Friday, September 18, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 29
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NEWSLETTER SIGN UP
The COVID-19 Weekly Update will provide current information and resources for DuPage County. We encourage you to share this widely through our community. To subscribe and receive weekly local updates on COVID-19, please fill out this form.
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DuPage County Coroner and Health Department Support Suicide Prevention
Help is Available from Many Sources
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DUPAGE COUNTY—September is National Suicide Prevention Month. All month, mental health advocates, prevention organizations, survivors, allies and community members unite to promote suicide prevention awareness.
In DuPage County, data provided by the DuPage County Health Department (DCHD) indicates rates of suicides have been increasing at an alarming rate over the past several years. In fact, addressing mental health concerns has been listed in the Impact DuPage’s top 3 health priorities for our community. More recently, data provided by DuPage County Coroner, Richard Jorgensen, M.D. indicates the rate of deaths by suicide increasing as the impact of COVID-19 continues. Over the first six months of 2020, there were 54 deaths by suicide, compared to 44 during the same time period in 2019, an increase of 22.7 percent.
“Death by suicide is particularly difficult because it represents the premature end of a life, made worse when occurring in young people, leaving family, friends and the community with grief and unanswered questions,” Dr. Jorgensen said.
An evaluation of each case of death by suicide revealed the deceased person had a history of mental health issues, depression, personal, financial or marital problems, as well as previous drug dependence or rehabilitation, were divorced, never married or living alone, Dr. Jorgensen reported.
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, DCHD’s Crisis Services is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at (630) 627-1700. Visit https://www.dupagehealth.org/183/Crisis-Services for more information.
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Giving DuPage Hosts Countywide
Blood-Drive
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Every two seconds someone in the U.S. needs blood. It is essential for surgeries, cancer treatment, chronic illnesses, and traumatic injuries. Whether a patient receives whole blood, red cells, platelets or plasma, this lifesaving care starts with one person making a generous donation.
Giving DuPage, together with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois, is hosting an eight-day countywide blood drive. The blood drives will be hosted from Sunday, September 20 through Sunday, September 27. All donor safety precautions will be followed and the COVID-19 Antibody Test will be performed on all blood donations as part of Versiti's standard testing!
Their goal is to collect 500 units of live-saving blood during this countywide event. Schedule an appointment to participate. Click here and type in 'Giving DuPage' as the sponsor to find the list of locations available and to make your reservation.
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COVID-19 ADDITIONAL RESOURCES |
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Temporary COVID-19 Testing Site
Hanover Park
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The State of Illinois is sponsoring a temporary COVID-19 Mobile Test Site at Evangel Church in Hanover Park.
When: Wednesday, September 30 through Thursday, October 1 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Where: 5700 Bartels Road, Hanover Park, IL.
Additional information:
- Simple nasal swabs will be used.
- You will be called with results within 4-7 days.
- No cost for testing.
- Bring your insurance card, but you can still be tested if you don’t have insurance.
- Anyone can get tested! You don’t have to have symptoms or be sick.
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DuPage County
Drive-Thru COVID-19 Testing Site
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DuPage County is offering community-based COVID-19 drive-thru testing at the DuPage County Complex. The entrance is located on County Farm Road a few blocks North of Roosevelt Road at a stoplight. Follow the signs through the campus to the test site.
The testing site is open Monday through Friday from 7 am until noon or until the daily test capacity of 600 is reached.No appointment, symptoms or insurance is required.
For more information about the testing site or what to expect, please click here.
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Pillars Community Health
COVID-19 Testing in Willowbrook
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Pillars Community Health offers drive-up testing for COVID-19 across the street from Burr Ridge Middle School in Burr Ridge.
Limited tests available; appointment required; please call 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) .
Testing is available on Tuesdays 9 am-Noon and Thursdays from 9 am-1 pm to
anyone with symptoms of COVID-19; or anyone with a known exposure to COVID-19 (have been in contact with someone who tested positive for COVID-19); or asymptomatic, high-risk patients, first responders, health care workers, or essential workers who wish to be tested.
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VNA Health Care COVID-19 Testing
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VNA Health Care offers COVID-19 testing by appointment only to new and existing patients with or without symptoms.
Community mobile testing clinics are also available in Bensenville and West Chicago through VNA Health Care.
VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Alexis Catholic Church
400 W Wood Ave, Bensenville, IL, 60106
VNA Mobile Clinic at St. Andrew's Church
155 N Prince Crossing Rd, West Chicago, IL, 60185
To schedule an appointment, call (630) 892-4355 or (847) 717-6455.
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Illinois COVID-19 Hotline and Email Address
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If you have questions about Coronavirus - Call the Illinois Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) Hotline:
Both are available anytime, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
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Friday, September 18, 2020 ● Volume 1, Issue 29
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