Weekly Public Health Updates from RaeAnn Tucker

RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss food safety during a power outage, outreach events in Wyoming, mental health services, home food safety and licensing, and insurance navigators. During power outages, keep refrigerator and freezer doors closed; refrigerated perishables may be unsafe after four hours, while a full unopened freezer can last up to two days. Residents are also urged to check food carefully once power returns.

The department’s “12 Communities, 12 Months” outreach visits the Stark County Junior Fair in Wyoming on July 24th, with medication disposal, blood pressure checks, health information, giveaways, and insurance navigator help. Mental health services are also accepting new patients through First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee. Call 309-852-0197, visit henrystarkhealth.com, or follow the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

Tips to Keep Food Safe During Power Outages from Henry and Stark County Health Departments

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents to protect refrigerated and frozen food during power outages. Officials say refrigerator and freezer doors should stay closed to preserve cold air. Perishable refrigerated foods may become unsafe if power is out longer than four hours. A full, unopened freezer can keep food frozen for up to two days. If using ice, keep food out of standing water and use proper ventilation and gloves when handling it. Once power returns, check food for odd odor, color, texture, or warmth.

The Health Department staff note, “An unopened full freezer will keep foods frozen for up to 2 full days. If it’s necessary to add ice to the freezer, make certain you handle it only with adequate ventilation and while wearing protective gloves.”

They add, “When power is restored, check all foods, fresh or frozen, to determine safety. Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color, or texture, or feels warm to the touch. Remember the saying, “When in doubt, throw it out.”

For anyone with questions about food safety, local help is available through the Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department. The division guides safe food handling, health regulations, and ways to reduce the risk of foodborne illness at home, at events, and in food service settings. Residents, businesses, and community organizations can contact the department directly at 309-852-0197 for more information. Additional food safety resources are also available online at henrystarkhealth.com.

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.

Mental Health Services Available at the First Choice Healthcare Clinic in Kewanee

The Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare are reminding area residents that mental health services are available, with new patients now being accepted. Counseling and therapy are offered for patients beginning at age five, while medication management is available starting at age six. Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner Paige Humphrey supports care for anxiety, depression, mood concerns, attention difficulties, trauma, medication evaluation, and ongoing treatment planning. Humphrey says her goal is to provide a comfortable, non-judgmental space where patients feel heard and involved in their care.

For anyone facing emotional or mental health challenges, help can begin with one call. Contact First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee at 309-852-5272, or start a referral through HenryStarkHealth.com.

Home Kitchen Safety Tips and Licensing Guidance

The Henry and Stark County Health Department is reminding residents that food prepared in a home kitchen is not inspected, which can raise the risk of foodborne illness. Officials point to common concerns including improper cooling and reheating, undercooked meat or seafood, cross-contamination, poor handwashing, unsafe ingredients, and improper storage. They say refrigerators should stay at or below 41 degrees, and food thermometers should be used instead of relying on appearance. Anyone planning to sell food is encouraged to contact the Henry and Stark County Health Departments about registration or licensing requirements. For help, call 309-852-0197.

Health Insurance Assistance in Henry and Stark Counties in July

Health insurance help is coming to several local events in July. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, will have trained navigators available to help residents explore coverage options, apply, compare plans, and check eligibility for Medicaid or financial assistance. You may also be able to enroll outside the usual open enrollment period if you qualify for a special enrollment period. Qualifying life events include losing job-based or Medicaid coverage, getting married, having a baby, moving, becoming a U.S. citizen, leaving incarceration, or turning 26

Navigators will be at Splat Ink Tattoos and Piercings in Kewanee on Thursday, July 16th, from 10 AM to noon; the Stark County Junior Fair in Wyoming on Friday, July 24th, from 10 AM to noon; and the Veteran and Senior Fair at The Rock in Coal Valley on Wednesday, July 29th, from 9 AM to noon.

They can help compare plans, submit applications, check Medicaid eligibility, and explain benefits. For details, call 309-852-5272.

Splat Ink Tattoos & Piercings, 205 N. Tremont St., Kewanee, IL
Thursday, July 16th
10:00 am-12:00 pm

Stark County Junior Fair, 310 E. Washington St., Wyoming, IL
Friday, July 24th
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