The state public health department vital records Web site is now available in Spanish

Birth, death, marriage and divorce documents more easily accessed for Spanish speaking persons

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. - Dr. Damon T. Arnold, state public health director, today announced that all vital records can now be requested in Spanish via the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) Web site, www.idph.state.il.us. The Spanish speaking population continues to grow in Illinois and along with it, the need for more resources in Spanish.

“Requesting important and necessary documents such as birth or death certificates can be a confusing process, even without a language barrier,” said Dr. Arnold. “By translating our vital records Web site, Spanish-speaking persons can easily learn how they can request information without having to go through a translator, which will help ensure the proper documents are requested and received.”

Between 2000 and 2006, Hispanics accounted for one-half of the nation’s growth and Illinois ranked fifth in the country for Hispanic population according to the U.S. Census Bureau. The Department’s Division of Vital Records has numerous bilingual staff to assist Spanish-speaking persons obtain important documents whether it’s by phone, through the postal service, in person or now on the Web site.

“This is very timely announcement. I applaud Dr. Arnold’s decision which shows vision in embracing the changing demographics of the state,” said Sen. William Delgado (D-Chicago). “I commend the Illinois Department of Public Health on bringing public policy directly to the people who live in the shadows of language barriers, and I commend them for their initiative in employing bilingual employees to assist those who are trying to acquire this vital information.”

The vital records Web site contains information about birth certificates, death certificates, marriage records, divorce records, adoption, genealogy, international travel and surrogate parentage. The site explains who is eligible to request documents, how to apply for documents, what documentation is need to request records, any fees associated with a records request and other frequently asked questions.

To link directly to the vital records Web site log onto http://www.idph.state.il.us/vitalrecords/index.htm.