RaeAnn Tuck joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about facility holiday closures, flu and Covid vaccines, DOT physicals, tips to avoid illness, and New Year’s designated drivers. Offices and clinics operated by the Henry and Stark County Health Departments will be closed Thursday, January 1st, and Friday, January 2nd, for the New Year’s holiday. Essential in-home care services will remain available, and help can be reached through each location’s direct phone numbers or by visiting the health department’s website and social media. Meanwhile, officials remind everyone to celebrate responsibly by arranging sober drivers, offering non-alcoholic beverages, and monitoring travel during peak late-night hours. For support with health insurance enrollment, residents are invited to Midwest Massage Therapy & Wellness Center on December 30th for personalized assistance from Get Covered Illinois Navigators.
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 Thursday, January 1st, and Friday, January 2nd, in observance of the New Year’s holiday. Despite the closures, a limited number of home services staff will still be available to provide essential in-home care for those in need.
If you need assistance or have questions about local health services, you can contact the Health Department or First Choice Healthcare Clinic in Kewanee at 309-852-0197, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. Additional details, important updates, and access to services can be found online at www.henrystarkhealth.com. Stay connected with the community by following Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest health news and tips.
With the holiday season in full swing, officials at the Henry and Stark County Health Departments urge everyone to prioritize safety, especially on the roads. Increased festivities often mean more travel and a higher risk of impaired driving. Party hosts are encouraged to offer non-alcoholic beverages, provide food, and always arrange for designated drivers or alternative transportation for guests who have been drinking. Drivers are advised to avoid traveling between midnight and 3 AM—peak times for alcohol-related incidents—and to adjust travel plans in case of icy or snowy weather. Simple precautions now can help ensure a joyful and safe holiday for all.
- Plan ahead. Always designate a non-drinking driver before any holiday party or celebration begins.
- Take the keys. Don’t let friends drive if they are impaired.
- Have cab/driver options and apps on hand. If someone should not be driving, but they insist on going home, call or arrange a driver for them instead of allowing them to take the risk of driving home.
- Offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks. While many guests may want to enjoy the holidays with an alcoholic drink, offer non-alcoholic drinks as an option.
- Offer food if you’re offering alcohol. Drinking on an empty stomach can cause a person to become intoxicated faster. Offering food along with drinks may help prevent guests from over-indulging on alcohol alone.
Henry and Stark County residents seeking health insurance support are invited to the Midwest Massage Therapy & Wellness Center in Colona on Tuesday, December 30, 2025, from 9 AM to noon. Health Insurance Navigators from Get Covered Illinois will be available to assist with applications, compare plans, and explain possible financial aid options, including Medicaid eligibility. Individuals experiencing qualifying life events—like job loss, marriage, or moving—may enroll or modify coverage outside of standard enrollment windows. For details or enrollment assistance, contact 309-852-5272. This local event aims to ensure everyone can access affordable, quality health care coverage.
Midwest Massage Therapy & Wellness Center
Tuesday, December 30, 2025
9:00 am-12:00 pm
101 Stonebridge Blvd., Colona, IL
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are advising the public to stay proactive as cases of COVID-19, flu, RSV, and the common cold are expected to climb this season. Key tips include frequent handwashing, covering coughs, staying home when feeling ill, and considering mask use in crowds. Residents of Henry and Stark Counties can now access the updated Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine for adults at both Kewanee and Toulon clinics. The health departments and First Choice Healthcare are offering these shots on a walk-in basis, Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 4 PM, or by scheduled appointment. Flu vaccinations for adults are also available without an appointment during the same hours, while children’s flu shots, starting at six months old, require booking in advance. To schedule a children’s vaccination, call the Kewanee clinic at 309-852-5272 or the Toulon clinic at 309-852-3115.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare, is offering DOT Physicals for area drivers at their Kewanee and Toulon clinic locations. These exams are a federal requirement for many commercial drivers, especially those transporting passengers, operating large or heavy vehicles, or moving hazardous materials. Qualified nurse practitioners, certified as DOT medical examiners, will conduct the physicals. Drivers taking medications for conditions such as diabetes, sleep apnea, or mental health issues must bring a clearance letter from their provider.
Drivers requiring Department of Transportation physicals are reminded they can schedule appointments at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. To book a visit, contact the Kewanee office at 309-852-5272 or the Toulon office at 309-852-3115. These exams are vital for maintaining compliance and ensuring road safety. Additional details, including service hours and forms, are available online at www.henrystarkhealth.com. Updates and community health news are also posted regularly on social media—search for Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to stay connected.