RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about their booth at the Stark County Junior Fair, Insurance Navigators at Geneseo Sidewalk Days, and how to access Online Inspection Reports. Community members have several chances to connect with local health resources this month. On July 25th, the Stark County Junior Fair will host a booth from the Health Department and First Choice Healthcare Toulon Clinic, offering free blood pressure checks, gun locks, and the latest health info. At Geneseo Sidewalk Sales the same day, Get Covered Illinois Navigators will assist residents with health insurance enrollment and eligibility for financial help. In addition, the public can now view updated food establishment inspection reports online, promoting transparency and safer dining in Henry and Stark counties. For questions, call 309-852-5272.
The Stark County Junior Fair is right around the corner, promising a lively day of community fun and important health outreach. On Friday, July 25th, from 11 AM to 3 PM, the Stark County Health Department and the First Choice Healthcare Toulon Clinic will be set up at the fairgrounds in Wyoming. Attendees can stop by their booth to access free blood pressure checks, receive gun locks, pick up various giveaways, and gather up-to-date health information. Staff will be available to answer questions and provide resources, making this event a valuable opportunity for staying informed and staying healthy.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, will be assisting residents at the Geneseo Sidewalk Sales Event on Friday, July 25th, from 11 AM to 2 PM in downtown Geneseo. Trained Navigators will help attendees explore affordable health insurance options, submit applications, and review plans side-by-side. Residents may also receive help understanding eligibility for financial assistance or special enrollment due to life changes such as losing coverage, marriage, or moving. If you need health coverage, this is a local opportunity to get free, personalized guidance. For details, call 309-852-5272.
Residents of Henry and Stark counties can now easily review the latest food establishment inspections online at inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/henry-stark. The Health Department’s Environmental Health Division emphasizes a risk-based approach in these inspections, prioritizing the factors most likely to cause foodborne illnesses. Facilities with higher risks or complex food handling processes are checked more frequently. It’s important to remember that inspections represent only what was observed at the time. Health officials use these visits as educational opportunities, helping establishments correct unsafe practices and prevent repeat violations, ensuring safer dining experiences for the entire community.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, are announcing the availability of the Meningitis B vaccine at their First Choice Healthcare clinics while supplies last. Meningitis B is a potentially deadly infection that affects the brain and spinal cord, with college students and young adults at higher risk. Meningitis B can quickly turn deadly, with symptoms escalating to severe complications like sepsis. The CDC recommends that adolescents and young adults between 16 and 23 consult with their healthcare provider to determine if the two-dose MenB vaccine is right for them. The vaccine is given as a two-dose series and is recommended for individuals aged 16 to 23, especially those at increased risk.
Those seeking the vaccine can visit the Kewanee Clinic at 110 North Burr Boulevard either by appointment or on a walk-in basis. For residents near Colona and Toulon, appointments are required at 103 1st Street and 120 East Court Street, respectively. First Choice provides all immunizations as private pay vaccines and works with most insurance plans. To check your eligibility, understand costs, or confirm vaccine availability, call the Kewanee clinic at 309-852-5272, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115.
For more information, visit www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter).
Students and parents planning for the next school year can now schedule sports and school physical exams at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. Physicals are available for just $40 cash, or you can bill your insurance by bringing your insurance details. The clinics are offering these exams for kindergartners through high school athletes all summer long. Parents are encouraged to book appointments early to beat the end-of-summer rush and should bring completed physical forms from their local schools. The clinics also provide required immunizations, TB checks, and lab tests at additional fees. More details are at henrystarkhealth.com, or follow them on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is reminding residents that certified copies of birth certificates for children born in Henry County since 1971 are available at their office, located at 110 North Burr Boulevard in Kewanee. The fee is set at $13 for the first certified copy and $6 for each additional one requested at the same time.
Appointments are available at their clinics in Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd., 309-852-5272; Colona, 103 1st St., 309-792-4011; and Toulon, 120 E. Court St., 309-852-3115.
