RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss public health topics

RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss food safety, monthly CPR classes, free gun locks, the monthly outreach event at the Henry County Fair, ticks, safe sharps disposal, and insurance navigators. June is National Safety Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, are offering free gun locks at clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon to help reduce gun-related injuries and deaths. Residents are encouraged to pick up locks weekdays between 8 AM and 4 PM. Firearm suicide claims 64 American lives daily, and keeping both guns and ammunition locked can sharply reduce these risks. Free gun locks are also available via the Veterans Crisis Line—call 988 and press 1, chat at VeteransCrisisLine.net, or text 838255. For more safety news, the departments are hosting free blood pressure checks, sharps disposal, and insurance help at the Henry County Fair on June 17th and 18th. The departments also offer Lyme disease screening and tick testing and are expanding access to safe disposal kiosks for used medical sharps at six locations. Monthly CPR classes and food safety guidance for local vendors round out the health focus. More details at henrystarkhealth.com.

Free Gun Locks at Henry and Stark County Health Department Locations

As June marks National Safety Month, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, are providing free gun locks at their offices and clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. This initiative aims to reduce firearm injuries and deaths, as data shows locking both guns and ammunition can dramatically lower risks among children and teens. Health officials report that firearm suicide claims the lives of 64 Americans daily—approximately one every 22 minutes. Securing both firearms and ammunition can dramatically reduce risks: studies show a 78% lower risk of self-inflicted firearm injuries and 85% lower risk of unintentional injuries among children and teens when both are locked. As part of an initiative to treat gun violence as a public health crisis, free gun safety locks are available at Henry and Stark County Health Department offices and First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM.

Free gun locks can now be obtained via the Veterans Crisis Line, a dedicated confidential support resource for veterans available around the clock. Accessing this service is simple: dial 988 and press 1 to speak directly, chat online at VeteransCrisisLine.net/Chat, or text 838255 to connect.

Lyme disease screenings are available at Henry and Stark County Health Departments

Outdoor enthusiasts in Henry and Stark counties are being urged to protect themselves from ticks and tick-borne illnesses as summer activities ramp up across Illinois. The Henry & Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare have announced that Lyme disease screenings are now available at their clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, with most insurance accepted. Tick-borne diseases remain a rising concern, and early detection is key. The health department is also conducting special tick collection and testing projects thanks to a new grant. Residents are urged to regularly check themselves, children, and pets for ticks after spending time in grassy or wooded areas, as quick removal can help prevent disease transmission.

Concerned about ticks or Lyme disease? The Henry and Stark County Health Department offers tick collection and testing services, as well as Lyme disease screenings. Residents are encouraged to utilize these resources, especially during peak tick season. Information on how to submit a tick for testing and details about screening programs can be found on their official website at www.henrystarkhealth.org. Stay updated by following the health department on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.

Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ “12 Communities – 12 Months” Outreach Event in June

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, invite the public to a special outreach display at the Henry County Fair in Cambridge. Visit the Merchants Building on June 17th or 18th between 2 and 4 PM for free blood pressure checks, safe disposal of expired or unused medications, insurance information from a Get Covered Illinois Navigator, and health resources. There will also be giveaways for attendees.

Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind residents to safely dispose of expired or unused medications and sharps at their upcoming event. Proper disposal helps prevent misuse and protects the environment. For full instructions on handling unwanted medications and sharps, visit the department’s official “website”—links are available on Facebook and other social media platforms. Details are also posted at henrystarkhealth.com. For more about the “12 Communities, 12 Months” initiatives or for event dates, call 309-852-0197. Stay connected by following Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for updates on community health events.

Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind Cottage Food Operators and Market Vendors of proper food handling

With farmers’ market season underway across Illinois, the Henry & Stark County Health Departments are urging food vendors to closely follow state food safety regulations. Megan Washburn, Food Program Manager, highlights the importance of proper food handling for both cottage food operators and market vendors. While Illinois law allows some home-produced foods, operators must still meet all food safety, labeling, and operational standards. These rules help prevent foodborne illness and ensure community events run safely. Vendors looking for guidance or needing help with permitting are encouraged to reach out to the Environmental Health Department at 309-852-0197, option 4.

Monthly CPR Classes at Henry and Stark County Health Department in Kewanee

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, are reminding residents about monthly CPR certification classes offered locally. Heart disease remains the top cause of death in the U.S., emphasizing the importance of CPR knowledge. Attendees will learn how to respond to breathing and cardiac emergencies in all age groups, including the use of Automated External Defibrillators. Classes take place on the fourth Tuesday each month from 4 to 6 PM at 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee. The fee is $45, with registration and payment required in advance. Space is limited; call 309-852-0197 ext. 250 to sign up.

Safe and Convenient Medical Sharps Disposal Available in Henry and Stark Counties

June marks National Safety Month, prompting the Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics to remind residents of a safe solution for disposing of used medical sharps. Funded by the Illinois EPA, six conveniently located Residential Sharps Collection Kiosks are available in Henry and Stark counties. Residents can drop off needles, syringes, and lancets at participating clinics during regular hours.

Proper disposal protects children, adults, and sanitation workers from accidental injury. Details are available by calling 309-852-0197 or visiting www.henrystarkhealth.com, where updates and contact options are provided. The departments are also active on social media, with updates available on their Facebook page, Henry and Stark County Health Departments, and on Twitter.

Locations:

• 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