Quick FAQ

• ENVIRONMENTAL
• FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS
• IMMUNIZATIONS
• LEAD
• TEEN PARENT SERVICES
• WIC

ENVIRONMENTAL

I’m building a house in an area of the county not served by public sewers.  What should I do?

Call the Health Department for a list of licensed septic contractors. The contractor must submit a plan review for the proposed septic, when approved and permit fee is paid, the contractor must give the health department a 48 hour notice prior to beginning construction.

What should I do if my next door neighbor has sewage from his private sewage disposal system standing in his yard?

Call the Health Department to file a nuisance complaint.

 I live in the country and my neighbor has unsightly trash and bags of garbage piled on his property. What can I do about it?

You may want to call the ordinance officer of the township you are in. If none, you may call the health department to file a nuisance complaint.

I’m renting an apartment and I have no heat, and I have mentioned this to my landlord and he still hasn’t replied?

Contact Land of Lincoln Legal Services; 1-800-642-5335.

 I’m building a house in an area of the county not served by public water supply. What should I do?

Call the Health Department to get a list of licensed water well drillers that have performed work in Crawford County. The contractor must submit a plan review for the proposed water well, when approved and the permit fee is paid, the contractor must give a 48 hour notice prior to beginning construction of the water well.

 We have a well that serves as our water supply. How do we know if the water is safe to drink?

The Health Department will collect water samples to be tested for coliform and nitrates. We can come to your home and collect the sample, or you may come to the environmental health office and pick up the sample bottles and instructions for collecting the samples, you may then collect the sample and mail it to the specified lab with the appropriate fee. For samples collected by the Health Department, a fee may be charged.

 I have an abandoned well on my property. What should I do with it?

In Illinois, abandoned water wells are required to be sealed. They are a safety hazard to both humans and animals. Abandoned wells can also contaminate the ground water and other water wells that are in the vicinity. Contact the Health Department for more information on the proper procedures to seal your well.

FOOD ESTABLISHMENTS

What should I do if a family member gets sick after eating at a restaurant?

Make a note of what you and the other members of the party ate. If carry out, keep a sample of the food. Get medical attention, stool/vomitus cultures. Call the Health Department right away at 544-8798.

Which area restaurants are the most sanitary?

Refer to The Robinson Daily News. The food scores are published monthly. Food scores for the past twelve months are also available on our website: Crawford Co. Food Scores .

Should food service employees always wear gloves when handling food products? 

Thorough hand washing after each possible contamination or change in process is required. If wearing gloves, they must be changed, accompanied by hand washing after each possible contamination or change in process. The Crawford County Food Sanitation Ordinance requires food service employees to use gloves when preparing ready-to-eat foods in most situations.

If I notice that a food service employee isn’t wearing gloves and is preparing my food how do I approach them?

You could ask that they wash their hands or wear gloves and then you could notify the Health Department.

IMMUNIZATIONS

Do I need a Hep B vaccine, I am 25 years old and starting to work at the deli at the grocery store?

The Hep B vaccination series is encouraged for everyone.

As a teen, what immunizations do I need?

In the past, teens frequently got a tetanus booster just before entering the 9th grade to meet school requirements. However, the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices now recommends a booster dose of Tdap between 11 and 18 years of age. Tdap protects against diphtheria and pertussis (whooping cough) as well as tetanus.

Vaccination against Human Papillomavirus (HPV) is recommended for females age 9-26. This involves a series of three shots given over a six-month period.

Meningococcal vaccination is recommended for children 11-12 years of age, teens entering high school, and college freshman. Only one dose of this vaccine is needed.

Where and when can I get immunizations for my children?

Crawford County Health Department provides Monday morning walk-ins from 8-11 a.m. and no appointment is needed, however, you can always call the Health Department to make an appointment at 544-8798.

What immunizations do I need for foreign travel?

It would depend on where, when and how long you would be traveling.

What immunizations do I need as an adult?

As an adult you will need a tetanus shot every 10 years.

Who needs a flu shot?

Everyone over the age of 6 months is qualified for a flu shot. Flu shots are very important for anyone at increased risk of complications from having the flu and from those who have contact with high-risk individuals.

LEAD

My house was built prior to 1950.  Are my children in danger of getting lead poisoning?

Yes, they are at risk for lead poisoning.

 At what age should my child be screened for lead?

Children between the ages of 1-3 should be tested for lead. Children in pre-school or a licensed day care ages 6 months through the 6^th year should also be screened.

 How do I get my house tested for lead paint?

Lead investigators can perform screenings with special tools to detect lead. Some hardware stores have articles to test with too.

TEEN PARENT SERVICES

What should I do if I think I might be pregnant?

If you think you might be pregnant, call the Health Department at 544-8798 and we will make you an appointment to come in and take a pregnancy test. If the pregnancy test comes back positive and you are income eligible we can sign you up for WIC. 

 WIC

If I can’t pay for medical care, what do I do?

Contact the Public Aid office at 544-3151; 1110 North Allen Street, Robinson or call 544-8798 for an appointment to apply for KidCare.

 Where can I go for diapers, a baby bed, clothes, food or a car seat?

Food Pantry

Otterbein Methodist Church

602 E. Pine St.

Robinson, IL 62454

618-544-2417

The Clothing Center

10437 N. State Hwy 1

Robinson, IL 62454

618-544-7644

For the car seat, Red Cross at 812-882-2204 from 8:00 a.m.- 4:00 p.m. and there is a small fee.

Can I get assistance on paying a power bill?

Embarras River Basin at 544-8780

How can I get free nutritious food for my children?

If you qualify for the WIC program you can receive coupons for cheese, milk, eggs, cereal, juice and peanut butter or dried beans.

How do my children qualify for the WIC program?

If your children are under the age of 5, have a nutritional risk, and you are income eligible, you would most likely qualify for WIC.

Where can I get information about feeding my children?

You can acquire information about this topic by contacting the Health Department at 544-8798. 

I have a sick child. Can I bring him in soon?

No, please do not bring a sick, contagious child to the Health Department.

When does my child need a regular check-up?

Depending on the age, but make an appointment upon leaving the hospital after birth and follow the recommendations by your doctor. Usually it will be 2, 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18 and, 24 months then yearly after that.

 How can I find out if my baby might have sickle cell?

This would be a blood test ordered by the doctor.

Where can I find information about a birth defect?

You can call the Health Department, March of Dimes, or do research by using the library or internet.

How can I get information on providing a good diet for a child with lead poisoning?

Call the Health Department at 544-8798 or ask your doctor for information on this topic.

Where can I get breastfeeding information, support, and education?

The Health Department, hospital, internet, and library is where you could find information and now Crawford County has 3 lactation counselors in the community.

I want to try to breast feed, but will I be able to do it?

There are only a very small percentage of women who cannot breastfeed. Sometimes this is may be due to medications or a physical complication.

Can I breast feed and go to school/work too?

Yes, pumping and storing of mothers’ milk is the key. Illinois law requires employers to provide a space for this.

How do I know if my breastfeeding baby is eating enough?

Usually a breastfeeding baby wets 6-8 diapers a day, stool color is yellow with a cottage cheese type consistency, and weight gain. If your baby is happy between feedings he or she is probably getting enough to eat.

How do I know if what I am doing with my infant is right?

Consult with your doctor, but if your baby is happy, growing, and healthy you are doing a great job. Just remember, doctor routine check-ups are essential.

My baby won’t stop crying.  What should I do?

The following are a few things you should check: check diaper; when was last feeding? Is the baby hot or cold? It could also be a possible stomach ache.   If you have changed the diaper, offered nutrition, and provided comfort to the baby; consult your physician.

My child is not crawling yet.  Should I worry?

Crawling usually takes place around 8-10 months. Some babies never crawl but do other forms of getting around. Consult your physician if you are concerned.

 What is the best way and age to potty train?

There is no certain age for potty training. A child should show readiness when the time is right. Remember to take your child to the bathroom routinely to help train them. If they become frustrated, back off for awhile. This is one task that the child should have control over.

My child keeps getting into things he shouldn’t.  What should I do?

Some things are dangerous and should be removed. Kids need to be disciplined and taught what they can and cannot get into. Remove the child from the situation. Sometimes play pens work well.

Where can I get help for my high risk pregnancy?

Start with your family practitioner and ask for a referral. Hospitals have advertisements related to this information. You could also try the internet, family, and friends.

My child was high risk at birth.  Where can I go for further help or education?

The hospital of delivery is an excellent source of education. Family practitioners,  insurance companies, libraries, health departments, and the internet are all great sources of information.

What services are available for me and my baby?

WIC, Family Care Management, Immunizations, Breast pumps for breastfeeding moms

Where can I get medical care for my children?

Your physician’s office will be able to provide medical care for your child and immunizations can be taken care of here at Crawford County Health Department 

Do I qualify for the WIC program while I am pregnant?

Yes you probably qualify for the WIC program if you meet the nutritional risk and income guidelines.