The Kankakee County Health Department acknowledges the importance of a person’s adolescent years (11-24 years old) as a time to establish healthy behavioral patterns. Healthy habits at an early age will lead to an improved health status and limit risk for developing chronic disease during adulthood.
Kankakee County Health Department provides multiple services to help improve the health of adolescents in Kankakee County. These include:
- Education about healthy eating and active living, substance use, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted disease, and the importance of adolescent well visits.
- Providing opportunities for positive youth development
Kankakee County Health Department will provide presentations in schools to promote healthy behaviors in adolescents. You can learn more about these presentations under School and Community Programs and Presentations.
Vaping or E-Cigarette Resources
Beginning July 1, 2019, Illinois law prohibits the sale of tobacco products to people younger than age 21. Youth e-cigarette use is an emerging public health threat as more teens are using e-cigarettes or vaping devices than traditional cigarettes. Refer to our Tobacco Cessation Page for more information or visit The Truth for cessation related tips.
STD/HIV Testing and Pregnancy
If you are sexually active, it is important that you regularly get tested for Sexually Transmitted Diseases (STDs) and HIV. People 12 years of age and older can be tested without parent consent at Kankakee County Health Department. To reduce the risk for STD/HIV infections, we strongly encourage these steps:
- Abstinence
- Condom Usage
- Being in a Mutually Monogamous Relationship
- Reducing your Number of Sex Partners
Condoms are available at NO COST at the Kankakee County Health Department. Learn more about our confidential screening on our STD/HIV Page.
Adolescents 12 years of age and older can be seen for a pregnancy test without parent consent. If eligible, our Family Case Management will help ensure you have a healthy pregnancy and promote the child’s healthy development. For more information, visits our Family Case Management page.
Are you looking for comprehensive sex education information? Visit Sex, Etc. for honest and accurate sex education for adolescents.
Well Visits
Adolescents deserve healthcare that is as unique as they are. We encourage teens to schedule an annual wellness visit with their healthcare provider to promote preventive care. Routine wellness visits provide teens with a health advocate they can trust to guide them through the many physical, emotional, and sexual health questions and issues during this period of life.
For more information on wellness visits, visits Healthy Children
If you are a physician or medical provider who would like more information on creating a more adolescent friendly environment, please contact us.
Immunizations
Immunizations are an important part to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Kankakee County Health Department encourages adolescents and young adults to get their flu shot every year. This can be done at Kankakee County Health Department!
For a list of other immunizations, see this recommended immunization schedule from the CDC: Recommended Immunizations for Children 7-18 years old
Teen Healthcare Rights in Illinois
It is important adolescents and young adults are aware of their healthcare rights so they can access the care they need. To see a list of healthcare rights for youth in Illinois, please view this list.
To request any printed material related to Adolescent Health, please contact us.
Accommodations available upon request. Please contact 815-802-9400 Option 3 for more information.