RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about April events and designations as we close out the month. As April draws to a close, the Henry and Stark County Health Department is highlighting important programs supporting local families. This month is Global Child Nutrition Month, and the WIC Supplemental Food Program is in the spotlight, offering free groceries and nutrition guidance to mothers and children. With the new Illinois WIC EBT Card and expanded clinic hours, access is easier than ever for working families in Henry, Stark, Marshall, and Putnam counties. Health officials are also marking Child Abuse Prevention Month, donning blue and urging community action with the theme “It Takes a Village” to help end child abuse and promote healthier futures for children.
April is STI Awareness Month, emphasizing the “Talk. Test. Treat.” approach to promote open conversations and action regarding sexually transmitted infections. With 20 million new cases reported annually in the US—primarily among 15- to 24-year-olds—the need for education, testing, and preventive care is urgent. First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon offer confidential services including testing, treatment, and vaccines. In partnership with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, these clinics are also providing discounted health panels this month. For details or appointments, visit henrystarkhealth.com or contact your local clinic directly.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are aligning with National Public Health Week’s initiatives to foster healthier communities. Throughout April, clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon will provide a General Health/Thyroid Panel Blood Test for just $50, inclusive of a full cholesterol panel. To ensure accurate results, fasting is advised. Open to all area residents, the tests follow a first-come, first-served appointment system, available on a “Cash Only” basis. For more information or to schedule an appointment at our First Choice Healthcare Clinics, call the location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272, Colona 309-792-4011, or Toulon 309-852-3115. Visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
April marks STI Awareness Month, with the theme “Talk. Test. Treat.” The focus is on educating individuals about sexually transmitted infections and empowering conversations with healthcare providers to ensure safety. Annually, 20 million new STI cases are reported in the US, costing about $16 billion in healthcare expenses. Alarmingly, those between 15 and 24 are most affected. First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon offer confidential services like STI testing, treatment, contraceptives, PrEP programs, and vaccinations. Protecting oneself includes abstinence, correct condom use, regular screenings, and crucial immunizations.
April is Global Child Nutrition Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Department is spotlighting the benefits of the WIC Supplemental Food Program. WIC supports local mothers and children by providing free groceries and promoting healthier eating habits. Families in Henry, Stark, Marshall, and Putnam counties can now access services through in-person appointments, with an easy online application also available. The program recently introduced the Illinois WIC EBT Card, streamlining food benefits onto a single, convenient card. Expanded hours now better accommodate working families. WIC provides milk, formula, eggs, fruits, vegetables, and more to eligible participants.
For more information on the department’s WIC and case management services, call the department at 309-852-5272 (Kewanee) or 309-792-4011 (Colona) or apply at https://www.henrystarkhealth.com/FormCenter/WIC-10/WIC-Application-Form-65. For more information, you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is emphasizing the wide range of family planning and reproductive health services available at their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, Toulon, and Rock Island. These clinics offer vital resources, including annual physical exams, breast exams, Pap smears, and an array of contraceptive options such as Depo, Nexplanon, and free condoms. Pregnancy testing is also available. Services are offered on a sliding fee scale, making them accessible to low-income families, with some even qualifying for free care. For more details or to book an appointment, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your local clinic.
Clinics are held at the following locations: 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee (309) 852-5272; 103 1st St., Colona (309) 792-4011; 120 East Court St., Toulon (309) 852-3115; and 2112 25th Ave., Rock Island (309) 794-7088.
Employees at the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with staff at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, donned blue attire to mark April as Child Abuse Prevention Month. This year’s theme, “It Takes a Village,” places community involvement at the forefront of efforts to prevent child abuse. Health officials remind us that child abuse and neglect remain pressing problems, but emphasize that these issues are 100% preventable. By focusing on prevention and strengthening families, the entire community benefits, ensuring safer, healthier futures for local children and setting the stage for long-term success.