RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties Heart Health Month, Wear Red Day, Insurance Navigators, Kewanee WIC Move, and Vaccines. Henry and Stark County Health Departments are joining the American Heart Association this Friday, February 6, 2026, to promote National Wear Red Day and encourage awareness of heart disease in women. Heart disease claims more lives among women than all forms of cancer combined, yet many underestimate their risk. Residents are urged to wear red to spark conversation and alert loved ones to the dangers. Key risk factors—smoking, high blood pressure, and inactivity—can often be managed with lifestyle changes. Local clinics offer screenings and resources year-round. For more information on risk reduction or tobacco-free programs, contact your local health department or visit their social media channels, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Residents of Kewanee will soon have improved access to maternal and child health resources as the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce the opening of their updated WIC Services location. The office is set to open on Tuesday, February 3rd, in the former Johnson’s Chiropractic building at 109 S. Burr Blvd. Public Health Administrator Duane Stevens says the new, dedicated space will better serve local families and allow expansion for behavioral and mental health services at the nearby First Choice Healthcare Clinic.
Offered by the county health departments, WIC provides healthy foods, nutrition education, and other resources to eligible women, infants, and children. Community members interested in applying or learning more can contact local offices in Kewanee at (309) 852-0197, Colona at (309) 792-4011, or Toulon at (309) 852-3115. Online applications and further details are available online.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with the American Heart Association, are recognizing National Wear Red Day on Friday, February 6, 2026. This annual event is dedicated to raising awareness about heart disease in women—a condition that claims more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, emphasizes that many women underestimate their risk and may not recognize symptoms until it’s too late. Residents are encouraged to wear red to spark conversation and support. Risk factors such as smoking, high blood pressure, and inactivity are key concerns and can often be controlled or prevented.
Heart disease remains the leading cause of death for American women over 20, claiming about one life every minute. Compared to breast cancer, heart disease poses a much higher risk, with one in three women dying from it. The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare note that 90% of women have at least one risk factor, such as smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, elevated cholesterol, obesity, and physical inactivity. Addressing these risks through lifestyle changes can dramatically lower heart disease risk by up to 82%. Women are encouraged to consult healthcare professionals to assess personal risk and take preventive steps.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind residents that protecting heart health is vital year-round. Local First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer screenings and consultations to help monitor blood pressure, cholesterol, and other risk factors associated with heart disease. Residents are encouraged to contact the Kewanee office at 309-852-5272 or the Toulon location at 309-852-3115 for more details on available services. Additional resources and updates can be found on the Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ and First Choice Healthcare social media pages, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Prioritizing regular checkups may help prevent serious heart issues.
February marks American Heart Month, and health officials in Henry and Stark counties are spotlighting the dangers of tobacco use as a key contributor to heart disease and stroke. The local health departments are ramping up efforts through their Illinois Tobacco-Free Communities Grant, reminding residents of the Smoke-Free Illinois Act. The law bans smoking and vaping in nearly all public places and workplaces, requiring businesses to post “No Smoking” signs and keep entrances smoke-free. Noncompliance can lead to fines.
Cigarette smoking remains a deadly concern in the U.S., accounting for over 480,000 deaths each year. Alarming figures show that more than 41,000 lives are lost directly from secondhand smoke. That means about one in five deaths, or 1,300 people daily, fall victim to smoking-related causes. The Illinois Health Department continues its efforts to curb tobacco use and protect the public from harmful effects. Businesses or individuals seeking “No Smoking” signs or more information on tobacco-free activities can call 309-852-0197, Extension 249, visit www.henrystarkhealth.com, or connect through social media channels. Prevention helps save lives.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, are inviting residents to upcoming local events to get help with health insurance needs. Navigators will be available to assist with enrollment, answer questions, and explain eligibility for financial assistance or Medicaid. Sessions are set for Thursday, February 5th, at Geneseo City Hall from 9 to noon; Friday, February 6th, at Paula’s Design Team in Kewanee from 1 to 3 PM; and Tuesday, February 10th, at Vorac Pharmacy in Geneseo from 9 to 11 AM. For details, call 309-852-5272.
Geneseo City Hall, 115 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo, IL
Thursday, February 5th
9:00 am-12:00 pm
Paula’s Design Team, 125 W. South St. #8, Kewanee, IL
Friday, February 6th
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Vorac Pharmacy, 114 S. State St., Geneseo, IL
Tuesday, February 10th
9:00 am-11:00 am