RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Breastfeeding Awareness Week, Radon Testing for Lung Cancer Day, swimming safety, CPR classes, and insurance navigators in Galva and Geneseo. August marks Breastfeeding Awareness Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments—together with First Choice Healthcare—highlight programs supporting local families. WIC agencies and peer counselors stress breastfeeding’s health, nutritional, and environmental benefits, offering guidance at 309-852-5272 and online. With World Lung Cancer Day on August 1, officials urge residents to test homes for radon, a leading cancer risk; radon kits are available at health department offices. Meanwhile, summer safety reminders emphasize swimming supervision and CPR skills, with certification classes offered monthly. Health insurance navigators will assist residents at multiple county events, and back-to-school physicals are available by appointment at local clinics.
August 1st to 7th marks World Breastfeeding Week, with August celebrated as Breastfeeding Month by the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare. More than 120 countries participate in this observance, focusing on the theme “Prioritize Breastfeeding: Create Sustainable Support Systems.” Local WIC and Breastfeeding Peer Counselor programs emphasize the health and environmental benefits, highlighting that breast milk offers ideal nutrition for infants while reducing the risks of chronic diseases in mothers. WIC agencies across Illinois collaborate with healthcare providers to ensure families receive ongoing support.
For those interested in learning more, information can be found by calling 309-852-5272. Details on support services and upcoming events are also available online at www.henrystarkhealth.com and on Facebook under “Henry and Stark County Breastfeeding Peer Counselor.” This initiative aims to provide guidance and encouragement to families, helping them make informed choices for their child’s nutrition and well-being.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are urging families to remain vigilant about water safety, as drowning remains the fifth leading cause of unintentional injury and death, according to the Home Safety Council. Any source of standing water—such as pools, buckets, or bathtubs—can pose a risk. Officials stress the importance of constant adult supervision, installing proper pool fencing with self-closing gates, and removing clutter from pool areas. Swimming lessons for children over five are highly recommended, while learning CPR is vital for caregivers. Emergency numbers should be posted near pool areas. For more details, connect with the Health Department on social media.
Residents of Henry and Stark Counties who need health insurance can meet with Get Covered Illinois Navigators at upcoming local events. Navigators will be available to help attendees understand their health coverage options, compare plans, determine eligibility for financial assistance, and answer questions about health benefits. Events take place August 5 at Farm In The Park, Galva, from 11 AM to 1 PM; August 8th at Element Coffee House, Alpha, from 8:30 AM to 11:30 AM; and August 11th at Becks Gas Station, Geneseo, from 11 AM to 2 PM. Special enrollment may be available for those experiencing qualifying life changes. More information is available at 309-852-5272.
August 1 marks World Lung Cancer Day, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are urging residents to test their homes for radon. Radon is a naturally occurring, invisible radioactive gas that is the second-leading cause of lung cancer and the top cause among non-smokers. Shockingly, radon has been detected in 65% of Henry County homes and 82% of Stark County homes. The only way to know if radon levels are elevated is through testing. If your home’s results exceed the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s action level of 4 picocuries per liter, steps should be taken to lower these levels. The departments offer radon home test kits for $15 at their Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon offices while supplies last. For details on testing or mitigation, visit henrystarkhealth.com or call your nearest health office.
Residents seeking a kit can contact the Kewanee office at 309-852-0197, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. For more updates and resources, find us on Facebook, or follow along on Twitter and Instagram. Take this step to protect your family and stay informed about community health initiatives.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside First Choice Healthcare, continue to host monthly CPR certification classes. With heart disease remaining a top health concern in the country, these classes aim to prepare more individuals to respond effectively in cardiac emergencies—whether involving infants, children, or adults. Participants will learn essential skills, from recognizing emergencies to operating an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). Classes are scheduled for the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Health Department offices in Kewanee, from 4 to 6 PM. Registration, costing $45 per person, is required in advance by calling 309-852-0197, extension 231. Visit henrystarkhealth.com for more information.
As summer vacation from school is half over, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, are now scheduling physical exams for students. For $40 cash or with accepted insurance, families can book appointments at clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. These exams are essential for students entering kindergarten, sixth, and ninth grades, as well as those involved in school sports. Parents are encouraged to complete physical forms ahead of time and book early to minimize wait times. Immunizations, TB checks, and blood lead screenings are also available. Visit henrystarkhealth.com for more information.
Appointments are available at 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.
With the start of school approaching, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are urging parents to ensure their children are up-to-date on all required immunizations. In addition to vaccines, clinics offer tuberculosis screenings, blood lead tests, and other laboratory services for a fee. Private pay vaccines required for school entry are available, and families are encouraged to call their First Choice Healthcare Clinic for eligibility and pricing details. Certified birth certificates for children born in Henry County since 1971 can be obtained at the Henry County Health Department office in Kewanee.
