RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Suicide Prevention Month and 988 Day, PSA and blood panel specials during Cholesterol Awareness Month, insurance navigator events, and sharps collection locations. September is Suicide Prevention Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare, is highlighting the vital 988 Lifeline with their first annual 988 Day on September 8, 2025. Anyone facing mental health or substance use struggles can call, text, or visit 988lifeline.org for support. Residents seeking health insurance can attend upcoming navigator events, while those focusing on heart health can access fall blood panel specials at local First Choice Healthcare Clinics. Safe sharps disposal is available at six regional kiosks. For more details, call (309) 852-0197 or visit henrystarkhealth.com.
September marks Suicide Prevention Month, and local organizations are stepping up efforts to support residents. The Henry and Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare, is promoting the 1st Annual 988 Day on September 8, 2025—a national initiative highlighting the 988 Lifeline. The 988 Lifeline remains a vital resource, connecting those in crisis to immediate support—statistics show that about 98 percent of individuals who contact the line receive the help they need right away. Anyone experiencing mental health or substance use distress can reach out by calling, texting, or visiting 988lifeline.org for immediate, compassionate support. First Choice Healthcare also provides mental health services and offers QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Suicide Prevention Training for groups and employers. For training details or support, contact 309-852-5272 Ext. 261. Help is always available; you are not alone.
Residents of Henry and Stark counties who need health insurance are invited to upcoming events hosted by the local health departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program. Health Insurance Navigators will be available at Colona Township Hall, 801 1st St., Colona, on Friday, September 5th, from 12:30 to 3:30 pm, and at the Kewanee Food Pantry, 924 Rose St., Kewanee, on Tuesday, September 9th, from 10 am to 1 pm. Assistance includes comparing plans, applying for coverage, and understanding benefits. Special Enrollment Periods allow sign-up outside Open Enrollment after qualifying life events. Call 309-852-5272 for details.
The Human Services Council of Henry & Stark Counties is making it easier for residents to find the support they need with a newly updated Community Resource Guide. The digital guide connects individuals and families to essential services such as child care, developmental screenings, mental health assistance, substance abuse resources, food pantries, employment support, housing, education, and healthcare. Access is quick and convenient—just scan a code or click on the provided link. This initiative aims to ensure everyone in the community has the information they need at their fingertips. Find more details at the Human Services Council’s official website.
September marks Cholesterol Education Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, are urging residents to prioritize heart health. High cholesterol is a major risk factor for heart disease and stroke, with millions of adults affected nationwide. First Choice Healthcare Clinics has announced a limited-time Fall Lab Special available at their locations in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. This offer is open to all area residents, but appointments are required and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. Please remember, these lab services are available on a “cash only” basis. To set up an appointment or learn more, please contact the Kewanee clinic at 309-852-5272, the Colona clinic at 309-792-4011, or the Toulon clinic at 309-852-3115. More information is also available through the Henry and Stark County Health Department’s Facebook, Instagram, or X (formerly Twitter).
Residents of Henry and Stark counties are being reminded that safe disposal options are available for used medical sharps. The Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics and community partners, have established six Residential Sharps Collection Kiosks throughout the region. These dedicated kiosks provide a secure way to dispose of needles, syringes, and lancets, reducing injury risks for sanitation workers and the general public. Locations include clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon; the Geneseo Police Department; the Henry County Courthouse in Cambridge; and Alpha Pharmacy.
The convenient locations aim to reduce health hazards and protect the community from improper sharps disposal. For details on this program and other services, call (309) 852-0197, visit henrystarkhealth.com, or follow the local health departments on Facebook, Instagram, and X (formerly Twitter).
The Residential Sharps Collection Kiosks are 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 Courthouse, 307 W. Center St., Cambridge
- Alpha Pharmacy, 211 S. 1st St., Alpha