Weekly Public Health Edition with RaeAnn Tucker
RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the “12 Communities in 12 Months” outreach event, prevention efforts to avoid mosquito bites and West Nile Virus, upcoming insurance navigator events, food inspections, school physicals, and free blood pressure checks on kiosks in Kewanee and Toulon. Henry and Stark County health officials are taking services on the road this month. Their “12 Communities in 12 Months” outreach stop is set for Friday, July 24th, from 10 AM to 2 PM at the Stark County Junior Fair in Wyoming, with medication disposal, free blood pressure checks, health information, giveaways, and insurance navigator help. Residents are also urged to fight West Nile Virus by dumping standing water where mosquitoes breed. Free blood pressure kiosks are available weekdays at First Choice clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. Families can also schedule school and sports physicals this summer for $50 cash. Call 309-852-0197 for details.
Special price for school physicals in Kewanee and Toulon First Choice Healthcare Clinics
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments & the First Choice Healthcare Clinics of Kewanee & Toulon note that as we all enjoy our summer, remember, August will come soon enough. The First Choice Healthcare Clinics are offering sports & school physical exam appointments throughout the summer.
The clinics will offer school & sports physicals at a cash price of only $50. Those with insurance coverage, please bring insurance information if billing insurance. Appointments are available at their clinics in Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd., 309-852-5272, and Toulon, 120 E. Court St., 309-852-3115. Visit https://www.henrystarkhealth.com for more information regarding school physicals.
Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ “12 Communities in 12 Months” Outreach Event
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics are taking their “12 Communities, 12 Months” outreach to the Stark County Junior Fair in Wyoming on Friday, July 24th. The event runs from 10 AM to 2 PM in the Concessions Building. Residents can safely dispose of expired or unused home medications, receive free blood pressure checks, pick up health information, and take part in giveaways. A Get Covered Illinois Insurance Navigator will also be available.
Details are available at “Home Medication Disposal Guidelines.” For more information about upcoming “12 Communities, 12 Months” events, call the Health Department at 309-852-0197, visit henrystarkhealth.com, or follow the department on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Henry and Stark County Health Departments Warn of West Nile Virus in Henry and Stark Counties
Wet, warm, humid weather is boosting mosquito concerns across Henry and Stark Counties. Health officials say the Culex mosquito, a common carrier of West Nile virus, breeds heavily in artificial containers—anything holding water for more than four or five days. Residents are urged to dump standing water from cans, tires, buckets, wading pools, bird baths, gutters, livestock tanks, boats, and tire swings. Rain barrels and cisterns should be covered with mesh, and window and door screens should be repaired.
For more information on West Nile Virus or mosquito control measures, call the Health Department at 309-852-0197, visit henrystarkhealth.com, or follow the Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Free Blood Pressure Checks at Kiosks in Kewanee and Toulon
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice are encouraging residents to “Know Your Numbers” with free automated blood pressure monitors now available in the Kewanee and Toulon clinic lobbies, funded through an American Heart Association grant. Health officials warn high blood pressure often has no symptoms, earning it the nickname “the silent killer.” Anyone can stop in during regular business hours for a quick, painless check and receive a printed copy of their results. Clinics are open Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. Visit Kewanee at 110 North Burr Boulevard or Toulon at 120 East Court Street.
Henry and Stark Counties have food inspection reports online for public view
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents that local food establishment inspection reports are available online. The reports can be found at inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/henry-stark.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents how their food protection program works. Inspectors use a risk-based approach, focusing on violations most likely to cause foodborne illness. Routine inspections are unannounced and follow the Illinois Food Code and county ordinance, while also giving staff a chance to educate food establishment employees.
Businesses with higher risk factors—such as extensive food handling, service to vulnerable populations, or special food processes—are inspected more often than lower-risk locations. Officials also stress that inspection reports are only a snapshot of conditions at that moment. When problems are found, the department works with workers to prevent repeat violations.
Insurance Navigators in Henry and Stark Counties in July
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, are offering local help for anyone needing health insurance coverage. Navigators will be available at BG Mini Mart-Shell in Colona on Monday, July 20th, from 9 to 11; the Stark County Junior Fair in Wyoming on Friday, July 24th, from 10 to noon; 1 Stop Food and Gas in Kewanee on Tuesday, July 28th, from 10 to noon; and the Veteran and Senior Fair in Coal Valley on Wednesday, July 29th, from 9 to noon. For enrollment help, call 309-852-5272.
BG Mini Mart-Shell, 506 1st Ave., Colona, IL
Monday, July 20th
9:00 am-11:00 am
Stark County Junior Fair, 310 E. Washington St., Wyoming, IL
Friday, July 24th
10:00 am-12:00 pm
1 Stop Food & Gas, 220 N. East St., Kewanee, IL
Tuesday, July 28th
10:00 am-12:00 pm
Veteran & Senior Fair, The Rock, 302 1st St., Coal Valley, IL
Wednesday, July 29th
9:00 am-12:00 pm