RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about health education, the opening of the Toulon Tele-Pharmacy, Flu and COVID shots, fall clinics in Kewanee and Geneseo, insurance investigators, lead testing, and school flu shot clinics. Stark County is welcoming a new addition to its healthcare landscape. The Toulon Telepharmacy will open its doors on October 20, 2025, at 120 E. Court Street, offering local access to crucial pharmacy services. Hours run Monday through Friday, with a midday closure for lunch. Health officials highlight the telepharmacy’s opening during National Pharmacy Week, emphasizing improved access for residents. Meanwhile, the Health Department is marking National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week and National Health Education Week by urging families to stay proactive on health issues—from lead testing to flu shots and updated COVID-19 vaccines—available at First Choice Healthcare locations across the county.
Stark County residents will soon have better access to pharmacy services. The Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare Clinic have announced the opening of the Toulon Telepharmacy on October 20, 2025, located at 120 E. Court Street, Toulon. Business hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with a brief lunch closure from 12:30 to 1 PM. This addition means residents can now benefit from a full range of healthcare and pharmacy services locally. Duane Stevens, Public Health Administrator, emphasizes the significance of the opening during National Pharmacy Week, noting its vital role in community health. For details, call (309) 852-3220.
National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week runs from October 19th to 25th, and area health officials are ramping up efforts to alert families about the risks of lead exposure. The campaign theme, “Lead-Free Kids for a Healthy Future,” emphasizes testing homes and children, as well as learning prevention steps. Nearly half a million U.S. children have elevated blood lead levels, with Illinois alone identifying more than 8,300 affected last year. Main sources include lead-based paint, dust in old buildings, and contaminated drinking water. The Health Department urges parents to test children at ages one and two, as early intervention protects healthy development.
Lead poisoning remains a serious threat to children’s health, often without obvious symptoms. Parents are urged to protect their families by testing older homes for lead, especially before purchase, and getting their children screened—even if they appear healthy. Simple blood tests at your doctor’s office or local health department can quickly detect exposure, with testing recommended at ages one and two. Early detection helps prevent lifelong learning or developmental problems.
Residents concerned about lead exposure can reach the National Lead Information Clearinghouse at 1-800-424-LEAD for details on prevention and safety. Blood lead testing is available at First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. To make an appointment, call Kewanee at 309-852-5272, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. For ongoing updates, follow the Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram. Taking proactive steps and staying informed can help protect your family’s health from the dangers of lead poisoning.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, have announced that October 20th to 24th, 2025, is National Health Education Week. This initiative aims to highlight the crucial role of health education in preventing diseases like obesity, diabetes, and heart disease. RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, points out that while most healthcare dollars are used to treat preventable illnesses, only a small fraction goes toward prevention. The Health Department encourages community involvement and making healthy lifestyle choices to reduce disease risks.
Additional details and updates are available online at www.henrystarkhealth.com, as well as on their social media pages—Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram—under Henry and Stark County Health Departments. Stay informed and prioritize your health with local resources.
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is highlighting its accessible family planning and reproductive health services, provided at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. These clinics offer a range of care, including annual physical exams, breast exams, pap smears, and pregnancy testing. Contraceptive options such as Depo, Nexplanon, and free condoms are available, with birth control sometimes helping to regulate cycles or improve acne. Services are open to those with Medicaid, private insurance, or on a sliding fee scale, and some clients may qualify for free care.
First Choice Healthcare Clinics are now accepting appointments at both their Kewanee and Toulon locations. Residents seeking healthcare services can call 309-852-5272 for the Kewanee office at 110 N. Burr Blvd or 309-852-3115 to reach the Toulon clinic at 120 East Court St. Remember, appointments are necessary before visiting. More information, online scheduling, and updates can be found by visiting www.henrystarkhealth.com or by following the Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
Need help finding affordable health insurance? The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, will have specialists at several local events to guide residents through the health insurance enrollment process. Navigators will answer questions, assist with applications, and help compare plans. Join them at Chance’s Unique Collectibles in Geneseo on October 30th, the Geneseo Public Library on November 4th, Colona Township Hall on November 7th, and Kewanee Public Library on November 10th. Special Enrollment Periods are available for those with recent life changes. For details, call 309-852-5272.
Chance’s Unique Collectibles, 118 W. 2nd St., Geneseo, IL
Thursday, October 30th
12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Geneseo Public Library, 805 N. Chicago St., Geneseo, IL
Tuesday, November 4th
12:00 pm-3:00 pm
Colona Township Hall, 801 1st St., Colona, IL
Friday, November 7th
1:00 pm-3:00 pm
Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee, IL
Monday, November 10th
1:00-3:00 pm
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare, are now offering the updated adult COVID-19 shots at the First Choice Healthcare Clinic in Kewanee. Vaccines are available on a walk-in basis from 8 AM to 4 PM, Monday through Friday, while supplies last. Individuals can also schedule an appointment by calling 309-852-5272. Adults with Medicare or insurance coverage should bring their insurance card to obtain the updated Pfizer vaccine for 2025-26. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends vaccination for all adults 18 and older, including those who are pregnant or postpartum.
Flu shots for adults and children are now available at all First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. Adults can receive their flu shot on a walk-in basis or by appointment, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM; children’s shots are by appointment only. Shots are offered at no cost for those with Medicare or insurance, but don’t forget to bring your card to qualify. For those without coverage, the cost is $60.
The Health Department is rolling out the 3-component Trivalent Seasonal Flu vaccine at First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. Officials emphasize that this shot offers the most thorough protection against influenza for residents this season. Those interested in receiving the vaccine or seeking additional details can contact First Choice Healthcare by phone in Kewanee at 309-852-5272, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. More information is also available online at www.henrystarkhealth.com or through the Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ social media channels.
Area residents are invited to attend the Fall Health Check Clinic at the Kewanee Public Library on Wednesday, October 22nd, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. The event, supported by the Henry & Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, is open to adults 18 and older. Free flu shots are available for those with Medicare or insurance—attendees must present their insurance card. The cash price for the vaccine is $60. The clinic also offers free blood pressure checks, vital signs assessments, and blood glucose screenings. Additional health resources and giveaways will be provided to promote community wellness.
The Health Department is urging all individuals aged six months and older to receive a flu vaccination this season. Special emphasis is placed on those at higher risk for severe flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, seniors over 65, those with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart or lung disease, and smokers. Health care workers are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to help protect vulnerable populations.
The Henry County Health Department, First Choice Healthcare, and Geneseo Public Library District are teaming up for a special Fall Health Check Clinic on Thursday, October 23rd, from 9:30 to 11:30 AM. Area residents aged 18 and older are invited to the Geneseo Public Library at 805 N. Chicago St. Participants with Medicare or insurance can receive free flu shots; insurance cards are required. Flu shots for cash payments cost $60. The clinic also offers complimentary blood pressure checks, vital signs assessments, and blood glucose screenings. Health information and free giveaways will be available for all attendees.
The Health Department is urging all individuals aged six months and older to receive a flu vaccination this season. Special emphasis is placed on those at higher risk for severe flu complications, including young children, pregnant women, seniors over 65, those with chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes, or heart or lung disease, and smokers. Health care workers are also strongly encouraged to get vaccinated to help protect vulnerable populations.
