The Evanston Health and Human Services Department Turns 150!

In 1874, a group of local physicians formed the first Evanston Board of Health in a building at 1806 Maple Ave, Evanston. Those doctors' actions were especially significant because the founding of the Board preceded the creation of the Illinois Board of Health. The first full-time health commissioner was not appointed until 1927 when the City’s first comprehensive health ordinance was adopted. Initial services offered were sanitation and nursing, but as needed and demand grew, so did the Health Department.

In 1964, as the only Health Department in the area, our services extended to Glencoe, Winnetka, Northfield, and Kenilworth, and four years later to New Trier Township via a contract. We have had several name changes throughout the 150 years, but the services have remained steadfast.

Our efforts were led by many distinctions, including Evanston’s designation in 1933 as the healthiest city in its population class in the United States. Today, our services still protect the community through food establishment licensing and inspection, communicable disease prevention, water safety, rodent control, health promotions including human service programs such as victim services, general/emergency assistance, workforce development and Ombudsman Programs, among many more services.

A timeline of achievements spanning over 150 years...