Leland Lewis
Executive Director
DuPage County
Health Department

The DuPage County Health Department continued meeting its Mission, Vision and Values by delivering services and protecting public health during 2002, despite formidable obstacles. While we remain confident and optimistic about 2003 and the future, we know that challenges throughout the world and at home will continue to impact the operation of our Health Department.

Virtually every day there are developments that challenge our resources and our goal of protecting public health. With that in mind, the theme for this year’s Annual Report is “Prepared for Today and Tomorrow.”

Staff commitment and dedication to duty have never been more evident. Each and every resident of DuPage County should know that the Health Department is “Prepared for Today and Tomorrow,” and we stand ready to do our jobs.

Organizational preparedness comes from hard work and sacrifice. The Health Department is being tested on all fronts. We continue to provide needed services while our attention is routinely diverted by the necessity to prepare for threats, both known and unknown, to public health.

Just look back over the recent past: The terrorist attack on the United States on September 11, 2001, the anthrax scare of October, 2001, the West Nile Virus cases and deaths during 2002, and the necessity of planning for a biological attack; as well as participating in TOPOFF2, a state, national and international emergency drill that simulates a terrorist attack. In late 2002, President Bush announced national smallpox vaccination plans that place the responsibility for implementation of Phase I on local public health departments. While Phases II and III of the plan are under development, they will involve the Health Department for years to come.

While these issues grabbed news headlines, much more was happening behind the scenes. The Health Department dealt with significant state budget problems that forced program and staff reductions. The state delayed funding of anti-tobacco and wellness programs, thus raising doubts about future funding. We are confronted with federally mandated requirements such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), which will cost the Health Department nearly $1 million of staff time to comply, but without federal funds to support this mandate.

Nearly every day, we are asked to do more with less.

This incredible challenge is being met head-on with dedication and determination. As Executive Director, I take great pride in applauding our Health Department employees, my Executive Staff, the Board of Health, the DuPage County Board and Chairman Robert Schillerstrom. We have stood together during these difficult times and we will rely on each other in the future. We have joined with nearby county health departments to address these issues on a regional basis, which is the most efficient and effective approach to maximize scarce resources.

Public health is at the forefront of national security. We are on the front lines of protection. As you page through this report you will see all that has been accomplished in the past year. We are very proud of those accomplishments. Our Health Department is equally proud in preparing to carry out our assigned duties in the future. It has been our pleasure to serve you.

Leland Lewis, B.S., M.B.A.