School Health

The Cook County Department of Public Health is dedicated to connecting schools and childcare centers across suburban Cook County with the resources they need to thrive. Whether you’re an administrator, nurse, or staff member in a K-12 school or daycare, we provide access to up-to-date guidance, tools, and programs to promote the health and safety of your community. Explore a range of resources, from vaccine requirements and disease prevention strategies to grant opportunities and special events. Our collaborative efforts aim to support schools in creating safe, healthy environments for students, staff, and families. Stay connected, informed, and equipped to address the ever-changing challenges in school health.

School Health Meetings

Register to Attend an Upcoming Meeting
To register for an upcoming virtual School Health Meeting send an email to [email protected] and request the registration link. The registration link will be emailed to you.

View Past Meeting Recordings
Previous meeting recordings are available for anyone to view. View past meetings, agendas, and related materials on the School Health Meetings page.

Stay Up-to-Date Between Meetings
Sign up to receive our School Newsletter . Once logged in, select the “Education: K-12” topic from the Sectors menu.

Guidance For Day Cares & Schools

Immunization Requirements for Illinois Students
Illinois requires students to have proof of immunization to enter school. By October 15th each year, students must have an Illinois Child Health Examination form signed by a physician, nurse in physician’s office, school nurse or local health agency. Learn more about immunization requirements.

CDC Guidance for K-12 Schools
This guidance is designed to maximize school attendance and its benefits for all students, while also preventing the spread of infectious diseases. Read more about preventing the spread of infections in K-12 schools | CDC

IDPH School Nurse Guidance
Communicable Disease School Nurse Guidance

Request Services

Vision and Hearing Services  (Preschool Age Children)
Vision and hearing screenings are now offered at no charge at the school’s request by Cook County Department of Public Health for preschool age children during the 2024-2025 school year.

Asthma and Allergy Resources for Schools
To support equitable access of Epinephrine Auto-Injectors or Asthma Medication across suburban Cook County, Cook County Department of Public Health offers resources for Asthma and Allergy medication. You can learn more about these resources by visiting Asthma and Allergy Resources for Schools.

Get Access to Data

Search Respiratory Surveillance Data
Get the latest statistics on COVID-19, flu and RSV infections in your area.

The Cook County Health Atlas
Get access to health information in your school districts, find customizable health data and download reports. The Cook County Health Atlas is our data portal that looks at 438 indicators including Health Outcomes, Health Behaviors, Health Care, Demographics, Socioeconomic, and Physical Environment.

School Health Data Profiles
The School Health Profiles is a system of surveys developed by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention assessing school health policies and practices. Cook County Department of Public Health administered the surveys in 2024 to high school principals and health education teachers in Suburban Cook County.

Mental Health Resources (for K-12)

Social and Emotional Learning Resources
The State of Illinois State Board of Education provides information on physical health, social and emotional learning and the education needed to support these ideals. Visit the Illinois State Board of Education School Wellness Page for more resources.

Call or Text 988 – Suicide and Crisis Lifeline
988 is confidential, free, and available 24/7/365. If you or someone you know is feeling hopeless or overwhelmed, or if someone you know is in danger of harming themself or others, please seek emergency medical services and call or text 988.

NAMI Chicago Helpline
Anyone in Cook County can call the NAMI Helpline: 833-NAMI-CHI (833-626-4244). The Helpline is a free and confidential resource that provides a listening ear, guidance and connection to the right mental health and social service resources, over the phone. The Helpline refers community members to over 700 resources and is open seven days a week. For more information, visit the Hear to Hear You Mental Health Campaign.

CDC Action Guide for Schools: Promoting Mental Health and Well-Being in Schools
Schools are prioritizing students’ mental health, and there are many tools and resources to choose from. The CDC created this action guide as a place to start. It can help school and district leaders build on what they are already doing to promote students’ mental health and find new strategies to fill in gaps.

Teen Line
Teen Line is an anonymous, nonjudgmental space for youth. Through this hotline, teens can access personal peer-to-peer support from highly trained teens supervised by adult mental health professionals. Call 800-852-8336 (Hours: 8PM – 12PM CST) Text 839863 (Hours: 8PM – 11PM CST)

Substance Use Prevention

Vaping and Tobacco Use Prevention
Unfriend Tobacco is an educational social media campaign that removes the negative physical, emotional and social impacts tobacco products have on the lives of youth and young adults. Find helpful tools from the campaign to use throughout the school to encourage young adults and youth to “unfriend tobacco”.

Opioid Overdose Prevention
Learn about the opioid epidemic and access resources such as free naloxone , a lifesaving overdose medication, and training on how to use it.