Kane County Health Department Invites Community to Marks 5 Years of Connecting Residents to Vital Services Through IRIS
The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) is marking the 5th anniversary of the Integrated Referral and Intake System (IRIS), a secure online tool that has transformed the way local organizations connect residents to critical services and resources.
Since launching in 2020, IRIS has facilitated over 13,195 referrals between more than 149 participating agencies and programs, linking residents to support in areas such as housing, mental health, substance use treatment, early childhood development, and food security.
“IRIS has been a game changer for collaboration in Kane County," said Michael Isaacson, KCHD Executive Director. “It allows providers to work together in real time, making sure no one falls through the cracks when they need help the most."
Unlike traditional referral systems, IRIS allows service providers to send, receive, and track referrals through a secure platform, ensuring timely follow-up and improving communication between organizations. Residents benefit from a coordinated network that saves them from repeating their story to multiple providers and reduces wait times for services.
Key highlights from the first five years of IRIS include:
- 13,195 referrals completed since launch.
- Average 2-3 business days to process a referral
- More than 149 agencies and programs actively participating.
- Increased collaboration among healthcare providers, schools, nonprofits, and government agencies.
- More than 3,900 Kane County Residents enrolled in services
As IRIS enters its next phase, KCHD is expanding the system to include even more partners and service areas, with a focus on reaching underserved communities and addressing social determinants of health.
“IRIS is not just a tool, it's a network of people working together for the good of our residents," said Kim Peterson, KCHD Director of Community Health. “It's about creating a stronger, healthier community."
IRIS partner organizations, and anyone interested in the system are invited to “Fall for IRIS: 5 Years of Connection & Care," a celebration of this special milestone and an honoring of all who have contributed to the program's success, on Tuesday, September 23, 2025 from 2-4pm at the Geneva Public Library, 227 S. 7th Street, Geneva, IL. To RSVP, visit: https://shorturl.at/9fxaJ
For more information about IRIS or to learn how your organization can join the network, visit: https://www.kanehealth.com/AOK/Pages/Initiatives-Pages/IRIS.aspx
