RaeAnn Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss the Better Birth Outcomes Program, PrEP and HIV Prevention Programs, Family Health and Fitness Day, National Community Health Improvement Week, Men’s Health Month, and Insurance Navigators at the Henry County Fair. Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare are spotlighting several June health programs. Expecting parents and families with babies under six months can enroll in the free Better Birth Outcomes program for nurse-guided pregnancy and newborn support. June also brings Pride Month HIV prevention services, including confidential testing, counseling, and access to PrEP or PEP. Men’s Health Month lab discounts include thyroid, prostate, and colon cancer screenings. Insurance navigators will also be at the Henry County Fairgrounds in Cambridge June 17th through 19th. For clinic appointments, call Kewanee at 309-852-5272 or Toulon at 309-852-3115.
Better Birth Outcomes program at the Henry and Stark Health Departments
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are offering free support for expecting parents and families with babies under six months through the Better Birth Outcomes Comprehensive Program. The program pairs families with a registered nurse navigator for one-on-one guidance during pregnancy and after birth. Services include help finding healthcare providers, WIC nutrition and breastfeeding support, mental health resources, substance abuse support, newborn care education, and guidance on insurance benefits. The goal is to support healthy pregnancies, safe deliveries, and strong infant development. To sign up, call Kewanee at 309-852-0197, Colona at 309-792-4011, Marshall County at 309-246-8074, or Putnam County at 815-872-2324.
Highlighting PrEP and HIV Prevention services during Pride Month in June
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, are highlighting local PrEP and HIV prevention services during Pride Month. The confidential program offers inclusive safe-sex education, HIV testing, risk assessments, counseling, and access to PrEP or PEP medications to help prevent HIV transmission before or after possible exposure. Health officials say grant funding is also available to help cover services and needed medications. Medicaid covers treatment fully, and financial assistance is available for people with no insurance or private insurance. Residents looking for healthcare information or clinic services can reach First Choice Healthcare through the Henry and Stark County Health Departments. The Kewanee clinic can be contacted at 309-852-5272, while the Toulon clinic is available at 309-852-3115. More details are also posted online at henrystarkhealth.com.
Celebrating Family Health and Fitness Day and National Community Health Improvement Week
Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare are recognizing June 13th as Family Health and Fitness Day, with June 8th through 12th proclaimed National Community Health Improvement Week. The observances honor healthcare professionals working to improve community health and remind families that wellness is often strongest when pursued together.
Residents can access services through First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee and Toulon, including sick visits, family planning, school and sports exams, chronic disease care, STD testing and treatment, work physicals, TB testing, lead screenings, immunizations, walk-in care, mental health services, and community programs.
Appointments: Kewanee, 309-852-5272; Toulon, 309-852-3115.
Discounted General Health and Thyroid Test for National Men’s Health Month
June is Men’s Health Month, and First Choice Healthcare Clinics are encouraging men to take preventive health seriously. During June, special cash-only lab pricing is available, including a General Health and Thyroid TSH test for $50, a PSA prostate cancer blood screening for $10, and a fecal occult blood test for colon cancer screening for $10. The general health panel includes a full cholesterol check. PSA screenings are available to men ages 50 to 64, with guidelines for younger men based on family history or a physician’s order. Fasting is recommended. Appointments are available in Kewanee at 309-852-5272 or Toulon at 309-852-3115.
First Choice Healthcare is reminding men that good health goes beyond routine screenings. Staff encourages men to speak openly about mental health, get enough sleep, eat well, maintain a healthy weight, and make regular exercise part of daily life. They also stress the importance of quitting smoking, avoiding heavy drinking, and managing stress before it affects long-term wellness.
The Health Department’s First Choice Healthcare Clinics provide clinical, mental health, and men’s health services to the community. More information is available at henrystarkhealth.com and on the Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ and First Choice Healthcare Clinics’ Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram pages.
Get Covered Illinois Insurance Navigators at the Henry County Fair
Need health insurance or help understanding your options? The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, will offer free assistance at the Merchant’s Building at the Henry County Fairgrounds in Cambridge. Navigators will be available Wednesday, June 17th, and Thursday, June 18th, from 2 to 4 PM, and Friday, June 19th, from 2 to 5 PM. They can help with applications, comparing plans, checking for financial help, Medicaid eligibility, and understanding benefits. Special enrollment may be available after qualifying life events. For details, call 309-852-5272.
Merchant’s Building, Henry County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, IL
Wednesday, June 17th
2:00-4:00 pm
Merchant’s Building, Henry County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, IL
Thursday, June 18th
2:00-4:00 pm
Merchant’s Building, Henry County Fairgrounds, Cambridge, IL
Friday, June 19th
2:00-5:00 pm