.

PPE collection and distribution (supplies from various sources)

Over the last few months, PPE and other safety equipment have become a hot item and at times, difficult to get a hold of. With recent funding received, the Health Department was able to secure a great deal of this needed equipment for their healthcare facilities. Cleaning supplies and PPE was purchased and delivered to seven of the long-term care facilities and two community agencies. Many of the items are on back order due to high demand so as they are received, they are distributed. PPE and cleaning supplies were also delivered to the Safe Passage and Hope Haven homeless shelter, both located in DeKalb.

In addition, safety barriers were installed in the seven Health Department locations. These barriers help with physical safety precaution and mental health safety for clients and staff. The barriers allow staff to continue in providing essential services to clients. Other items purchased include signs to allow for drive through services for Immunizations and WIC departments.

Ongoing needs for the Health Department include masks, hand sanitizer, and cleaning products. Their hope is to secure enough of these items that they are able to distribute them to local food pantries throughout DeKalb County.

The DeKalb County Health Department, located in DeKalb, IL, lives by their mission to promote optimal health for all county residents. Health promotion includes preventative health services, health protection services and health education.

Photo above: Safety barriers were installed in areas where client contact is frequent

Thank you to the many donors whose gifts make grants like these possible! And thank you to the Illinois COVID-19 Response Fund for the multiple grants that boosted the amount we were able to give in response to local needs. 

Funding for this grant program is made possible by the DeKalb County COVID-19 Response Fund, a new component pass through Fund created in collaboration with various local funding partners. The Fund’s purpose is to be a depository for contributions intended to respond to the effects of COVID-19 in DeKalb County by distributing grants that address preparedness, response, recovery, and/or rebuilding efforts.