McHenry County Department of Health Seeks Public Health Hero Nominations

MCHENRY COUNTY, IL — The McHenry County Department of Health has launched its Public Health Hero program.

This initiative aims to recognize individuals and groups who have significantly contributed to the health, safety and well-being of the McHenry County community. The program is part of the MCDH's 60th-anniversary celebration, which will occur in April 2026, according to a news release.

Public nominations are currently being accepted online through the Public Health Hero Nomination form. Interested community members must submit their nomination forms by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, February 27.

The program seeks to honor those whose work has positively influenced public health through leadership, service, innovation or dedication, according to health officials.

Nominees for the Public Health Hero program must either live, work or have previously worked within McHenry County. Contributions can span various public health areas.

These areas include disease prevention, emergency preparedness and response, environmental health, and health education and outreach. Other recognized areas are health equity and access to care, injury prevention, mental health or substance use, and veterinary public health.

The nomination form requires information about both the nominator and the nominee. It also asks for a description of the nominee’s contributions and their impact. The form also collects the time period during which the impact occurred. There is an option to upload supporting materials. Nominee consent and contact information are mandatory for the submission process, according to a news release.

For additional information regarding the Public Health Hero program, individuals may contact the MCDH. The department can be reached by emailing MCDHMedia@mchenrycountyil.gov or by calling (815) 334-4510.