Raeann Tucker joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about Halloween safety, Breast Cancer Awareness Month, checking your disaster pack with the Fall time change, insurance navigators, and COVID and flu shots. As Halloween approaches, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare, urge families to prioritize safety. Parents should keep sick children home and encourage frequent hand washing. Most accidents stem from trips, falls, and traffic, so motorists need to be especially alert for trick-or-treaters at dusk. Costumes should be short to prevent tripping and include reflective tape for visibility. Children under 12 are advised to have adult supervision, stick to familiar neighborhoods, and avoid entering strangers’ homes. For more safety tips and resources, visit henrystarkhealth.com or follow the health department on Facebook, Instagram, or X.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with First Choice Healthcare, are encouraging families to make safety the top priority this Halloween. Parents are urged to keep sick children at home and to promote frequent hand washing or hand sanitizer use. Most accidents arise not from spooky mischief but from trips, falls, and traffic. Motorists should be alert for young trick-or-treaters, especially at dusk. Costumes should be short to prevent tripping and feature reflective tape for visibility. Children under 12 should be accompanied by adults, visit familiar neighborhoods, and avoid entering strangers’ homes. More tips are available at henrystarkhealth.com or on Facebook, Instagram, or X (Twitter).
October marks National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, is urging women to prioritize early detection. According to the American Cancer Society, breast cancer remains the most common cancer for American women, with nearly 317,000 new cases projected nationwide in 2025. RaeAnn Tucker, Health Promotion Director, highlights that finding breast cancer early greatly improves the chance of successful treatment. Women are encouraged to perform monthly self-exams and schedule annual clinical exams and mammograms.
First Choice Healthcare Clinics are highlighting expanded women’s health services, welcoming patients with most insurance providers as well as private pay options. The clinics are committed to accessible care in both the Kewanee and Toulon locations. Community members seeking more details can reach out directly by calling 309-852-5272 for Kewanee or 309-852-3115 for Toulon. Updates and health tips are available at henrystarkhealth.com and also shared through their social media platforms, including Facebook as Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with Twitter and Instagram.
As residents prepare to set their clocks back next Sunday, November 2nd, for daylight saving time, local health officials urge everyone to use the opportunity to check their emergency preparedness stockpiles. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with the Office of Emergency Management, are participating in the APHA’s “Get Ready: Set Your Clocks, Check Your Stocks” campaign. The initiative promotes reviewing emergency supplies to ensure adequate food, water, and essentials are on hand, and nothing has expired or is missing. Officials also encourage everyone to check smoke alarm batteries during this time. Visit aphagetready.org or henrystarkhealth.com for preparedness tips. Stay prepared for weather emergencies and health threats year-round.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, are now offering the updated Pfizer 2025-26 Covid-19 vaccine for adults at the First Choice Healthcare Clinic in Kewanee. Vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 8 AM to 4 PM, or by appointment. Those with Medicare or private insurance should bring their insurance card to receive the vaccine, while uninsured adults may use the 317 Access Program to get vaccinated. The Illinois Department of Public Health recommends the updated shot for all adults, especially those who are pregnant, postpartum, or lactating. For details, call 309-852-5272.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, together with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, are reaching out to residents needing health insurance. Insurance Navigators will be available at several local events in Geneseo, Colona, and Kewanee over the next two weeks. Assistance includes comparing plans, applying for coverage, and checking eligibility for financial help or Medicaid. Life changes like marriage, job loss, or moving may qualify you for a Special Enrollment Period, allowing you to sign up or change coverage outside the regular enrollment window. For details or to set up a session, call 309-852-5272.
Chance’s Unique Collectibles, 118 W. 2nd St., Geneseo, IL
Thursday, October 30th
12:00-3:00 PM
Geneseo Public Library, 805 N. Chicago St., Geneseo, IL
Tuesday, November 4th
12:00-3:00 PM
Colona Township Hall, 801 1st St., Colona, IL
Friday, November 7th
1:00-3:00 PM
Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee, IL
Monday, November 10th
1:00-3:00 PM
