RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about resolutions, reproductive health, HIV prevention, insurance navigators, flu and COVID-19 vaccines, and gun locks. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are doubling down on their commitment to community wellness in 2026 with a range of initiatives. Residents can access free and confidential HIV prevention services, including testing, education, and medication support through the PrEP/HIV Prevention program at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. In a push for safety, free gun locks aimed at preventing firearm injuries are available weekdays at multiple locations. For those navigating health insurance, the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program offers personalized assistance at upcoming local events. Visit henrystarkhealth.com or follow their social media for updates and resources.
As many look ahead to 2026 and set New Year’s resolutions, the Henry and Stark County Health Department is encouraging healthy choices with its annual checklist. From scheduling an annual exam and keeping up with immunizations to focusing on mental health and regular exercise, these resolutions target long-term wellness for the whole family. The First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon offer supportive services—ranging from women’s health exams and mental health counseling to immunizations and HIV prevention—all at affordable rates. Area residents can access additional support thanks to grant-funded programs designed to help goals become habits this year.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are encouraging residents to stay informed about their healthcare options and services. Community members in Kewanee can reach the First Choice Healthcare Clinic at 309-852-5272, while those in Toulon can call 309-852-3115 for assistance. Additional resources and updates are available on the department’s official website at www.henrystarkhealth.com. For real-time news and announcements, follow the Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Henry & Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon are highlighting free and confidential HIV prevention services as part of their new PrEP/HIV Prevention program. Residents can access safe sex education, HIV testing, risk assessments, and receive prescriptions for PrEP or PEP medications to reduce the risk of infection. Financial assistance is available for those without insurance or with private plans, while Medicaid covers treatments entirely. The initiative aims to make HIV prevention accessible to everyone, regardless of insurance status.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents about convenient ways to access healthcare information and services. Individuals seeking more details can contact the First Choice Healthcare Clinic in Kewanee at (309) 852-5272 or the Toulon location at (309) 852-3115. Comprehensive resources are also available online at www.henrystarkhealth.com, where users can find updates on health programs, screenings, and events. For those active on social media, follow the Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for timely health alerts and community wellness initiatives.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare, are offering free gun locks to residents in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. This effort is part of a statewide initiative that has distributed over 100,000 locks in under a year, aiming to reduce gun violence and accidental injuries. Health officials stress that households securing both firearms and ammunition see significantly lower risks of self-inflicted and accidental gun injuries, especially among children and teens. Gun locks can be picked up weekdays at health department offices and clinic locations.
“These simple steps can be life saving for the adolescent or adult who reaches for a firearm in an impulsive gesture during a moment of crisis. Or for a school-age child who thinks the firearm is a toy,” said RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Department.
Every 22 minutes, an American dies by firearm suicide, according to Health Department officials. Research highlights that locking both firearms and ammunition cuts the risk of self-inflicted firearm injuries by 78 percent and reduces unintentional injuries among youth by 85 percent. With gun violence being treated as a public health crisis, free gun safety locks are now available through the Henry and Stark County Health Department and First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, Monday through Friday. The initiative encourages families and those facing mental health challenges to secure firearms and helps prevent tragic outcomes.
Additional details about the Free Gun Safety Locks program can be found on the official website, www.henrystarkhealth.com, or by following the Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, are offering free assistance for residents needing health insurance. Navigators will be available across several local events: UpLoved in Geneseo on January 7th from noon to 3 PM, Glazed Donuts & Coffee in Colona on January 14th from 8 to 10 AM, and Shell Gas Station in Kewanee on January 16th from 9 AM to noon. Experts can help with enrollment, navigating benefits, and determining financial assistance or Medicaid eligibility. For more information or to schedule help, contact 309-852-5272.
UpLoved, 780 S. Chicago St., Geneseo, IL
Wednesday, January 7th
12:00-3:00 pm
Glazed Donuts & Coffee, 512 Greenpark Ave., Colona, IL
Wednesday, January 14th
8:00-10:00 am
Shell Gas Station, 511 S. Main St., Kewanee, IL
Friday, January 16th
9:00 am-12:00 pm