Wake Up Tri-Counties with RaeAnn from the Henry and Stark Counties

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice HealthCare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Children’s Book Week, Nurses Week, the May Community Outreach Event, radon test kits, and insurance navigators. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with area organizations, are highlighting several community initiatives this May. Residents are invited to donate children’s books during Children’s Book Week, May 4th through 10th. Drop-offs are accepted at Henry & Stark County Health Department offices and First Choice Healthcare clinics. National Nurses Week, May 6th to 12th, shines a light on the compassion and leadership that local nurses provide. Residents are reminded to test their homes for radon, the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers, with affordable $15 kits available at local offices. Visit henrystarkhealth.com for more details.

Henry and Stark County Health Departments are accepting new and gently used children’s books during Children’s Book Week

The Bureau, Henry & Stark Regional Office of Education, alongside the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, is organizing a community book drive to celebrate Children’s Book Week from May 4 through May 10, 2026. This effort supports “The Basics, Illinois Program,” which focuses on making educational resources accessible for local families. Children’s Book Week, marking over a century since its inception in 1919, is igniting efforts to encourage reading among young people nationwide. The Basics, Illinois, is taking that mission to heart by establishing family engagement stations stocked with books, child-sized furniture, and educational materials. These stations serve as welcoming hubs where children can discover the joys of reading and families can bond through stories. However, the success of these spaces depends on generous donations of children’s books. Community members are encouraged to support literacy and help spark a love of reading by contributing new or gently used books to local engagement stations.

Drop off books at the three health department locations

Residents looking to make donations can visit several convenient locations throughout the area. Contributions are being accepted at all Henry & Stark County Health Department offices as well as First Choice Healthcare clinics. Drop-off points include the Kewanee Main Office at 110 North Burr Boulevard, the Kewanee WIC and Maternal & Child Services at 109 South Burr Boulevard, the Toulon Clinic at 120 East Court Street, and the Colona Office at 103 First Street. Anyone wishing to donate can stop by during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 4 PM. Community support remains essential.

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.

Henry and Stark Counties Celebrate National Nurses Week

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, are observing National Nurses Week from May 6th to 12th. This year’s theme, “The Power Of Nurses,” highlights the leadership and compassion nurses provide every day. RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, emphasizes that nurses not only offer direct patient care but also drive improvements in health services and access. Community members are encouraged to express appreciation for these professionals, who serve in roles ranging from clinical services to health education.

The Henry and Stark County Health Department continues to serve residents through its First Choice Healthcare Clinics. Offering a range of health services, the department encourages community members to reach out for appointments or information. Locations in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon provide accessible care tailored to the needs of each area. For personalized assistance, individuals can call Kewanee at 309-852-5272, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. Additional resources, updates, and health information are available online at henrystarkhealth.com, as well as through their official Facebook and Twitter platforms.

Test your home for radon during Clean Air Month and Air Quality Awareness Week

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are emphasizing the dangers of radon exposure as part of Clean Air Month and Air Quality Awareness Week, observed from May 4th to 8th, 2026. Radon is an invisible, odorless gas that is the leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers and has been detected in 65% of Henry County and 82% of Stark County homes. Residents are encouraged to test their homes using radon test kits available at Health Department offices in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon for $15. Details and resources for mitigation are available at the department’s website or by calling local offices.

Radon is an invisible, odorless gas found in homes throughout the area, and it poses serious health risks over time. The only way to know if your home has elevated radon levels is through testing. If readings above the EPA’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter are discovered, the Henry and Stark County Health Department offers detailed guidance on reducing radon exposure at www.henrystarkhealth.com or through their Environmental Health Division. Affordable $15 radon home testing kits are available. For more details, call your nearest location: Kewanee at 309-852-0197, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. Stay connected on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates.

Upcoming Insurance Navigator Event in Henry and Stark Counties

If you’re searching for health insurance or want to review your current plan, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, offer in-person help at several upcoming local events. Health Insurance Navigators will be available to guide residents through applications, compare plans, explain benefits, and check eligibility for financial assistance or Medicaid. Walk-in assistance is scheduled in Orion, Coal Valley, Silvis, and Galva this May. Changes to coverage may be possible outside open enrollment if you’ve experienced a qualifying life event, such as job loss or relocation. More details are available at 309-852-5272.

Orion Food Center-IGA, 510 11th Ave., Orion, IL
Tuesday, May 5th
9:00 am-11:00 am

Happy Joe’s Pizza-Rudy’s Tacos, 320 W. 1st Ave, Coal Valley, IL
Monday, May 11th
11:00 am-1:00 pm

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

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