RaeAnn Tucker from the Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare joined Wake Up Tri-Counties to talk about upcoming events and health information for the community. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, alongside First Choice Healthcare, are turning the spotlight on National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month this July with the theme “Turn Awareness into Action!” The push comes as new figures highlight serious disparities in mental healthcare access among racial and ethnic minorities. Community members are encouraged to reach out for culturally informed mental health services. Meanwhile, in-person health insurance assistance will be offered on July 30th in Geneseo and on August 1st in Colona, and student physicals and immunizations are now being scheduled ahead of the school year. Residents are also reminded to remove standing water to help combat mosquito-borne illnesses.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department, together with First Choice Healthcare, is highlighting National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month throughout July. This year’s theme, “Turn Awareness into Action!” calls on everyone to address mental health disparities faced by racial and ethnic minority communities. Statistics reveal significant gaps in mental health care: just 25% of Asian adults, 36% of Hispanic/Latino adults, and 39% of Black/African American adults with mental illness sought treatment, compared to 52% of non-Hispanic white adults. First Choice Healthcare continues its commitment to supporting everyone by providing culturally informed mental health services across clinic and school-based settings. For more information or to make an appointment, visit the Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ website, or follow them on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
*In 2021, it is estimated that only 39% of Black or African American adults, 25% of Asian adults, and 36% of Hispanic/Latino adults with mental illness were treated, compared to 52% of non-Hispanic white adults.”
Looking to secure health insurance or need help navigating your options? The Henry and Stark County Health Departments, along with the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program, are offering in-person assistance at two upcoming local events. Health Insurance Navigators will be available on July 30th from 1:30 to 3:30 PM at UpLoved Antique/Resale Shop in Geneseo, located at 780 S. Chicago Street, and on August 1st from 1 to 3 PM at Colona Township Hall, located at 801 1st Street. They can help you find affordable coverage, check eligibility for financial aid, and answer your questions about special enrollment periods triggered by life changes. For details, call 309-852-5272, visit the website, or follow them on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
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.
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is urging residents to take action against the rising mosquito population attributed to this summer’s wet and humid weather. Officials warn that the Culex mosquito, known for spreading West Nile Virus, breeds in standing water often found in artificial containers like cans, buckets, or old tires. Residents are encouraged to empty, discard, or cover items that can hold water for over four days and keep gutters and bird baths clean. Mesh screens on windows and doors are also recommended. Health officials stress that these steps help reduce both mosquito numbers and health risks in the community.
- Discard all useless containers such as tin cans, tires, and stack buckets upside down when empty.
- Turn boats and canoes down when not in use.
- Don’t allow water to stand in low areas for more than one week. Add small amounts of fuel oil each week to standing pools of water that can’t be drained.
- Empty and clean wading pools and bird baths once a week.
- Drain all livestock tanks once a week.
- Cover rain barrels and cisterns with mesh wire screening.
- Puncture holes in the bottom of the tire swings to drain accumulated water.
- Clean out gutters and spouts of accumulated debris.
- Repair or replace screening on doors and windows with appropriate mesh.
For more information on West Nile Virus or mosquito control measures, call the Health Department at 309-852-0197, visit the website, or follow them on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
