(KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hashbrouck announced a new initiative Tuesday called "Public Health Community Map."

The initiative will feature information about the quality of healthcare in communities throughout Illinois. Aligning with the State Health Improvement Plan, Hashbrouck says the map feature provides information about access to healthcare in communities statewide, and highlights socioeconomic, geographic and racial/ethnic disparities. Data for Illinois is presented geographically by region, country and for Cook County by sub-regions and zip codes.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Governor Pat Quinn announced Monday there will be services available throughout the state to protect people from the heat.

The Governor also encouraged residents to check on family members and neighbors who are vulnerable to hot weather, including the elderly and children. 

“Rising temperatures like those we’re expecting in the days ahead can be extremely dangerous, especially for elderly residents and children,” Governor Quinn said. “I urge people to take steps to stay safe and cool. If you have children, or elderly neighbors or relatives, please check on them regularly to make sure they are safe.”

(KFVS) - The American Red Cross is urging residents to take precautions against the heat.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, about 400 Americans die each year due to summer's sweltering heat. In recent years, excessive heat has caused more deaths than all other weather events, including tornadoes, floods and hurricanes.

The Red Cross says everyone is at risk when temperatures rise above 90 degrees; and the elderly and the very young are most susceptible to heat and heat-related illnesses. Heat-related illnesses can cause serious injury and even death if unattended. Signs of heat-related illnesses include nausea, dizziness, flushed or pale skin, heavy sweating and headaches. People with heat-related illness should be moved to a cool place, given cool water to drink and ice packs or cool wet cloths should be applied to the skin. If a victim refuses water, vomits or loses consciousness, call 9-1-1 or your local emergency number immediately.