The mission of the Iroquois County Public Health Department is to fulfill society’s interest in assuring conditions in which people can reach their maximum health potential.
1001 East Grant Street, Watseka, IL 60970
Press Releases
January is National Radon Action Month
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has designated January 2026 as National Radon Action Month. The purpose of this designation is to remind residents of Iroquois County of the serious danger that radon gas poses to us in our homes.
It is estimated that radon causes about 21,000 lung cancer deaths annually in the United States. Approximately 2,900 of these deaths occur among people who have never smoked. The U.S. Surgeon General warns that radon is the second leading cause of lung cancer after cigarette smoking and the number one cause of lung cancer in non-smokers.
Radon is a natural radioactive gas that is released in rock, soil, and water from the natural decay of uranium. One of the problems with radon is that it is colorless, odorless, and tasteless. The only way to tell if you have radon gas in your home is to test for it with a test kit. Mitigation is highly recommended with test results of 4 pCi/L or above. If your test results are at 2 pCi/L you should consider consulting with a mitigation professional.
Assessing the radon in your home:
2pCi/L is the same as smoking 4 cigarettes per day or having 100 chest X-rays per year
4pCi/L is the same as smoking 8 cigarettes per day or having 200 chest X-rays per year
10pCi/L is like smoking more than a pack a day
Free test kits are available at the Iroquois County Public Health Department.
Using the test kit is easy and free, just follow the directions provided with the test kit.
For further questions and concerns, please contact Kate Mueller, Director of Environmental Health at 815-432-2483 or kmueller@co.iroquois.il.us
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by:Tyler R. - 01/15/2026
The Champaign Region of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announces new Regional Public Health Emergency Preparedness (PHEP) Public Information Officer
The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD) is pleased to announce that Watseka resident and ICPHD Public Health Emergency Preparedness Director, Scott Anderson, has been selected as the Champaign Region PHEP Public Information Officer.
​​A Public Information Officer (PIO) is responsible for disseminating information to the public, primarily through media outlets, and managing communication for an organization or agency. They act as a liaison between the organization and the public, ensuring transparency and accurate information flow, especially during emergencies or crises.
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Scott has a lengthy background in both emergency services as well as working within the media. “I started with the fire service in 1985, about the same time I began working on my days off from the fire department with the media as a photographer and occasionally as a writer,” said Anderson, “those years of working both roles provide me with a distinct advantage over most when it comes to the job of a PIO. I look forward to sharing my years of knowledge with those in my Region that may not feel as comfortable holding a PIO position.”
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Robin Allen, Public Health Administrator for ICPHD, praised the selection. “We are thrilled that Scott has been chosen for this important position within our region. His excellent communication, professionalism, and extensive media background make him exceptionally well-suited to strengthen regional public health messaging and outreach.”
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“I plan to provide all those that hold a PIO position within the Region with the tools necessary to complete different levels of training, depending on their individual and departmental needs,” Anderson commented, “I will assist everyone in learning how to write and disseminate a proper press release, interacting with the public through social media outlets, and feeling comfortable when holding a press conference. All these tasks can be daunting to anyone that has not been given proper direction. By following some simple advice, this guidance should build their confidence allowing them to become more self-assured in their PIO role.”
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Mr. Anderson will immediately take over the Regional PIO position.
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by:Tyler R. - 07/31/2025
Local Pediatrician Named as New ICPHD Medical Director
The Iroquois County Public Health Department is pleased to announce the appointment of Dr. Meena Purohit as Medical Director. Dr. Purohit is a local pediatrician with over 10 years of experience providing quality care for countless children at Carle Health in Watseka, where she will continue to practice while serving as Medical Director for ICPHD.
​​​In her role as Medical Director, Dr. Purohit will provide clinical guidance and oversight to the Public Health nursing staff.
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“We are thrilled to have Dr. Meena Purohit join our team as Medical Director,” said ICPHD Administrator Robin Allen. “Her commitment to our community is evident in all she does, and her involvement with the Public Health Department will undoubtedly bring lasting benefits to Iroquois County.”
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For more information, please visit the ICPHD website or contact the Iroquois County Public Health Department directly at 815-432-2483 or email icphd@co.iroquois.il.us.
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About the Iroquois County Public Health Department:
The Iroquois County Public Health Department is committed to improving the health of its residents through education, prevention, and intervention strategies. The department works collaboratively with community partners to promote a healthy and thriving Iroquois County.
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by:Tyler R. - 07/22/2025
County Board Member, Donna Crow (left), honors the work of Robin Allen (right) and her team.
Iroquois County Public Health Department’s Comprehensive Health Plan Approved for the Next Five Years.
The Iroquois County Public Health Department (ICPHD) is excited to announce the successful approval of their final Illinois Project for Local Assessment of Needs (IPLAN). The report, submitted on January 10, 2025, outlines a comprehensive five-year health improvement plan aimed at addressing the primary health concerns of Iroquois County residents.
The IPLAN, which sets forth key health goals, serves as a roadmap for enhancing the health and well-being of Iroquois County's population. Certification of this plan is essential for the ICPHD to be eligible for specific grant opportunities from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
On February 25, 2025, ICPHD received formal notification of the state’s approval of their submitted plan. The final report is now available for the public to view online at iroquoiscountyil.gov/offices/health-department, under the “What is IPLAN” tab. In addition, a more user-friendly version of the report is also available on the same webpage to ensure accessibility to all members of the community.
The Iroquois County Public Health Department extends sincere thanks to the local healthcare agencies, community leaders, and county officials whose collaboration and support were instrumental throughout the process. Special appreciation is also extended to the community members who provided valuable input through surveys and feedback comments. Their collective efforts have helped shape a plan that will guide the county towards improved health outcomes for the next five years and beyond.
For more information, please visit the ICPHD website or contact the Iroquois County Public Health Department directly at 815-432-2483 or email icphd@co.iroquois.il.us.
The Iroquois County Public Health Department is committed to improving the health of its residents through education, prevention, and intervention strategies. The department works collaboratively with community partners to promote a healthy and thriving Iroquois County.
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by:Tyler R. - 03/19/2025
ICPHD Finance Committee Meeting Change
The Iroquois County Board of Health has approved a change to their Board of Health Finance Committee meeting schedule. On Wednesday, March 5th, 2025, the Board of Health approved the proposition to change their Finance Committee meetings to 4:30pm instead of 5:00pm. This change will affect all Board of Health Finance Committee Meetings until further notice.
Mark your calendars!
The next scheduled Board of Health Finance Committee Meeting is set for 4:30pm on Wednesday, April 2nd, 2025. This meeting will take place in Room 115A located at 1001 East Grant Street in Watseka, IL. Any and all members of the public are welcome to attend.
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