Reorganizing Internally

In 1998, reorganization occurred at varied levels within the department. The Office of Planning, Education and Evaluation was established in June to better respond to the changing health needs of the community, while coordinating existing efforts – both internal and in the community. The Office of Planning reports to the executive director and works with Behavioral and Mental Health Services, Community Health Services, and Environmental Health Services.

“The importance of our new Office of Planning cannot be overstated,” said Executive Director Dr. David R. McNutt. “It is the unit which will direct IPLAN. This office is responsible for anticipating and planning for the total health needs of the community. Here is where we will tackle such issues as bringing comprehensive dental care to citizens who cannot pay for it. Health education and quality assurance will also be a part of the Office of Planning.”

James C. Hagen, PhD, MPH, was named to direct the new office. Dr. Hagen has a long association with the Health Department. He has served as Chief Planner on a part-time basis since 1990, and was interim executive director of the Department for seven months in 1994 and 1995.

Beverly Parota was named Coordinator of Health Education Services and Pat Johnson was named Program Evaluator, filling two new positions within the Office of Planning. Ms. Parota has been with the Health Department for over 12 years as Dental Services Manager. More recently, she began the tasks of coordinating health education services for the community. In her new role with the Office of Planning, Ms. Parota will coordinate the assessment of health education needs within all of DuPage County, and work toward filling those needs. As Program Evaluator, Ms. Johnson will develop tools to measure outcomes and program effectiveness. Media relations and library services are also part of the Office of Planning.

In order to more effectively serve the community, Community Health Services reorganized into four units: Family Health, Communicable Disease and Health Improvement, Health Promotion, and Planning and Development. Community Health Services also created a Central Intake Unit that will provide information about and access to all services.

The Health Department work force was further impacted and reshaped by 25 retirements in 1998. Many of those who retired were prompted by the significant benefits offered through the Early Retirement Plan passed by the DuPage County Board in 1997, and offered within the calendar year of 1998 only. Saying goodbye to a life’s work in improving the physical and mental health of the community was very difficult. After 35 years with the Health Department, Tom Chojnacki retired as Director of Environmental Health Services. Robert Brewster retired as Chief Sanitarian after being with the Health Department for 28 years. With the Health Department for 25 years, Gary A. Noll, PhD, retired as Director of Behavioral and Mental Health Services.

Another personnel note - Ruth Todd, Coordinator of the Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program, was named 1998 Public Health Worker of the year by the Illinois Public Health Association.

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