RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to discuss Lyme Disease, West Nile Virus, gun locks, sharps disposal, and school physicals. Health officials in Henry and Stark counties are urging residents to take extra precautions as the risk of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease and mosquito-borne West Nile Virus rises with summer activity. The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, with the support of partner organizations, now offer Lyme disease screenings at clinic locations in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon—most insurance accepted. Mosquito surveillance has detected the season’s first positive West Nile pools locally, prompting advice to reduce standing water, use repellents, and check for ticks after spending time outdoors. Free gun safety locks and sharps disposal drop-offs are also available to protect families. For more information, visit www.henrystarkhealth.org or follow them on Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram.
As outdoor activities ramp up across Illinois, the Henry & Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare, is reminding the public about the risks of tick-borne illnesses like Lyme disease. Ticks remain active into the fall, posing a significant health threat to both humans and pets. In response, the Health Department and First Choice Healthcare, partnering with MDL Labs and the Illinois Lyme Association, are now offering Lyme Disease screenings at all clinic locations 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, weekdays from 8 AM to 4 PM. Most insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, are accepted. Additionally, a special grant has enabled new tick surveillance and testing activities across Henry and Stark Counties. Officials urge everyone to check themselves, their children, and their pets for ticks after outdoor activities to minimize disease risk.
June is National Safety Month, and the Henry & Stark County Health Department, along with First Choice Healthcare Clinics, is encouraging residents to safely dispose of used needles, syringes, and lancets. With support from the Illinois EPA, Residential Sharps Collection Kiosks are now available in six community locations across Henry and Stark counties, including select clinics, the Geneseo Police Department, the Henry County Courthouse, and Alpha Pharmacy. Improper disposal of sharps poses risks to family members and sanitation workers. Local law enforcement will also conduct sharps collection drives throughout the year.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with First Choice Healthcare, are offering free gun locks to residents at locations in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. This move follows a statewide milestone—over 100,000 free gun locks distributed to promote firearm safety in less than a year. Statistics show that locking both firearms and ammunition cuts the risk of firearm injuries among children and teens by up to 85 percent. Anyone can pick up these devices Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 4 PM. The initiative aims to reduce gun-related injuries and deaths and provide essential support to the community.
Health officials report that 64 Americans die every day by firearm suicide, underscoring the urgent need for safety measures. Studies show that households locking both firearms and ammunition reduce the risk of self-inflicted firearm injuries by up to 78 percent and unintentional injuries among children and teens by 85 percent. Health Department officials note, “Every Day, 64 Americans die by firearm suicide — one every 22 minutes.”
Residents can pick up free gun safety locks by stopping by the Henry and Stark County Health Department Offices and First Choice Healthcare clinic locations in Kewanee, 110 N. Burr Blvd.; Colona, 103 1st St.; and Toulon, 120 E. Court St.
The Henry County Health Department has confirmed its first positive West Nile virus mosquito pool of the year, collected on May 27, 2025. Officials are urging residents to protect themselves using the “Three R’s”: reduce standing water, repel mosquitoes with appropriate clothing and EPA-registered repellents, and report stagnant water to local authorities. Last year, Illinois saw 69 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus and 13 related deaths. Most people show no symptoms, but severe illness can occur, particularly in older adults and those with weakened immune systems. Details and current county surveillance numbers are available on the health department’s website.
The Henry & Stark County Health Department, in collaboration with the Illinois Department of Public Health, continues its efforts to monitor vector-borne diseases in our region. Mosquitoes are captured using specialized gravid traps and tested for West Nile Virus with a rapid diagnostic assay. Recent test results show that eight mosquito pools in Allendale and eighteen in Kewanee-Whispering Oaks tested negative. However, a separate batch from Kewanee-Whispering Oaks, consisting of fifty pools, tested positive for West Nile Virus. Residents are urged to take precautions to protect themselves from mosquito bites as surveillance runs from May through October.
Stark County’s Health Department has confirmed its first batch of mosquitoes testing positive for West Nile virus this year. The specimen was collected and tested on May 28, 2025, in Allendale. Health officials are urging residents to protect themselves by practicing the “Three R’s”: reduce mosquito breeding sites, use repellents, and report dead birds or standing water. Culex mosquitoes transmit the virus after feeding on infected birds. Most people show no symptoms, but fever, nausea, and headaches can occur, and serious illness is possible, especially for those over 60 or with weakened immune systems. Stay vigilant and help “Fight the Bite.”
As summer vacation begins for local schools, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics are now scheduling physical exams for school and sports. Physicals are offered at Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon clinic locations for $40 cash, with insurance also accepted—just remember to bring your insurance details. These exams cover junior high, high school, and students entering kindergarten, sixth, and ninth grades. Parents are urged to have physical forms completed ahead of time and to book appointments early to cut down on wait times. Immunizations and additional screenings are also available. More details at henrystarkhealth.com.
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 current on all required immunizations. In addition to vaccines, clinics offer tuberculosis checks, blood lead screenings, and other lab 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 health department office in Kewanee.