RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Health Care Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss health news and designations for September. September is Sexual Health Awareness Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are spotlighting a range of vital resources at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. Residents can access confidential STD testing, treatment, free condoms, contraceptives, and preventive immunizations for Hepatitis B and HPV. Counseling and partner treatment services are also available, with an emphasis on reducing stigma and empowering informed choices. For flu season, clinics are offering quadrivalent shots with no out-of-pocket costs for those with insurance or Medicare, or $60 cash for others. More information is available by calling each location or visiting henrystarkhealth.com.
September marks Sexual Health Awareness Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are highlighting resources available at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. The initiative aims to educate the community on the importance of safe sexual practices, provide confidential STD testing and treatment, and make contraceptives widely available—including free condoms. The clinics also offer preventive immunizations for Hepatitis B and HPV, as well as counseling and partner treatment services. Organizers hope to reduce stigma and empower residents to make informed choices. For appointments or further information, call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee at 309-852-5272 or Toulon at 309-852-3115.
- Promoting Safe Practices. One of the primary goals of Sexual Health Awareness Month is to educate individuals on the importance of practicing safe sex. It’s an opportunity to discuss the use of contraceptives, including condoms and birth control, to prevent unintended pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
- Breaking Stigmas. Sexual health issues often carry a significant societal stigma, which can discourage individuals from seeking help or information. By observing this month, we aim to break down these stigmas, create a safe space for discussions, and encourage open and honest conversations about sexual health.
- Empowering Individuals. Education is a powerful tool for empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health.
Seasonal flu shots for adults are now available through the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with First Choice Healthcare. Residents can visit clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM, with appointments and walk-ins both accepted. Those with Medicare or insurance can receive the shot at no cost by presenting their coverage card, while the flu shot costs $60 for individuals paying cash. This year’s vaccine is the 4-component quadrivalent type, offering broad protection. For further details, contact your local clinic or visit henrystarkhealth.com.
Updates and announcements are also shared on the department’s Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages. Everyone is encouraged to take advantage of this opportunity to help safeguard community health this flu season.
The Henry & Stark County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division is spotlighting Septic Smart Week from September 15-19, 2025, encouraging residents to adopt strong septic system habits. Homeowners with septic systems are urged to act as operators of mini-wastewater treatment plants, essential for community and environmental health. Key advice includes avoiding fats and non-biodegradable products down drains, conserving water, scheduling regular inspections, and protecting drain fields. Proper septic maintenance can prevent costly repairs and safeguard groundwater. For details on system care or local regulations, contact the Health Department at 309-852-0197 or visit the Private Sewage Disposal Program online.
Think at the Sink
Everything that goes down your drain can affect your septic system. Avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down the sink, as they can clog pipes and drain fields. Use your garbage disposal sparingly and avoid flushing non-degradable items like wipes, menstrual products, and dental floss.
Don’t Strain Your Drain
Conserving water reduces the load on your septic system. Fix leaky faucets and toilets, install high-efficiency fixtures, and spread out laundry loads throughout the week. By reducing water usage, you can help your system treat and dispose of wastewater effectively.
Keep It Clean
Regular septic system inspections and pumping are vital. The EPA recommends having your septic system inspected every three years by a licensed professional and pumped every three to five years, depending on your household size and usage. This prevents the buildup of solids that can clog your system and cause failures.
Shield Your Field
Your drain field is an essential part of your septic system, where the soil filters and treats wastewater. Protect it by not parking or driving on it, planting trees and shrubs a safe distance away to prevent root interference, and ensuring that roof drains and sump pumps direct water away from it.
Protect It And Inspect It
Keep the components of your septic system, like the tank and drainfield, accessible for inspections and maintenance. Know the location of your system to prevent accidental damage during landscaping or construction activities. Regular inspections can catch potential issues early, saving you from costly repairs.
Don’t Overload The Commode
Your toilet is not a trash can. Flushing non-biodegradable items can clog your septic system and lead to failures. Only flush human waste and toilet paper. Meaning NO condoms, cigarette butts, coffee grounds, cat litter, household chemicals like gasoline, oil, pesticides, antifreeze, and paint and pharmaceuticals. Educate your family and guests about what can and cannot be flushed to avoid unnecessary damage.
September marks Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon are highlighting a $10 Prostate Specific Antigen (PSA) Test Special. This screening is available to men aged 50 to 64, or younger men with a close family history of prostate cancer. Individuals under 50 will need a physician’s order. The affordable, no-fasting-needed PSA test can be scheduled as a stand-alone screening or alongside other lab work. Those interested should book appointments early, as slots are limited and will be scheduled on a first-come, first-served basis. The offer is exclusive to area residents and requires payment in cash; no other payment methods will be accepted. For more details, contact the Kewanee clinic at 309-852-5272, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. Don’t miss this chance to prioritize your health.
Residents in Henry and Stark Counties seeking health insurance can find assistance this week as the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program hosts in-person help at two local locations. Navigators will be available at 7-Eleven in Colona on September 18th from noon to 4 PM and at One Stop Food in Kewanee on September 19th from 12:30 to 4 PM. Experts will guide attendees through comparing plans, understanding benefits, and determining eligibility for financial aid or Medicaid. Special Enrollment is open to those experiencing major life changes—such as job loss or marriage. For more details, call 309-852-5272.
7-Eleven, 412 1st Ave., Colona, IL
Thursday, September 18th
12:00-4:00 pm
One Stop Food, 220 N East St., Kewanee, IL
Friday, September 19th
12:30-4:00 pm
