RaeAnn Tucker with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss extended WIC program hours, Diabetes Awareness Month in November, Insurance Navigator events, flu vaccinations for adults and children, and an A1C test special. November is National Diabetes Awareness Month, and local health agencies are urging residents to pay close attention to warning signs like frequent thirst, fatigue, and blurry vision. With millions at risk, early detection is vital. First Choice Healthcare is offering reduced-price hemoglobin A1C blood tests this month for diabetics at its Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon clinics. Family Nurse Practitioners are also on hand to support non-insulin-dependent diabetics. For appointments, call your local clinic. Meanwhile, WIC services continue uninterrupted, offering nutrition support for eligible families. The Geneseo, Colona, and Kewanee libraries will host Get Covered Illinois insurance assistance sessions next week.
November marks National Diabetes Awareness Month, underscoring a crucial message from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare. With nearly 26 million Americans living with diabetes—and millions more at risk—officials stress the importance of recognizing symptoms like frequent thirst, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, and fatigue.
Type 2 diabetes often develops quietly, with many individuals experiencing little to no noticeable symptoms at first. Health experts warn that this silent onset can delay diagnosis for years, increasing the risk of serious complications. Key warning signs include frequent thirst, constant hunger, unexplained weight loss, blurry vision, fatigue, frequent infections, and wounds that heal slowly. Regular screening is highly recommended, especially for those at greater risk due to age, weight, or family history. Doctors urge anyone experiencing these symptoms to consult a healthcare provider promptly, as early detection plays a crucial role in effective management and prevention of long-term damage.
First Choice Healthcare is focusing on diabetes care this November, offering a reduced-price hemoglobin A1C blood test for diagnosed diabetics—just $30, with a doctor’s order. This cash-only special aims to make monitoring blood sugar levels more accessible for area residents. The clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon will provide this service, helping diabetic patients track long-term glucose control. In addition, Family Nurse Practitioners at these clinics are available to assist with the management of non-insulin-dependent diabetes, supporting healthier outcomes for patients in the region. To schedule, call Kewanee at 309-852-5272, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115.
The Henry & Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare, is reminding residents that WIC services continue as usual. Illinois WIC families can still access their benefits and schedule in-person appointments, with an online application option also available. The new Illinois WIC EBT Card simplifies shopping by placing all benefits on a single card, eliminating the need for multiple checks. WIC provides nutrition education and free groceries to eligible children up to age five, pregnant women, infants, and breastfeeding mothers. Expanded hours aim to better serve working families.
The local Health Department is highlighting its ongoing commitment to families through the WIC Supplemental Food Program and case management services. These initiatives aim to support healthy pregnancies, babies, children, and families, offering nutrition education and access to healthy foods for those meeting specific nutrition and income criteria. Eligible participants can receive milk, infant formula, eggs, cereal, and a variety of fruits, vegetables, juices, whole-grain breads, and tortillas. For details or to apply, residents can call (309) 852-5272 in Kewanee or 792-4011 in Colona, or visit www.henrystarkhealth.com. For further information or to apply, visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic.
Flu season is here, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, are offering seasonal flu shots for adults and children at clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. Adults can walk in or schedule appointments from 8 AM to 4 PM on weekdays, while children’s vaccines are available by appointment. Shots are free for those with Medicare or insurance—just remember to bring your card. For those paying out of pocket, the cost is $60. This year, the 3-component trivalent vaccine is available, offering broad protection. For details, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your nearest clinic.
Residents of Henry and Stark Counties looking for health insurance have new opportunities to get expert help. The Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program is offering in-person assistance at several area locations next week. Navigators will be at the Geneseo Public Library on November 4th from noon to 3 PM, Colona Township Hall on November 7th from 1 to 3 PM, and Kewanee Public Library on November 10th from 1 to 3 PM. Navigators can help you compare plans, apply for coverage, and check eligibility for programs or special enrollment. Call 309-852-5272 for more details or to schedule assistance.
Geneseo Public Library, 805 N. Chicago St., Geneseo, IL
Tuesday, November 4th
12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Colona Township Hall, 801 1st St., Colona, IL
Friday, November 7th
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee, IL
Monday, November 10th
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, are now offering the updated Pfizer 2025-26 Covid-19 vaccine for adults at the First Choice Healthcare Clinic in Kewanee. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, or by appointment. Those with Medicare or private insurance should bring their insurance card to receive the vaccine, while uninsured adults may use the 317 Access Program to get vaccinated. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the updated shot for all adults, especially those who are pregnant, postpartum, or lactating. For details, call 309-852-5272.