RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Christmas closure, radon test kits, the blood panel special, employee years of service recognition, the “Adopt-A-Family” with Central School, and travel safety tips for holiday travel. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments have announced that their offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon will be closed December 24th through 26th in observance of Christmas. Essential in-home care services will still be available for those in need. For healthcare assistance or information, community members are encouraged to call their local clinics or visit henrystarkhealth.com. The departments are also urging residents to take precautions against respiratory illnesses as cases rise and reminding everyone that updated COVID-19 and flu vaccinations are available by walk-in or appointment at Kewanee and Toulon locations.
As holiday travel surges, health officials in Henry and Stark counties urge drivers to prepare for smooth journeys. They recommend checking your vehicle’s condition, planning routes to avoid congestion, and keeping roadside assistance contacts handy. Secure valuables and monitor children closely at rest stops. Meanwhile, the Environmental Health Division is spotlighting an invisible risk: radon gas. Home testing kits are available for $15, with high levels detected locally and health risks even for non-smokers. Finally, a special health screening at local clinics continues through January 1, 2026. Bring non-perishable food and $40 cash for a thyroid and cholesterol panel while supporting food pantries.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments have announced closures for their offices and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon on December 24th, 25th, and 26th in observance of the Christmas holiday. Despite the closures, certain home services will remain available for those in need of essential in-home care during this period. Residents seeking information or assistance can contact their local First Choice Healthcare Clinic.
Residents seeking healthcare information or services have several options available. The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon are open to assist the community with appointments, health guidance, and more. For direct help, community members can call their nearest clinic: Kewanee at 309-852-0197, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. Detailed resources are also posted at www.henrystarkhealth.com. For updates on health programs, events, and initiatives, connect on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, under the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics.
Staff from the Henry and Stark County Health Department, alongside team members from First Choice Healthcare’s key divisions, have come together in support of Central School’s “Adopt-A-Family” Giving Drive for 2025. The enthusiastic group—Malissa Sanders, Lindsey Dana, Naomi Stahl, Megan Washburn, and Courtney Hahne—proudly showcased their collected donations, all aimed at ensuring local families experience a brighter holiday season. Their participation highlights the commitment these organizations have to community well-being beyond healthcare, reinforcing the powerful impact of local partnerships and generosity during the holidays. Organizers thanked everyone involved for making a difference in neighbors’ lives.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments have revealed their 2025 Employee Service Award recipients, honoring dedicated staff for their commitment to public health. Noteworthy milestones include RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, who has dedicated 35 years to the community, and Christine Yelm, with 30 years of service as a Homecare Assistant. Several other staff members are recognized for service ranging from five to twenty-five years, reflecting decades of care and expertise. Public Health Administrator Duane Stevens praised the team’s dedication, stating their efforts have been vital to the well-being of residents. Additional resources, updates, and health advisories can be accessed online at henrystarkhealth.com. Residents are also encouraged to follow the departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest community health news and alerts.
Taylor Ehnle, Homecare Assistant, 5 Years of Service
Mary Fuller, Nurse Practitioner, 5 Years of Service
Christine Gallagher, Homecare Assistant, 5 Years of Service
Mary Shreck, Patient Services Representative, 5 Years of Service
Sabrina Torres-Solis, Patient Services Representative, 5 Years of Service
Alicia Johnson, Clinic Nurse, 10 Years of Service
Cristina Triana, Billing Specialist, 10 Years of Service
Angela Correa, Homecare Assistant, 15 Years of Service
Carol Taets, Homecare Assistant, 15 Years of Service
Victoria Clemens, Homecare Assistant, 20 Years of Service
Terry Rist, Homecare Assistant, 20 Years of Service
Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator, 20 Years of Service
Anna Belle Holmes, Homecare Assistant, 25 Years of Service
Christine Yelm, Homecare Assistant, 30 Years of Service
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, 35 Years of Service
As holiday travel plans increase, the Henry and Stark County Health Department, along with AAA, is reminding drivers to prepare for safe journeys. Before hitting the road, have your vehicle and tires inspected, ensuring all maintenance is up to date. Plan your route to avoid congested areas, and consider adjusting your travel times to steer clear of heavy traffic. Secure valuables out of sight, and if you have children with you, keep a close eye on them during stops. Carry roadside assistance contacts as well as a charged cell phone. Taking these steps can help ensure a smooth holiday trip.
The Environmental Health Division in Henry and Stark Counties is encouraging residents to tackle a hidden danger this holiday season—radon gas. Home test kits are now available for just $15 at health department offices in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. Radon is a radioactive gas that’s colorless, odorless, and tasteless, making it impossible to detect without testing. Alarmingly, high levels have been found in the majority of local homes. Exposure is a leading cause of lung cancer, even among non-smokers. To learn more about testing and mitigation, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call 309-852-0197. Give the gift of safety this year.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, have extended their General Health and Thyroid Panel Blood Test special to benefit local food pantries. The clinic is offering the test for just $40, cash only, when paired with a donation of non-perishable food items, through January 1st. The test includes a full cholesterol panel and is recommended with fasting for best results. Residents interested in supplementing their annual health check-up can call 309-852-5272 for Kewanee or 309-852-3115 for Toulon to make appointments. Non-perishable food donations are welcome during business hours.
With the holiday season here, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are urging residents to take precautions as respiratory illnesses like COVID-19, flu, RSV, and the common cold begin to circulate more widely. Health officials recommend staying up to date on vaccinations, practicing frequent handwashing, and covering your nose and mouth when coughing. Those feeling unwell should remain at home until symptoms improve and fever subsides for at least 24 hours.
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, continue to offer updated Pfizer COVID-19 shots for adults. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, or by scheduling an appointment at the Kewanee or Toulon clinics. Adults ages 18 and older can also receive flu shots during these hours without an appointment. For children aged six months and up, flu vaccinations are available by appointment only. Residents can contact Kewanee at 309-852-5272 and the Toulon Clinic at 309-852-3115.