• Home
• Government
• Departments
• Health Department

Hot Topics    

Reach Higher...Dream Bigger!
Getting your High School Equivalency is the key to achieving your full earning potential. The GoodGRADS program will help you realize your dreams. Please see flyer to learn how.

Community Garden Tour Day
On Saturday, September 11, 2021 the one-day Community Garden Tour offers a chance for everyone to learn more about the community gardens in the area and how they work. Each one is different. Stop by one or stop by all four. See flyer for details.

Goodwill Grads GED Program

Goodwill Industries of Northern Illinois is offering GoodGrads GED program to Boone County residents! Classes start in September and space is limited, so register today! To register call (815) 965-3795 or visit: www.goodwillni.org/educational-programs.

Summer Food Program
Beginning June 14th, box lunches will be available at the Boone County Health Department from 11 AM – 12 PM on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Fridays. The summer food program will be available through August 20th.  Lunches are free for children over 1 year and up to 18 years of age.   We are very excited to again be a part of this wonderful effort to provide a fresh, nutritious lunch for children over summer break.  Please also see this link to view other site locations and details.

Well & Septic
The general goal of the Private Water Program is to protect the public health by assuring private water wells and pumps are installed to provide safe drinking water through the administration and enforcement of the Water Well and Pump Installation Contractor’s Licensing Act, Water Well Construction Code Law, and the Water Well Pump Installation Code Law. 
Learn More



Food Permits & Sanitation
In Boone County, a food permit is required when any business establishment or organization, public or private, provides food prepared or sold at retail, for human consumption whether on or off the premises. 
Learn More




West Nile Virus Season Has Begun
West Nile Virus (WNV) is spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes become infected when they feed on infected birds. Mosquitoes can then spread the virus to humans and other animals. To track the presence of WNV, the Boone County Health Department is asking residents to call our office at 815-544-2951, Ext. 2 if they find a dead bird on their property. Then, we can determine if it needs to be sent for testing. To reduce mosquitoes, eliminate all standing water and debris. Learn More here.

Medication Disposal Site In Poplar Grove
In an effort to keep prescription medications from being abused, and to stop accidental poisonings, addiction, and water pollution, the Boone County Drug Prevention Coalition is pleased to announce  another permanent location for Boone County residents to dispose of prescription medications. In addition to the Public Safety Building, at 615 North Main St in Belvidere, you may now drop off unused medications at the Candlewick Lake Administration Building at 13400 Hwy. 76, Poplar Grove, IL 61065. Please click here for details.

Lead Poisoning in children is serious....and preventable.
The Boone County Health Department has a grant program in place for Boone County residents that help identify and correct lead paint hazards in homes.  Please see our link to the left entitled "Environmental & Regulatory Services" for facts on lead, to see if you qualify, and to find out how to apply.

Programs & Services
Please see our brochure for a brief description of our Programs & Services.

Our Mission
The mission of the Boone County Health Department is to serve our community by preventing the spread of disease, promoting optimal wellness & protecting the public's health.

Our Vision
The vision of the Boone County Health Department will guide & inspire the community to enjoy a high quality of life by:

• Redefining the role of public health delivery 
• Creating a culture of health 
• Advancing health equity 
• Building strong community engagement & collaboration
• Attaining national Public Health Accreditation 

Values Statement
We build a culture of excellence through integrity, respect, collaboration, innovation, and responsiveness.  The five pillars are as follows:

• Integrity - We strive to build the public's trust by maintaining the highest standards of accountability, consistency, and transparency.
• Respect - We approach all people with compassion and dignity, recognizing the importance of diversity, so that we may enrich the well-being of everyone.
• Collaboration - We actively engage in partnerships to improve health and support a strong public health system.
• Innovation - We creatively apply information and research to be a revolutionary leader in public health.
• Responsiveness - We ensure our work is efficient, timely and responsive to the public's needs, values and priorities.

History 
In 1966, the Boone County Health Council, which was introduced in 1937, was dissolved and the Boone County Health Department (BCHD) was established by resolution. In 1985, Boone county voters passed a referendum allowing the county to levy a tax in support of public health. The department has since met the criteria necessary to be designated as a certified public health department by the Illinois Department of Public Health.


Boone County Board of Health
A volunteer, 11-member Board of Health is appointed by the county board chairman and approved by the county board. Illinois state statute requires the board include: two physicians, a dentist, a county board representative, and interested community members. These volunteers serve 3-year terms and represent the community at large. The Board of Health governs health department operational issues such as the annual budget and the development of policy and procedures.  For Board of Health meeting dates, minutes, and agendas, 

---