Press Releases
Year
Dangerous Heat Wave Expected This Week
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 29, 2026
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Urges Residents to Take Precautions as Extreme Heat Poses Serious Health Risks This Week
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The National Weather Service is forecasting dangerously high temperatures and humidity for central Illinois over this week. A heat advisory is in effect from Monday through Thursday night, with heat index values of 105 to 110 degrees Fahrenheit expected. Little overnight relief is expected, as temperatures are only expected to fall into the mid-70s. The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) urges everyone to watch for signs of heat-related illness and take precautions to keep themselves, their families, and the community safe.
Heat-related illness can take many forms, ranging from mild heat exhaustion to the more serious and potentially life-threatening heat stroke. These illnesses occur when the body is unable to regulate its temperature. As the body’s temperature rises rapidly, it loses the ability to cool itself through perspiration. A body temperature of 106º F or higher within 10 to 15 minutes can result in death or permanent disability if emergency medical treatment is not provided.
Signs and symptoms of heat-related illness include:
- Body temperature of 103º F or higher
- Red, hot, and dry skin with no signs of perspiration
- Rapid, strong pulse
- Throbbing headache
- Dizziness or confusion
- Nausea
Never leave children, older adults, or pets in a parked car—even for a few minutes or with the windows partially open. The vehicle’s metal exterior conducts and traps intense heat, causing the interior temperature to rise rapidly. This can lead to brain damage or death in a very short time. Heat-related illnesses are more prevalent among children, adults over 65, and pets due to factors such as difficulty adjusting to temperature changes, retaining more body heat, dehydration from exertion, and limited access to fluids.
Precautions to Avoid Heat-Related Illness
- Stay hydrated. Aim to drink at least 48 to 64 ounces of cool, non-caffeinated, nonalcoholic beverages daily. Caffeine and alcohol act as diuretics and can increase the risk of dehydration. Don’t wait until you’re thirsty; drink regularly throughout the day.
- Limit activity during peak heat. Avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day. If outdoor activity is necessary, take frequent breaks in the shade or a cool environment.
- Wear light-colored, lightweight clothing. Breathable fabrics and light colors help your body stay cooler.
- Cool down when overheated. Take a cool shower or sponge bath if you begin to feel too warm.
- Seek air-conditioned spaces. If you feel overly warm, move to an air-conditioned environment. If your home is not air-conditioned, consider visiting a mall, library, grocery store, or other public space to cool off.
CUPHD is open to the public as a cooling center Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. and maintains an interactive Google Map list of cooling center locations: https://bit.ly/keepsafeChampaign. Please note that some locations are only open during business hours.
Anyone can suffer heat-related illness, and CUPHD urges everyone to take precautions in the summer heat and check on children, those 65 and over, disabled persons, and pets frequently.
For more information, please visit http://www.champaigncountyema.org/ and https://ready.illinois.gov/hazards/extremetempshot.html.
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CUPHD Debuts 24/7 Online Portal for Food Business Permits
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
April 15, 2026
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
New System Eliminates Paper Applications, Speeds Up Processing for Food Vendors and Builders
CHAMPAIGN, IL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) Environmental Health Division has launched a new digital platform that will streamline permit applications and improve service delivery for local businesses and residents.
Enterprise Environmental Health, from Tyler Technologies, replaces the division’s previous system and offers faster processing times and 24/7 online access for a wide range of services, including retail and mobile food establishment permits, cottage food registration, plan reviews for new construction, temporary food permits, and invoice payments. All applications must be submitted electronically through the online portal.
Permit renewals for Champaign-Urbana Public Health District businesses are due by April 30th. Users who need assistance with the portal can contact Environmental Health at
To access the portal, visit https://www.c-uphd.org/environmental-health.html
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Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Welcomes Dr. Mamadou Tounkara as New Public Health Administrator
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2026
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
Champaign-Urbana Public Health District Welcomes
Dr. Mamadou Tounkara as New Public Health Administrator
Experienced Public Health Leader Brings Community-Focused Approach to District
CHAMPAIGN, IL – Champaign-Urbana Public Health District (CUPHD) has announced the appointment of Mamadou D. Tounkara, MD, MSW, MPH, as its new Public Health Administrator and Executive Director. Dr. Tounkara transitioned from his previous role as Deputy Director on Tuesday, February 3, succeeding former administrator Julie Pryde.
Dr. Tounkara brings over a decade of expertise in public health, research outcomes, medical affairs, patient safety, epidemiology, infectious diseases, and clinical practice. His extensive career includes serving as both Director of Population Health and Lead Epidemiologist at Utah’s Tooele County Health Department; Senior Epidemiologist at the Utah Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS); and COVID-19 Hotspot Epidemiologist with the DHHS Division of Emerging and Re-emerging Infectious Diseases.
Guided by his belief that public health is strongest when it reflects the values, needs, and voices of the entire community, Dr. Tounkara has outlined four key priorities for his leadership at CUPHD:
- Improving access to health care by working with the community to reduce barriers, strengthen connections to primary care, expand preventative services, and support partnerships that bring care closer to residents’ homes and workplaces.
- Supporting healthy behaviors and access to nutritious food by increasing the availability of affordable, healthy food, promoting physical activity, and encouraging healthy lifestyles across all life stages.
- Promoting behavioral health and mental wellbeing through early intervention, community-based care, and trauma-informed approaches, as well as collaborating with local partners to reduce homelessness in Champaign County.
- Preventing violence through harm reduction and community safety through evidence-based harm reduction, education, and partnerships aimed at reducing gun violence and other injuries.
Dr. Tounkara currently serves on the Homeless Shelters & Outreach Committee for Champaign County, demonstrating his ongoing commitment to addressing homelessness and related public health issues.
“I look forward to engaging with residents, community-based organizations, health care providers, educators, and public safety partners to ensure our efforts reflect the needs and aspirations of this community,” said Dr. Tounkara.
For more information on Dr. Tounkara, visit www.c-uphd.org/administrator.html.
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Free Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children on Saturday, February 7, at Parkland College
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 29, 2026
Tanya Giannotti, Public Relations
217-531-4939 /
Free Dental Exams and Cleanings for Children on Saturday, February 7, at Parkland College
The Illini District Dental Society, Champaign-Urbana Public Health District, and Parkland College Dental Hygiene Clinic Participate in Give Kids A Smile® Day
Champaign, IL – The Illini District Dental Society will sponsor Give Kids A Smile® (GKAS) Day on Saturday, February 7, 2026, from 8:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Parkland College Dental Hygiene Clinic located at 2400 W. Bradley in Champaign. The event is part of the Children’s Dental Access Program through the American Dental Association® (ADA), which provides free oral healthcare services to children of low-income families.
On February 7, local dentists and hygienists are taking the opportunity to give back to the community by volunteering time and services for GKAS. Free dental exams, cleanings, and fluoride treatments will be provided as needed for any child aged one to 17. The oral health fair will also offer a wide range of educational activities, including dental hygiene education, free toothbrushes, and visits and pictures with the Tooth Fairy. New for 2026 is the addition of silver diamine fluoride (SDF) treatments. No appointment is necessary; however, a parent or legal guardian must accompany the child. There are no income or residency requirements to receive services at the fair.
The Give Kids A Smile® (GKAS) program, launched nationally in 2003 by the American Dental Association, provides underserved children with free oral healthcare. Each year, approximately 6,500 dentists and 30,000 dental team members volunteer at local GKAS events to provide free oral health education, screenings, and preventive and restorative treatment to over 300,000 children across the United States.
Give Kids A Smile® Day is sponsored by the Illini District Dental Society in partnership with the Parkland College Dental Hygiene program and the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District.
Individuals interested in this special event can contact the Parkland College Dental Hygiene Program Director, Laura Hettinger, at (217) 351-2386 or
For more information on Give Kids A Smile®, visit https://www.adafoundation.org/give-kids-a-smile.
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