The Will County Public Health & Safety Committee on Thursday, October 2, 2025, heard a mix of alarming and encouraging public health news, as officials reported a dramatic 50% drop in opioid overdose deaths but a simultaneous sharp increase in suicides. The contrasting data was a central focus of the meeting, with officials crediting the county’s Narcan distribution for the overdose reduction while expressing deep concern over the rising suicide rate. For more information, see the full story on these trends.

In other major business, the committee heard from the Will County Sheriff’s Office on the impact of the state’s Safety Act. A deputy chief reported that overall crime has decreased by nearly 10%, but the department faces significant logistical challenges in redacting body camera footage for public records requests. A key benefit has been a lower jail population, which has reduced overtime costs. Details on the report are available in a separate article.

The committee also received a preliminary look at proposed updates to the county’s Onsite Wastewater Treatment Ordinance, which includes the first fee increases since 2016. A formal public hearing on the matter is scheduled for next month. A planned presentation on the new “Will County CARES” mental health initiative was postponed.

Animal Control Concerns in Eastern Will County
Committee Chairman Daniel J. Butler stated that he is continuing to discuss animal control issues with municipalities in his district. He noted that four of the five municipalities in District 3, which includes Crete and Monee, have approached him with concerns about having nowhere to take stray or surrendered animals. The topic will remain on the committee’s agenda for future discussion.

West Nile Virus Cases Rise in Warm Autumn
Elizabeth Bilotta of the Will County Health Department reported that six human cases of West Nile Virus have been confirmed in Will County this year, part of 101 cases statewide. She attributed the continued presence of the virus to the warm weather extending into the fall and reminded residents to wear long sleeves and use repellent, especially in the evening.

Health Department Unaffected by Potential Federal Shutdown
The Will County Health Department does not anticipate a significant impact from a federal government shutdown, according to Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta. She explained that because healthcare services are considered essential, payments from Medicaid, Medicare, and grants are expected to continue. However, she cautioned that a prolonged shutdown could lead to delays in cash flow and reimbursements for the department.

Sunny Hill Nursing Home Announces Holiday Bazaar
Sunny Hill Nursing Home Administrator Maggie McDowell announced the facility’s annual Holiday Gift Bazaar, BBQ Lunch, and Bake Sale will be held on Friday, October 24, from 10 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. The event, organized by the Friends of Sunny Hill, is one of the nursing home’s largest fundraisers, with all proceeds supporting resident needs and activities.

Health Department Details Recent Outbreak Investigations
The Health Department’s Communicable Disease division has been actively investigating several recent public health situations, according to a report from Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta. The department collaborated with state and Cook County officials on a Legionella case linked to a warehouse in Will County. It also assisted the Wyoming Department of Health in a potential rabies exposure investigation involving bats at Grand Teton National Park, which ultimately determined two Will County residents had not been exposed.