Wake Up Tri-Counties with RaeAnn Tucker

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Mental Health Awareness Month, the 12 Communities in 12 Months Community Outreach Event in Galva, Blood Pressure Awareness Month, and Insurance Navigators. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics will be closed Monday, May 25, for Memorial Day, with limited in-home services available. During May, as part of Mental Health Awareness Month, residents are encouraged to “Show Your Green” in support of local mental health initiatives, with proceeds from t-shirt sales aiding behavioral health patients. Free blood pressure checks, health info, and giveaways will be offered at the “12 Communities in 12 Months” outreach event on May 22 at Special Kneads Bakery in Galva. Insurance Navigators are also hosting free enrollment events throughout the month. For updates, visit henrystarkhealth.com.

Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics closed on Memorial Day

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 on Monday, May 25th, for the Memorial Day holiday. Despite the closure, limited home services staff will remain available to provide essential in-home care. Residents with questions or needing assistance can contact clinics at Kewanee (309-852-0197), Colona (309-792-4011), or Toulon (309-852-3115).

Additional information is available at www.henrystarkhealth.com or by following Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Proceeds from T-shirt sales support Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ mental health support funds.

The Henry and Stark County Health Department, together with First Choice Healthcare, is marking May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Staff is raising awareness by encouraging residents to “Show Your Green” and promoting donations to local mental health initiatives. Proceeds from recent t-shirt sales are being added to a dedicated support fund, originally started with help from a local couple and The Hill Church. This fund assists behavioral and mental health patients with expenses such as medication and transportation that aren’t covered by insurance. Community members can contribute by mailing donations and specifying that they are for mental health support. Receipts will be provided for all contributions.

Mental Health Services are available at the First Choice Healthcare Clinic in Kewanee

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, with the 2026 theme, “More Good Days, Together,” encouraging community support and reflection on what makes a good day for everyone. First Choice Healthcare joins this national movement to break stigma and provide vital resources. Mental illness affects 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 youth in the US annually, yet less than half receive treatment. Paige Humphrey, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, urges everyone to take proactive steps for mental well-being. Services for counseling and medication management are available for children and adults. To learn more or seek help, call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee at 309-852-5272.

Paige Humphrey, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with First Choice Healthcare, said, “We know that mental health is integral to overall health. People need to care for their mental health so they can respond to the stress of daily life and the challenges it presents. This Mental Health Month, we are encouraging everyone to learn about steps they can take to protect their mental health and balance both mind and body.”

May marks Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to highlighting the reality faced by millions of Americans living with mental illness. First Choice Healthcare is taking part in this vital initiative, pushing back against stigma and advocating for improved support and education around mental health. Statistics show that half of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, yet on average, people wait 11 years before seeking treatment. With mental health resources stretched thin, First Choice Healthcare’s team—including psychiatric nurse practitioners and school-based therapists—continues to provide much-needed support to our community. This effort remains crucial for families and individuals alike.

Henry and Stark County First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer blood pressure and cholesterol management in Kewanee and Toulon

May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, are encouraging everyone to check their blood pressure. High blood pressure is often called the silent killer because you may not show symptoms. Simple steps like taking prescribed medication, quitting smoking, reducing sodium, staying active, eating healthier, and managing stress can make a difference. Family Nurse Practitioners at First Choice Healthcare offer help with blood pressure and cholesterol management. For more information, contact the Kewanee clinic at 309-852-5272 or the Toulon clinic at 309-852-3115.

Patients are urged to set a blood pressure goal with their healthcare provider and develop a plan to reach it. Taking prescribed medications as directed is crucial, and discussing any difficulties—such as side effects or medication costs—with your doctor can help. Lifestyle changes also play a key role: quitting smoking, reducing sodium in your diet, maintaining a healthy weight, and staying active with at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days. In addition, a diet rich in fruits and vegetables, stress management, and limiting alcohol are all important. Regularly monitoring your blood pressure remains essential.

Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding food vendors and event coordinators to submit license applications

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding organizers and food vendors that all public food service at summer events—including fairs and farmers markets—must meet updated sanitation regulations. Whether selling or giving away food, registration with the Health Department is required at least five days before your event to avoid late fees. Event coordinators have a separate 10-day deadline for submitting documentation. Food Program Manager Megan Washburn urges all vendors to stay informed, noting a rise in unlicensed operations and emphasizing the importance of food safety education.

The Health Department is reminding residents that anyone serving food to the public at events—free or paid—must apply for approval in advance. All required forms need to be filled out completely and submitted with the correct fee at least five calendar days before the event, or a late fee will be added. Event coordinators must also submit their information sheet ten business days ahead. Community members are urged to ensure vendors follow safety guidelines and possess the proper license. For more details, visit henrystarkhealth.com or find Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram. Stay safe and enjoy summer events!

Henry and Stark County Health Department “12 Communities, 12 Months” May Outreach Event in Galva

Residents of Galva and surrounding areas are invited to a special health outreach display on Friday, May 22nd, from 9 to 11 AM, hosted by the Henry and Stark County Health Departments along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics. The event takes place at Special Kneads Bakery, offering free blood pressure checks, medication disposal, health information, and giveaways. Attendees can also receive advice from a Get Covered Illinois Insurance Navigator. This initiative is part of the “12 Communities, 12 Months” campaign, aiming to connect residents with local health resources. Details on safe medication disposal can be found on the Health Department’s “Safe Medication and Sharps Disposal Website.”

For event schedules, updates, or questions, the Health Department can be reached at 309-852-0197. Additional details are available online at www.henrystarkhealth.com and on social media platforms, including Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Insurance Navigator Events in April 2026

Residents in Henry and Stark Counties are invited to free health insurance assistance events thanks to the Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program. Navigators will be available to answer questions, help compare plans, and determine eligibility for financial aid or Medicaid. Upcoming sessions include: May 19th at Rescued in Silvis, May 21st at Kewanee Public Library, May 22nd at Special Kneads Bakery in Galva, May 26th at Say Less in Kewanee, and May 29th at A Pretty Pet Parlor in Colona. For more details or enrollment help, call 309-852-5272.

Rescued, 825 1st Ave., Silvis, IL
Tuesday, May 19th
10:00am-12:00pm

Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee, IL
Thursday, May 21st
10:00am-12:00pm

Special Kneads Bakery, 326 Front St., Galva, IL
Friday, May 22nd
9:00am-11:00am

Say Less, 785 Tenney St., Kewanee, IL
Tuesday, May 26th
1:00pm-3:00pm

A Pretty Pet Parlor, 530 Green Park Ave., Colona, IL
Friday, May 29th
1:00pm-3:00pm