RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Public Health Week, sharps disposal, the April 12 “Communities in 12 Months” Outreach Event, the April lab special, and Insurance Navigators. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are spotlighting National Public Health Week with the theme “Ready. Set. Action!” This week acknowledges 30 years of improving community health and the ongoing commitment of 52 staff members serving 60,000 residents. Events include sharps disposal initiatives, community outreach, and a $50 comprehensive blood test special throughout April. Cancer Control Month activities emphasize prevention through healthy choices and screenings. Insurance Navigators are available to help residents enroll in coverage, and new kiosks offer safe disposal for used sharps. Visit henrystarkhealth.com for updates, resources, and event details.
Henry and Stark County Health Departments are marking National Public Health Week, April 6th through 12th, by celebrating three decades of dedication with the theme “Public Health Week—Ready. Set. Action!” Public Health Administrator Duane Stevens highlights the crucial role that public health professionals play in safeguarding families and building healthier lives across our communities. This week recognizes both the ongoing impact of life-saving programs and the efforts of 52 full-time staff committed to the well-being of 60,000 residents. Residents are encouraged to join in advocating for prevention, strong health policies, and a healthier future for all.
Residents of Henry and Stark counties can access a variety of health programs and services through their local health departments. Services include immunizations, wellness screenings, and educational resources to support community health. The main office in Kewanee can be reached at 309-852-0197, while additional assistance is available in Colona at 309-792-4011 and Toulon at 309-852-3115. For more details, visit henrystarkhealth.com or connect via Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
April is recognized as Cancer Control Month in Henry and Stark Counties, highlighting the importance of prevention in the fight against cancer. The Health Department, alongside First Choice Healthcare and the American Cancer Society, is urging residents to take action through ten practical steps. These include quitting tobacco, getting vaccinated, scheduling regular checkups, maintaining a healthy diet, and staying active. Limiting alcohol, protecting your skin from UV rays, and following safety guidelines at work are also advised. For more guidance, community members can visit local health department websites or contact the American Cancer Society for support and resources.
- If you smoke or chew tobacco, stop! Smoking is a major cancer risk to smokers and everyone near them. If you are going to have a baby and you smoke, you pass the smoke and the risk right on to your baby. The combination of smoking and drinking alcohol is even riskier.
- Get Vaccinated. Cancer prevention includes protection from certain viral infections. Talk to your doctor about vaccination against HPV and Hepatitis B.
- Human papillomavirus (HPV). HPV is a sexually transmitted virus that can lead to cervical and other genital cancers as well as squamous cell cancers of the head and neck. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 11 and 12. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently approved the use of the vaccine Gardasil 9 for males and females ages 9 to 45.
- Hepatitis B. Hepatitis B can increase the risk of developing liver cancer. The hepatitis B vaccine is recommended for certain adults at high risk — such as adults who are sexually active but not in a mutually monogamous relationship, people with sexually transmitted infections, people who use intravenous drugs, men who have sex with men, and health care or public safety workers who might be exposed to infected blood or body fluids.
- Have regular check-ups. Ask your health care provider about the American Cancer Society’s guidelines for early detection screenings.
- Maintaining a healthy weight will help you reduce your risk of cancer, as well as heart disease and diabetes. Watching your portion sizes – especially of foods high in fat and sugar – is an important way to help watch your weight.
- Enjoy more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes. Eat at least five servings of colorful fruits and vegetables each day. They are packed with disease-fighting nutrients, are generally low in fat and calories, and may help you control your weight. Try to eat at least three servings of whole-grain products each day.
- Limit how much saturated fat you eat by cutting back on red meats (beef, pork, and lamb), processed meats (bologna, salami, and hot dogs), and high-fat dairy products.
- If you drink alcohol, limit yourself to one drink a day if you are female and two a day if you are male.
- Get some physical activity like walking, gardening, or dancing for at least 30 minutes or more on five or more days of the week. Check with your health care provider before you begin an exercise routine.
- Protect your skin from UV rays. Stay out of the sun as much as you can between 10 am and 4 pm, when the sun’s UV rays are the strongest. When you are outside, cover up with clothing. Wear a hat with a brim that shades your face, ears, and neck. Use sunscreen with SPF 15 or higher on all skin not covered with clothing. Wear sunglasses with UV protection. Don’t use sunlamps or tanning salons.
- If you work with harmful chemicals or fibers like asbestos, wear protective clothes and follow directions exactly. Be sure to learn emergency procedures.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments encourage residents seeking cancer information or support to explore several resources. The American Cancer Society offers guidance round-the-clock at 1-800-ACS-2345 as well as online at www.cancer.org. Locally, updates and resources are available at www.henrystarkhealth.com. For those active on social media, follow Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest news, support programs, and health tips. Early detection and awareness remain crucial in the fight against cancer. Connecting to these trusted sources ensures individuals and families have access to timely, accurate information and assistance.
April 10th marks National Youth HIV/AIDS Day, and the Henry & Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, are highlighting their comprehensive HIV prevention services. The program offers confidential safe sex education, HIV testing, risk assessments, and access to both PrEP and PEP medications. Financial support is available, including full Medicaid coverage and state assistance for those uninsured or with private plans.
The First Choice Healthcare Clinic is offering residents access to a range of medical services in both Kewanee and Toulon. Patients seeking more details on available treatments, hours, or specific healthcare options can call the Kewanee location at 309-852-5272 or the Toulon office at 309-852-3115. Additional information, including online resources and recent health updates, can be found by visiting www.henrystarkhealth.com. For the latest news and community health tips, you can follow the Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Stay connected for important local health updates.
The PrEP/HIV prevention grant includes and provides:
- Completely confidential and inclusive safe sex education, including how to reduce the risk of HIV transmission
- HIV testing for general screening or post-exposure to HIV
- Assessment of individual risk and potential need for PrEP or PEP treatment
- Counseling about PrEP and PEP treatment and necessary monitoring
- Prescribing prophylactic PrEP medication (Oral or Injectable) OR
- Prescribing PEP medication to reduce the risk of HIV after a possible exposure
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are hosting their “12 Communities, 12 Months” outreach event on April 29th at West Main Coffee & Books in Toulon. Between 7:30 and 9:30 AM, residents can safely drop off expired or unused medications, get a free blood pressure check, and pick up giveaways. Health information will be available, and a Get Covered Illinois Insurance Navigator will assist with coverage questions. For details on accepted items for disposal, visit the Health Department’s website. This initiative highlights ongoing efforts to connect the community with essential health resources and services.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments have launched their “12 Communities, 12 Months” initiative, aiming to bring health promotions and events to residents throughout the year. Each month will spotlight a different community with activities and resources focused on improving wellness and access to information. Residents interested in upcoming events or seeking more details are encouraged to contact the health department at 309-852-0197. Additional information, including event schedules and health tips, can be found online at www.henrystarkhealth.com or through their social media channels on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Stay connected to take advantage of these community health opportunities.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, are marking National Public Health Week from April 6 through 12, 2026, by offering significant savings. Throughout the entire month of April, a comprehensive blood test package—including general health, thyroid, CBC, and a full cholesterol panel—is available for just $50. This special rate is cash only and requires scheduling an appointment in advance. The initiative aims to make essential health screenings more accessible and highlights the ongoing commitment to improving community health. For more details, visit the health department’s official website.
Residents interested in scheduling an appointment or learning more about available services can contact the Kewanee clinic at 309-852-5272 or the Toulon clinic at 309-852-3115. Additional updates, health tips, and information about the lab special can be found on social media by following the Henry and Stark County Health Departments & First Choice Healthcare on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Take advantage of this opportunity to prioritize your health and access important screenings at a reduced cost throughout Public Health Week.
Residents in Henry and Stark Counties now have access to safe disposal options for used medical sharps, such as needles, syringes, and lancets. The Henry & Stark County Health Departments, in collaboration with First Choice Healthcare Clinics and local partners, have installed dedicated Residential Sharps Collection Kiosks at six accessible locations across the area. Officials emphasize the importance of proper sharp disposal to prevent injury and safeguard sanitation workers and the public. The kiosks are available during regular business hours at healthcare clinics, the Geneseo Police Department, the Henry County Courthouse, and Alpha Pharmacy.
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, offer a range of health programs and services tailored to the local community. Residents looking for immunizations, preventative care, family health resources, or public health updates can access comprehensive information online. Visit www.henrystarkhealth.com for detailed guides, service hours, and upcoming clinic events. Updates and health tips are regularly posted on the Health Department’s Facebook page, with additional resources shared via their Twitter feed. For direct assistance or to schedule appointments, individuals can also call 309-852-0197 for personalized support and answers to their health questions.
- First Choice Healthcare Kewanee Clinic, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee
- First Choice Healthcare Colona Clinic, 103 1st St., Colona
- First Choice Healthcare Toulon Clinic, 120 E. Court St., Toulon
- Geneseo Police Department, 119 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo
- Henry County Courthouse, 307 W. Center St., Cambridge
- Alpha Pharmacy, 211 S. 1st St., Alpha
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, are offering free health insurance enrollment assistance at several local events this month. Navigators will provide help at locations including Orion Mart, Colona Township Hall, GROW Ministries in Cambridge, Dollar Tree in Kewanee, and Gary’s Hometown Deli in Geneseo. Trained staff can help you compare plans, apply for coverage, and see if you’re eligible for financial aid or Medicaid. Special Enrollment Periods may apply if you’ve experienced recent life changes such as job loss, marriage, or moving. Call 309-852-5272 for details.
Orion Mart/Shell, 1009 Division St., Orion, IL
Wednesday, April 8th
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Colona Township Hall, 801 1st St., Colona, IL
Friday, April 10th
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
GROW Ministries, Inc., 110 N. East St., Cambridge, IL
Tuesday, April 14th
10:00 am-12:30 pm
Dollar Tree, 150 E. South St., Suites A & B, Kewanee, IL
Wednesday, April 22nd
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Gary’s Hometown Deli, 804 S. Oakwood Ave., Suite G, Geneseo, IL
Friday, April 24th
10:30 am-12:30 pm