RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Heart Health Month, Dr. Ford’s retirement, insurance navigators, the new WIC location in Kewanee, and 12 communities in 12 months. February marks American Heart Month, and area health officials are urging residents to prioritize heart health. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are now offering free access to automated blood pressure monitors in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. Individuals can use these monitors and take home a printout of their results. A new loaner program also allows residents to track blood pressure at home. The new WIC offices in Kewanee are open at 109 South Burr Boulevard, offering expanded services for families. In other news, Dr. Donald Ford retires after nearly five decades of distinguished service. Details about insurance help, WIC applications, and health resources can be found at henrystarkhealth.com. Health insurance navigators are available at several local venues in February to help with coverage questions and enrollment.
February is American Heart Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are encouraging everyone to take steps toward better heart health. Cardiovascular disease remains the leading cause of death and a major source of disability in the U.S., impacting both men and women. Simple changes—like getting annual checkups, monitoring blood pressure and cholesterol, eating a healthy diet, staying active, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco—can make a big difference. The First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon offer resources to help manage heart health. For more heart-healthy tips and services, contact your local clinic.
Henry & Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare, are highlighting February as American Heart Month by offering residents free access to automated blood pressure monitors. Thanks to support from the American Heart Association, monitors are now available in the lobbies of Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon clinics during regular business hours. Blood pressure is often called the “silent killer,” making regular checks essential. Visitors will receive a printed record of their results. Additionally, a blood pressure monitor loaner program is now available to help residents track their numbers at home. For details, contact your local clinic Monday through Friday.
For more information or to inquire about specific services, call Kewanee at 309-852-5272, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. Staff members are ready to answer questions and guide callers through available options.
Duane Stevens of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside the Health Board, has recognized Dr. Donald Ford for 48 years of service as the Medical Director for Henry County. Dr. Ford’s distinguished career includes 14 years with the Health Board, 10 of those as president, as well as an unwavering dedication to public health in his private practice. Stevens praised Dr. Ford as a steadfast advocate for community health, whose expertise and commitment will be deeply missed. The Health Board is comprised of volunteers from various fields, meeting quarterly to address the county’s health needs. For further details, contact the Henry County Health Department.
The Henry County Health Board is made up of two physicians, a dentist, a county board member, and four additional residents who bring a passion for improving local health. Members meet quarterly to discuss and address the county’s health needs, volunteering their time without compensation. This collaborative approach helps ensure that decisions reflect a wide range of perspectives from within the community. Anyone interested in learning more about the Health Department or its services can call 309-852-0197, visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, or follow them on Facebook and Twitter for updates and resources.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents that Kewanee WIC services have moved to a new location at 109 South Burr Boulevard. The updated WIC office officially began serving the public on February 3, 2026. Public Health Administrator Duane Stevens says this dedicated building will help staff better serve families with maternal and child health needs and support the department’s growing range of services. The move also frees up space for expanded behavioral and mental health offerings at the First Choice Healthcare Kewanee Clinic. Details and application information are available at henrystarkhealth.com or by calling local office numbers.
Families in Henry and Stark Counties seeking nutritional support can access the Women, Infants, and Children, or WIC, program through local health departments. WIC offers nutrition education, healthy food, and breastfeeding support to eligible women and young children. Services are available by contacting the Henry & Stark County Health Departments at 309-852-0197 for Kewanee, 309-792-4011 for Colona, or 309-852-3115 for Toulon. Applications can also be completed online by visiting henrystarkhealth.com. Additional details about program eligibility and benefits are found at fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution provides equal opportunity service.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, are bringing health insurance assistance to local communities across February. Navigators will be available to guide residents through the process of enrolling in or modifying health coverage. Events are scheduled at several Kewanee and Galva locations, including Country Morning Coffee, Say Less, Special Kneads Bakery, Beck’s Phillips 66, and the YMCA. These experts help compare plans, determine eligibility for programs or financial assistance, and clarify insurance terms. If you’ve lost coverage, experienced a major life event, or need help with enrollment, call 309-852-5272 for details.
Country Morning Coffee, 205 W. 1st St., Kewanee, IL
Wednesday, February 18th
8:30 am-10:30 am
Say Less, 785 Tenney St., Kewanee, IL
Thursday, February 19th
12:00 pm-2:00 pm
Special Kneads Bakery, 326 Front St., Galva, IL
Friday, February 20th
9:00 am-12:00 pm
Beck’s Phillips 66, 401 E. 2nd St., Kewanee, IL
Wednesday, February 25th
9:30 am-11:30 am
YMCA-Kewanee, 315 W. 1st St., Kewanee, IL
Friday, February 27th
9:00 am-11:00 am