IDPH | Illinois Department of Public Health

Homelessness shortens lives, but it doesn’t have to.

Read the Illinois Homelessness Morbidity & Mortality Report (2017–2023) and help push for solutions that treat housing as essential to health.
📰 Read more: dph.illinois.gov/resource-cen...

IDPH is using this data to guide action - including improving identification in health systems, expanding warming center access, strengthening provider engagement, and exploring new prevention strategies.

Data → policy → impact.

The report is clear:
Early access to health care, mental health services, and stable housing reduces hospitalizations and saves lives.

These deaths occurred across every region of Illinois - urban, suburban, and rural.

Among those who died were veterans and former public servants.
This crisis touches communities statewide.

While many deaths were linked to chronic conditions, people experiencing homelessness were far more likely to die from:
👉 Drug overdoses
👉 Traumatic injuries
👉 Extreme cold
👉 Homicide (nearly 3x higher)

Housing is health care.

The data shows a massive burden on emergency care:
More than 75,000 people experiencing homelessness accounted for 1.8 million hospital visits in just seven years.

From 2017–2023, people experiencing homelessness died at an average age of 55.5, compared to 74.2 for housed Illinoisans.

That’s decades of life lost. And it’s preventable.

People experiencing homelessness are dying nearly 20 years too soon in Illinois.

A new IDPH report shows stark disparities in health outcomes - and makes it clear that homelessness is a public health crisis, not a personal failure. 🧵

Other (healthier) "social lubricants" besides alcohol:
➡️ Laughing with friends
➡️ Good music
➡️ Compliments
➡️ Shared snacks

Getting Around Illinois 

Plows are still working. Roads are still snowy. Your destination will still be there. Check conditions first: gettingaroundillinois.com

Stay weather-aware by following trusted sources like the National Weather Service and your local emergency management or health department. Forecasts can change quickly. Stay warm, Illinois. 💙

Plans this weekend? Build in extra time and be flexible. Extreme cold can impact travel, vehicles, and outdoor events.

Check on people who may need extra support:
👵 Older adults
👶 Young children
🏡 Neighbors who live alone
🐾 Don’t forget pets!

What you can do now:
🧥 Dress in warm layers
🧤 Cover exposed skin (hat, gloves, scarf)
🚗 Keep an emergency kit in your car
🏠 Limit time outdoors when possible

Wind chills are expected to bottom out between -10° and -30° Friday and Saturday in some parts of the state. That’s frostbite-in-minutes territory.

not to be dramatic, but the weather this weekend is going to be no joke 🥶
here's what you should know 👇

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media The latest on the rise of winter respiratory diseases in Illinois

An official from @idph.bsky.social discusses what causes a more severe year for respiratory diseases, and how we can keep ourselves safe.

🚨 RECALL ALERT: Live it Up Super Greens powders (original & wild berry) exp. 8/2026-1/2028 linked to a multistate Salmonella outbreak including Illinois.

Do not consume - throw away or return. If you have symptoms, contact your provider. Read more: www.fda.gov/food/outbrea...

Supporting small businesses is great.
Supporting unlicensed kitchens you can't verify is less great.

Before you buy food online:
✅ Ask to see a food permit or registration
✅ If you're unsure, check with your local health department

Doing things we don’t enjoy 🤝 taking care of future us

Cervical cancer can show up without symptoms.
Pap tests help catch it early.
You’ve got this.

YouTube video by Illinois Public Media Is Illinois’ drinking culture evolving?

Last month, @idph.bsky.social put out a comprehensive report on alcohol use in Illinois.

Can we all agree to be adults about this?
Cover your coughs and sneezes. A tissue is best. An elbow will work. Just not into your hands or the open air. Wash your hands after.

We’ll keep sharing clear, transparent guidance you can trust. 💙

🔗Learn more: dph.illinois.gov/topics-servi...

💭"This announcement has no bearing on Illinois’ childhood vaccine recommendations, which is based on up-to-date scientific evidence. Illinois will continue to promote the well-being of Illinoisans by issuing recommendations based on the full weight of scientific evidence.” - Dr. Vohra, IDPH Director

✔️ The science hasn’t changed. The evidence continues to support the full childhood vaccine schedule.
✔️ Illinois guidance hasn’t changed. Our recommendations remain evidence-based and focused on protecting kids - especially during very high flu activity.

✔️ Access hasn’t changed. Families can still get the full range of childhood vaccines recommended by pediatric and family medicine experts.
✔️ No out-of-pocket cost. These vaccines remain covered by private insurance, Medicaid, and the Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.

Illinois’ childhood vaccine guidance is based on the best available scientific evidence - and that hasn’t changed. These recommendations are still covered and continue to protect kids from serious illness, especially as flu activity remains very high.

just a friendly reminder🗺️📌

Here’s what families in Illinois should know: our childhood vaccine recommendations have not changed.

Bottom line:
These laws are about prevention, access, equity, and dignity - and they shape how public health shows up in everyday life across Illinois.
➡️ Follow for updates that matter
🔁 Share this thread with someone who should know

Medical Aid in Dying (SB 1950 - effective Sept 2026)
Eligible terminally ill patients may request end-of-life medication under strict medical guidelines.
Important note:
📝 Required reporting to IDPH is confidential
🔐 Information is legally protected
🤝 Focused on patient choice and dignity