Oak Park Township Updates – June 2, 2021

Oak Park Township Updates - Effective June 2, 2021


COVID-19 Vaccine Program expands to all residents ages 12 and over; Township Offers Assistance to Older Adults
Effective immediately, the Village of Oak Park’s Department of Public Health does not have any upcoming vaccine clinics.

Adults 65 and over and adults with disabilities who need help locating a vaccine distribution place in the area or those who do not have email may call Oak Park Township Senior Services at 708-434-4298 weekdays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for assistance.  All other vaccine allocation questions should be sent to the Health Department via email at covid19vaccine@oak-park.us.

General COVID-19 Vaccine Locator Information
Residents are encouraged to get a vaccine wherever is most convenient to them.  Here are links:

Home Delivered Meals and “Take Out” Meal Distribution
Older adults who have requested meals are receiving them in the form of frozen nutritionally balanced meals.  We are also providing “take out” lunches to older adults to pick up at our Senior Services building on Fridays.  We are limiting face-to-face contact with others out of health concerns for everyone. During June, meal distribution is on the 4th, 11th, 18th and 25th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Suggested donation is $1.50 per meal.  For detailed guidelines, please see our Senior Services webpage or call 708-383-8060.

Limited In-Person Services
Limited services, like notarizing documents, RTA applications, and medical equipment lending are being done at our 105 S. Oak Park Avenue building, with social distancing guidelines in place.  When the local levels of infection stabilize at a lower rate, we will issue Visitor Protocols.

Services and Programs Continue; Transportation Options Expanded
Senior Services Transportation Department is now expanding ride options for Oak Park and River Forest older adults as well as adults 18+ with a disability.  Please call 708-383-4806 to reserve a ride throughout the two communities; the suggested donation is $1.00 per passenger per ride.  We are limiting capacity to adhere to COVID-19 guidelines and require all passengers to wear a facemask.   We continue to provide nutrition services for older adults with home delivery and drive-through meal pick-up.  Appointments for our Money Management Program and Adult Protective Services may be set up by calling Senior Services at 708-383-8060.

Taxi Coupons for 2020 are extended for 2021
Older adults and persons with disabilities may purchase a booklet of coupons to be used with Blue Cab and 303 Taxi companies.  Please call the Township office at 708-383-8005 to either pick up a booklet or request that one be mailed.  The cost is $6.00 for 10 coupons and proof of residency is required.  Residents may use the 2020 coupons throughout 2021 because the expiration deadline has been extended.

Telephone and Telehealth Appointments Available
Youth Services, Senior Services and General Assistance appointments are still available either virtually or over the phone.   For further assistance with Township services, please call 708-383-8005, the Senior Services Center at 708-383-8060, Senior Services Transportation at 708-383-4806, Youth Services at 708-445-2727 or the Community Mental Health Board at 708-358-8855.

Emergency Broadband Benefit (EBB) Program
The EBB program is an Federal Communications Commission program that provides a temporary discount on monthly broadband bills for qualifying low-income households. Eligible households can receive:

  • Up to $50/month discount for broadbandservice and associated equipment rentals
  • Up to $75/month for households on Tribal land and;
  • A one time discount of up to $100 for a laptop, desktop computer, or a tablet purchased through a participating provider

The program is temporary and will end once the program funds are exhausted, or six months after the Department of Health and Human Services declares an end to the pandemic, whichever comes first.

Contact Information and Weblinks

GetEmergencyBroadband.org

FCC.gov/broadbandbenefit

Toll Free Number for Questions: (833)511-0311


Partnerships and Monitoring
We have worked diligently with our partners from the Villages of Oak Park and River Forest, local public health departments, AgeOptions, and the Illinois Department on Aging to ensure continuity of service during this time and offer additional information and supports when necessary.  As the state adjusts guidelines, the Township is keeping in mind the needs of the populations we serve and the guidance from the state and federal agencies, local authorities and our funders to ensure the health and safety of staff, volunteers, and clients.

The Illinois Department on Aging has many resources on COVID-19 in 8 different languages, content about phases of the vaccine administration, and vaccination sites by zip code.

Thank you for your patience and understanding.