Groundbreaking for new Health Department, TB clinic held

JOLIET -- Will County Executive Larry Walsh said the groundbreaking for the new Health Department and Tuberculosis Clinic was another day “that has been a long time coming.”

The groundbreaking for the two-story, 72,000-foot-building was held Tuesday, Feb. 5, on Ella Ave.. The $32 million facility is scheduled to be completed in 2020.

“This is another day in Will County that has been a long time coming,” Walsh said. “Another important project in the county’s largest capital improvement campaign in our history.”

Walsh added, “This new state-of-the-art Health Department and TB Clinic is a greatly anticipated project, both by the residents of Will County and our employees.”

Susan Olenek, Health Department Director, agreed. “All of us at the agency are so happy this is finally happening.  We have done our best with the current building, but it no longer can meet our needs.  The new building will be a state-of-the-art, purpose-built building.  It will be welcoming, well suited to our program needs, and easy to navigate for our visitors. 

“Our thanks to the past and current County Board and county committees, and the County Executive’s office for their support of this project.”

Also speaking at the event were Will County Board Speaker Denise Winfrey, Capital Committee Chairman the Rev. Herbert Brooks Jr., Joliet Mayor Robert O’Dekirk, TB Board President Douglas Ruth, and Board of Health President James Zelko.

Walsh said, “This new building will be filled with the latest technology and will serve our population of nearly 700,000 people today, and our anticipated population of 1 million in the years to come.”

He concluded, “A healthy county is a successful county. Thanks to all those who helped bring us to this day.”