RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Poison Awareness Week, National Nutrition Month, the WIC Program, Sharps Collection Sites, FIT Colon Cancer Screening kits, and well water testing kits. With Poison Awareness Week underway, residents are urged to recognize common household toxins to prevent accidental poisoning. Concurrently, National Nutrition Month encourages individuals to adopt healthier eating habits and ensure balanced nutrition. The WIC Program continues to support families, providing access to nutritious foods and health resources. For those managing health conditions with injections, Sharps Collection Sites offer safe disposal options. Additionally, FIT Colon Cancer Screening kits are available, promoting early detection, while well water testing kits ensure safe drinking water for households.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department announces the observance of National Poison Prevention Week, from March 16th to 22nd. For over six decades, this initiative has aimed to educate about the dangers of unintentional poisonings, which affect over 2 million people annually. The majority of poisonings occur at home, predominantly impacting children under 6, while most fatalities occur among adults. Heather Aldred, the department’s Maternal and Child Health Services Supervisor, emphasizes the necessity of preventive measures like securing chemicals away from children’s reach and understanding product labels. Residents are urged to adhere to safety tips, including using child-resistant packaging and confirming medication dosages.
March marks National Nutrition Month, with Henry and Stark County Health Departments urging a return to healthy eating basics. The theme “Food Connects Us” highlights informed food choices and daily exercise for a healthier lifestyle. RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, emphasizes understanding nutrient needs based on age, gender, and health conditions. Residents can access the WIC Food Supplemental program, offering free groceries and promoting nutritious habits. The new Illinois WIC EBT Card simplifies access to services. For details on WIC and nutrition education, call (309) 852-5272 or visit henrystarkhealth.com. This initiative supports healthier families and communities.
The Henry & Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, announces the availability of Residential Sharps Collection Kiosks, funded by the Illinois EPA, across six locations in Henry and Stark counties. These kiosks provide a safe disposal solution for medical sharps like needles, syringes, and lancets. Incorrect disposal of sharps poses significant risks to community safety. To address this, funded by the Illinois EPA, these kiosks offer safe disposal options. The kiosks can be found at clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, the Geneseo Police Department, the Henry County Courthouse in Cambridge, and Alpha Pharmacy.
For more details regarding disposal opportunities, please contact (309) 852-0197, visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, and on Twitter.
The Residential Sharps Collection Kiosks will be located at the following locations during regular business hours:
- First Choice Healthcare Kewanee Clinic, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee
- First Choice Healthcare Colona Clinic, 103 1st St., Colona
- First Choice Healthcare Toulon Clinic, 120 E. Court St., Toulon
- Geneseo Police Department, 119 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo
- Henry County County Courthouse, 307 W. Center St., Cambridge
- Alpha Pharmacy, 211 S. 1st St., Alpha
National Groundwater Awareness Week runs from March 9th to 15th, 2025, spotlighting the vital role of groundwater and the necessity for vigilant water well maintenance. The Environmental Health Division of Henry and Stark County emphasizes the importance of annual water well checkups. During March, their Microbiology Water Testing Kits, priced at $25, are available at the Kewanee Office. These kits detect E. Coli and Coliform bacteria, with additional testing for lead, nitrates, and arsenic at extra costs. Given the high arsenic levels in some areas, residents are encouraged to test regularly for quality assurance. For queries, contact [email protected] or call 309-852-0197, Ext 270.