RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the increasing respiratory infection rates, Cervical Cancer Awareness Month, winter travel safety, sick appointments, and vaccines. Health matters are front and center in Henry and Stark counties this January. Local health officials emphasize the importance of cervical cancer prevention, urging regular screenings and HPV vaccinations for women and adolescents. As the flu season ramps up, residents are also encouraged to get their flu and COVID-19 vaccinations, now available at First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. As winter settles in, safety tips include using low-beam headlights, preparing emergency car kits, avoiding carbon monoxide, and preventing frostbite. Free health insurance enrollment assistance will be available at several local venues this month; details are available at henrystarkhealth.com.
January marks National Cervical Health Awareness and Cervical Cancer Prevention Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are highlighting the importance of screening and vaccination. The National Cancer Institute estimates over 13,000 women in the U.S. will be diagnosed with cervical cancer in 2025, with many cases occurring among those rarely or never screened. Local healthcare providers urge women to schedule regular exams, including Pap smears and HPV vaccinations. Most cases develop in women under 50 years old and are rare in women under 20 years old. Early detection is crucial—cervical cancer is nearly 100% curable if caught early. The HPV vaccine is recommended for girls and boys ages 9 to 18. Anyone interested in learning more about available programs or wishing to schedule an appointment can reach the Kewanee office at 309-852-5272 or the Toulon office at 309-852-3115. Additional resources and updates are also available online at www.henrystarkhealth.com, as well as on social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
Health officials in Henry and Stark counties are raising the alarm as Illinois reports “very high” levels of flu activity this week. Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health, urges residents to get vaccinated to help prevent severe illness from respiratory viruses like flu, COVID-19, and RSV. Seasonal flu shots for adults and children six months and older, as well as updated COVID-19 vaccines, are now available at First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee and Toulon. These services are offered by walk-in or by appointment.
To access these immunizations, visit the Kewanee clinic at 110 North Burr Boulevard or call 309-852-5272. The Toulon location is at 120 East Court Street, reachable at 309-852-3115. Residents are also reminded to practice good hygiene and stay home if feeling unwell.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is sharing crucial winter safety tips for residents. When driving in snowy or foggy conditions, use low beam headlights and keep emergency supplies in your car. At home, protect loved ones from carbon monoxide poisoning by ensuring proper ventilation and installing detectors, especially near fuel-burning appliances. While outside, remember that winter sunburn is possible; use sunscreen and sunglasses for protection. Stay alert for frostbite and hypothermia, watching for symptoms like numb skin or uncontrollable shivering, and avoid alcohol when outdoors for prolonged periods.
Information, guidelines, and updates are accessible online at www.henrystarkhealth.com, as well as through the departments’ pages on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram, making it easier for the community to stay connected and informed.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, are offering residents free assistance with health insurance enrollment this month. Navigators will be available at Glazed Donuts & Coffee in Colona on January 14th from 8 to 10 AM and at Shell Gas Station in Kewanee on January 16th from 9 AM to noon. At Nosh Good Mood Food in Geneseo on January 23rd from 11 AM to 1 PM, attendees can compare plans, apply for coverage, and discover if they’re eligible for special enrollment. Call 309-852-5272 for more details.
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
Nosh Good Mood Food, 804 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo, IL
Friday, January 23rd
11:00 am-1:00 pm