RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about National Immunization Awareness Month, insurance navigators, reproductive services, mosquitoes, and birth and death certificates. August is National Immunization Awareness Month, and the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding families to keep all vaccinations current, especially as students prepare to return to school. First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon are offering immunizations for both children and adults by appointment. The health departments are also stepping up West Nile virus prevention efforts after positive samples in the area—residents can help by reducing standing water, using repellents, and reporting mosquito breeding sites. Certified birth and death certificates, reproductive services, and free insurance navigation assistance are also available. Visit henrystarkhealth.com for more information.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon, are highlighting August as National Immunization Awareness Month. This year’s theme is “Don’t let history repeat itself. Protect your future. Get immunized!” The message serves as a crucial reminder for families to ensure everyone is up-to-date on vaccinations, especially as students prepare for school. Immunization has played a key role in reducing the spread of serious diseases, but vaccine-preventable illnesses still claim lives each year.
Vaccines have played a crucial role in eliminating smallpox and wild poliovirus in the U.S., as well as drastically reducing measles, diphtheria, and other illnesses. Despite these successes, thousands nationwide still die each year from vaccine-preventable diseases. First Choice Healthcare offers all recommended immunizations for both adults and children by appointment at locations in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon.
First Choice Healthcare is now offering comprehensive immunization services at its Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon locations. Community members are encouraged to keep their vaccinations up-to-date, protecting themselves and those around them from preventable diseases. To schedule an appointment or learn more about available vaccines, call Kewanee at 309-852-5272, Colona at 309-792-4011, or Toulon at 309-852-3115. Additional resources are available online at www.henrystarkhealth.com. Stay informed by following the Henry and Stark County Health Departments on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram for the latest updates and health tips.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, in partnership with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, are offering free assistance for anyone needing health insurance. Navigators will be available at Farm King on August 19th, Save A Lot on August 21st, Hollis House on August 29th, and Colona Township Hall on September 5th. Times vary by location, so check for details. Experts can help with applications, comparing plans, understanding financial help, and determining Medicaid eligibility. Certain life changes, such as job loss, marriage, or moving, may qualify you for special enrollment. For more details, call 309-852-5272.
Farm King, 800 Tenney St., Kewanee, IL
Tuesday, August 19th
1:00-4:00 pm
Save A Lot, 401 S. Main St., Kewanee, IL
Thursday, August 21st
1:00-4:00 pm
Hollis House, 605 Hollis St., Kewanee, IL
Friday, August 29th
1:00-4:00 pm
Colona Township Hall, 801 1st St., Colona, IL
Friday, September 5th
12:30-3:30 pm
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is urging residents to take precautions against West Nile virus as mosquito activity remains high due to a wet, warm summer. West Nile virus has been detected in environmental samples from both counties. Locals are encouraged to follow the “Fight the Bite” campaign by practicing the three R’s: reduce standing water, repair window screens, and keep doors closed; repel by wearing protective clothing and using EPA-recommended insect repellents; and report stagnant water sources to authorities.
REDUCE – make sure doors and windows have tight-fitting screens. Repair or replace screens that have tears or other openings. Try to keep doors and windows shut. Eliminate, or refresh each week, all sources of standing water where mosquitoes can breed, including water in bird baths, ponds, flowerpots, wading pools, old tires, and any other containers.
REPEL – when outdoors, wear shoes and socks, long pants and a long-sleeved shirt, and apply insect repellent that contains DEET, picaridin, oil of lemon eucalyptus, or IR 3535 according to label instructions. Consult a physician before using repellents on infants.
REPORT – report locations where you see water sitting stagnant for more than a week, such as roadside ditches, flooded yards, and similar locations that may produce mosquitoes. The local health department or city government may be able to add larvicide to the water, which will kill any mosquito eggs.
No confirmed human cases have been reported locally this season, but officials stress that prevention remains key. Residents interested in learning more about mosquito control or West Nile Virus are encouraged to contact the Health Department at (309) 852-0197, visit www.henrystarkhealth.com, or follow the department’s updates on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is highlighting accessible family planning and reproductive health services at First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. These clinics aim to empower women with vital information and contraceptive options like Depo, Nexplanon, and free condoms, as well as physical exams that include breast exams and pap smears. Services extend to helping manage conditions like heavy periods or acne, not just pregnancy prevention. Payment options include Medicaid, private pay, a sliding fee scale, and grant funding, making care affordable. Appointments are required and can be scheduled by contacting your local clinic or visiting henrystarkhealth.com.
For more information or to make an appointment, call the clinic closest to you: 110 N. Burr Blvd, Kewanee (309) 852-5272; 103 1st St., Colona (309) 792-4011; and 120 East Court St., Toulon (309) 852-3115.
Parents and guardians in Henry County are reminded that certified copies of birth certificates for children born since 1971 are available through the Health Department at 110 N. Burr Blvd in Kewanee. Deputy Registrar Naomi Stahl emphasizes that the complimentary copy from the hospital is not considered a legal document and is insufficient for purposes such as school enrollment or opening a savings account. Only birth parents listed on the certificate or court-ordered legal guardians may request copies by presenting photo ID, completing a request form, and paying $13 for the first and $6 for each additional copy. The cost of certified death certificate copies is $15 for the first copy and $10 for each additional copy.
School officials are emphasizing the importance of having a certified copy of a child’s birth certificate for enrollment. Recent warnings highlight concerns about non-custodial parents registering children without proper documentation, sometimes in violation of custodial agreements. Only birth parents listed on the certificate or court-appointed guardians may request certified copies through the Henry County Health Department. A photo ID and completed request form are required, with fees set at $13 for the first birth certificate copy and $6 for each additional. More details and request forms can be found at henrystarkhealth.com or by contacting the Health Department at (309) 852-0197.