RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about fireworks safety, food safety, sun safety, men’s health, HIV testing, and school physicals. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments will close all offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. Some home services staff will continue essential care, but regular hours will resume on July 7th. Officials are warning of increased fireworks injuries during holiday celebrations, particularly among children under 15. The departments urge safe handling: never let kids use fireworks unattended and always follow instructions. Food safety is also a concern—keep perishables cold and discard food left out too long. For appointments, information on school physicals, HIV testing, or birth certificates, visit henrystarkhealth.com.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce office and First Choice Healthcare Clinic closures in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon on Friday, July 4th, in observance of Independence Day. Despite the holiday, some home services staff will remain available to provide essential in-home care. Community members needing assistance can reach out to the nearest clinic by calling Kewanee at 309-852-0197, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. Additional information is also available online at henrystarkhealth.com, as well as on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Regular office hours will resume on Monday, July 7th.
Fourth of July celebrations are fast approaching, and with them comes a sharp rise in fireworks-related injuries. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments warn that nearly 10,000 individuals are hurt each year, with over half of those incidents striking children under 15. Most injuries involve hands, fingers, and eyes, often caused by firecrackers, bottle rockets, Roman candles, and even sparklers. Key safety tips include never allowing young children to handle fireworks, always reading instructions, lighting fireworks outdoors away from flammables, and never relighting duds. For more detailed safety guidance, visit henrystarkhealth.com or find the department on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
“Of special note, those most often hurt in firework accidents are children less than 15 years old. And the injuries they receive include blindings, amputations, severe burns and even death.”
All fireworks, including sparklers—often seen as a safe option—should be used only under close adult supervision. Despite their popularity, sparklers burn at extremely high temperatures and can easily ignite clothing, posing significant risks. Experts warn that children often do not recognize the potential dangers or know how to respond in an emergency. Safety officials urge families to carefully read warnings and supervise all firework use, helping to ensure celebrations stay safe for everyone involved.
As Independence Day celebrations approach, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments urge residents to remember outdoor food safety. Warm weather increases the risk of food poisoning, so officials advise buying meat and poultry last when shopping, storing them promptly at home, and never thawing them at room temperature. Clean all surfaces and utensils before and after preparing raw foods to avoid cross-contamination. Use insulated coolers packed with ice for perishables, and discard any food left out for more than three hours, or sooner in high heat. Symptoms of food poisoning often resemble those of the flu. For more tips, visit henrystarkhealth.com.
Students and parents planning for the next school year can now schedule sports and school physical exams at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. Physicals are available for just $40 cash, or you can bill your insurance by bringing your insurance details. The clinics are offering these exams for kindergartners through high school athletes all summer long. Parents are encouraged to book appointments early to beat the end-of-summer rush and should bring completed physical forms from their local schools. The clinics also provide required immunizations, TB checks, and lab tests at additional fees. More details are at henrystarkhealth.com, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is reminding residents that certified copies of birth certificates for children born in Henry County since 1971 are available at their office, located at 110 North Burr Boulevard in Kewanee. The fee is set at $13 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional one requested at the same time.
Appointments are available at their clinics in Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd., 309-852-5272; Colona, 103 1st St., 309-792-4011; and Toulon, 120 E. Court St., 309-852-3115.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, are highlighting their PrEP/HIV prevention program during Pride Month. This initiative offers residents confidential HIV testing, safe sex education, and access to preventive medications like PrEP and PEP. The program includes individual risk assessments, counseling, and ongoing support for those at risk of HIV. Financial assistance is available, covering services and medications, regardless of insurance status.
For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272, Colona 309-792-4011, or Toulon 309-852-3115, or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
