Community Health Services

Health is a state of complete well being, physical, mental, social and emotional.

Community Health is protecting, improving and maintaining the health of people through organized community efforts.  Good health is the prevention of disease, prolonging life and promoting physical health efficiently.

The Community Health Nurse incorporates into practice the knowledge of biological, psychological and social service; as well as, clinical nursing care in the community.  Community Health Nursing  provides nursing care that incorporates health promotion and disease prevention; works with groups, families and individuals who have increased risk of illness, disability, or premature death; exhibits concern for those who do not present themselves for care through case finding; makes referrals to other agencies in order to ensure comprehensive health and welfare services needed to support healthcare; and works with and through community leaders, health related groups and relevant social action programs to advocate and develop programs of health promotion and disease prevention.

The City of Des Plaines Community Health Nurse works in the home, parochial schools, and within the community.  The agency programs that establish goals are: communicable disease control, maternal and child health, and disease and disability.

Some of these programs include:

• Consultation/referral services for health related issues in the private schools of Des Plaines (day care, nursery/pre-schools, kindergarten, and elementary), including hearing and vision screening, and pediculosis evaluations.

• Teaching residents regarding health care.

• Clinic for screening blood pressures, and total cholesterol in the Civic Center of Des Plaines (first Thursday) is available to Des Plaines residents by appointment only.

• Blood Pressure screening service at the Frisbie Senior Center (second and fourth Tuesday), Self-Help Closet and Pantry (second Tuesday), Library (3rd Tuesday, 10:00 - 11:00 am), and Prairie Lakes (2nd Tuesday).

• Wellness checks and home visits for those not covered by insurance.

• Special Services include: TB skin test.

• Library Programs include: Babysitting Course-Childcare/Development/Nutrition, Heart/Blood Pressure Assessment.

• Reference and referral to local community health programs and services.

• Access to Care application assistance.

Madeline May, R.N.
Community Health Nurse
Health and Human Services Division
City of Des Plaines
847-391-5480