When our family moved to Crystal Lake, in 1958 we were surprised tht there was not a county health department.
In Talbot County where we lived in Maryland, my parents couldn’t remember when there wasn’t one.
It was not until 1965, one year before I was elected County Treasurer, that McHenry County followed suit.
The man in charge was Ward Duel. He kept his interest in public affairs well into retirement, marching with Democrats in parades.
From the McHenry County Health Department comes this press release:
McHenry County Department of Health launches Public Health Hero program
Nominations now being accepted to recognize individuals and groups who have made a lasting impact on the health, safety, & well-being of McHenry County
MCHENRY COUNTY, IL – In celebration of its 60th anniversary in April 2026, the McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is launching the Public Health Hero program to honor individuals and groups who have made meaningful contributions to the health, safety, and well-being of the McHenry County community. Public nominations are now being accepted online through the Public Health Hero Nomination form. Nomination forms must be submitted by Friday, February 27, at 4:30 p.m.
The Public Health Hero program will recognize individuals, teams, or organizations whose work has positively impacted public health in McHenry County through leadership, service, innovation, or dedication. Nominees must live, work, or have previously worked in McHenry County.
Nominees may be recognized for contributions in a wide range of public health areas, including but not limited to disease prevention, emergency preparedness and response, environmental health, health education and outreach, health equity and access to care, injury prevention, mental health or substance use, and veterinary public health.
The nomination form collects information about the nominator and nominee, a description of the nominee’s contributions and impact, the time period during which the impact occurred, and the option to upload supporting materials. Nominee consent and contact information are required as part of the submission process.
For additional information, email the MCDH at MCDHMedia@mchenrycountyil.gov or call (815) 334-4510.
