RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Mental Health Week, Lung Health Month, Insurance Navigators, Flu Shots, and COSSUP Services in Stark County. Mental Illness Awareness Week runs from October 5th to 11th, and local agencies are urging Tri-Counties residents to seek help when facing emotional or psychological challenges. First Choice Healthcare and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are spotlighting community support as essential, noting that dedicated professionals offer a range of mental health services. Residents looking for assistance can reach out to their Kewanee office at 309-852-5272. In health news, a drive-thru adult flu shot clinic is scheduled for October 17th from 10 AM to 1 PM at 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee, delivering vital protection this season.
In recognition of Mental Illness Awareness Week, running from October 5th through 11th in 2025, the Henry and Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare, is spotlighting the theme, “Community: Supporting Mental Well-Being Together.” With one in five US adults and one in six youth experiencing mental illness each year—yet less than half receiving treatment—local providers are urging residents to break the stigma and seek support. First Choice Healthcare offers a range of mental health services through dedicated professionals.
Local clinicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners, school-based therapists, and mental health nurses are working together to provide tailored care for residents facing emotional or psychological challenges. This initiative comes at a time when global and local circumstances have increased the demand for behavioral health services. Through coordinated efforts, First Choice Healthcare aims to reach individuals who might otherwise go without treatment, ensuring compassionate support is available close to home.
Those seeking help or information are encouraged to call their Kewanee office at 309-852-5272.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside First Choice Healthcare and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management, will host a Drive-Thru Adult Flu Shot Clinic in Kewanee this Friday, October 17, 2025, from 10 AM to 1 PM. The clinic, held at 110 N. Burr Blvd., is for adults 18 and older; no walk-up service will be available, and working car windows are required. Flu shots will cost $60 cash or check, or may be billed to Medicare or insurance. Organizers encourage everyone—especially those at high risk of serious complications—to get vaccinated this flu season.
The 3-component Trivalent Seasonal Flu vaccine will be administered, offering comprehensive protection for the upcoming flu season. Vaccination is especially encouraged for those at high risk for complications, including seniors and those with chronic conditions.
For further details on location, hours, and vaccine availability, contact First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee at (309) 852-5272. Additional updates and information can be found on the Health Department’s website, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram accounts.
Residents in Henry and Stark Counties seeking health insurance support can meet with Get Covered Illinois Navigators at several upcoming Geneseo and Kewanee locations. Navigators will be at Geneseo’s Country Store on October 6th from 1 to 4 PM, Sam’s Laundromat on October 7th from 12:30 to 3:30 PM, and two separate McDonald’s locations: Geneseo on October 9th from 11:30 AM to 3:30 p.m., and Kewanee on October 16th from 11 AM to 3 PM. Navigators will help attendees compare plans, check for financial assistance, and answer questions about coverage options. Call 309-852-5272 for details.
Country Store, 12705 Wolf Rd., Geneseo, IL
Monday, October 6th
1:00-4:00 pm
Sam’s Laundromat, 946 S. Chicago St., Geneseo, IL
Tuesday, October 7th
12:30-3:30 pm
McDonald’s, 1022 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo, IL
Thursday, October 9th
11:30 am-3:30 pm
McDonald’s, 315 S. Tenney St., Kewanee, IL
Thursday, October 16th
11:00 am-3:00 pm
October marks National Healthy Lung Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are highlighting the dangers of radon exposure. As the second-leading cause of lung cancer and the leading cause among non-smokers, radon is a serious health threat, especially given that it’s found in 65% of homes in Henry County and 82% in Stark County. Residents are urged to test their homes, as the gas is odorless and invisible.
Testing home air quality is crucial, as elevated radon cannot be detected without it. Any level above 4 picocuries per liter, as set by the EPA, poses a health risk. The Henry and Stark County Health Department offers guidance on mitigation and further resources at www.henrystarkhealth.com. Affordable radon home testing kits are available for just $15. Residents can call Kewanee at 309-852-0197, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115 to learn more. Stay informed and connected by following the Health Department on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Health Department staff notes, “Many people don’t even know that radon gas is such a health threat. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas present in the soil and water that can build up to dangerous levels in the home. Radon gas is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and invisible and the only way to know if a home has a radon problem is to test for it. Breathing radon can increase one’s risk of lung cancer. If you are a smoker, your risk is even more heightened.”
They add, “Radon gas found in 65% of homes in Henry County and 82% of homes in Stark County. Radon is a Class A human carcinogen, meaning there is actual evidence that exposure to radon causes lung cancer. It is the cause of 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States annually.”
Rural communities in Henry and Stark counties are set to benefit from an expanded health initiative. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, have teamed up with the Society of Growth offices in Henry and Wyoming to provide vital mental health, peer recovery, and community support services. These efforts aim to address growing healthcare needs in the area, particularly those related to substance use. Confidential referrals and more information are available at locations in Henry, Wyoming, and Toulon. This collaboration is partially funded by the Comprehensive Opioid, Stimulant, and Substance Use (COSSUP) Program, underscoring its commitment to combating addiction locally.
Families and individuals seeking support in the region now have multiple confidential resources available. The Henry Society of Growth, located at 411 Edward Street in Henry, can be reached at (815) 620-4182. For those in Wyoming, Illinois, the Wyoming Society of Growth offers assistance at 101 West Williams Street, phone number (309) 948-6983. Additionally, Stark County Health Department and Toulon First Choice Healthcare Clinic are open at 120 East Court Street in Toulon, with contact at (309) 852-5272. These organizations are dedicated to providing information and referrals for those in need within their communities.
