In the heart of winter, the Henry and Stark County health departments are gearing up to tackle the season’s health challenges. With January being National Radon Action Month in Illinois, officials highlight the dangers of radon, a leading cause of lung cancer among non-smokers. Concurrently, the region is experiencing a surge in respiratory illnesses, including flu, RSV, COVID-19, and pneumonia. In response, vaccines are now readily available at all First Choice locations to combat these infections. Additionally, starting January 13th, Toulon will boost its healthcare services by providing a medical provider five days a week to cater to the community’s needs.
This January, in recognition of National Radon Action Month, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments are raising awareness about the dangers of radon gas, a colorless, odorless radioactive substance linked to lung cancer, estimated to cause 21,000 deaths annually. Found in 66% of homes in Henry County and 92% in Stark County, radon emanates from natural uranium decay in the soil. Health Promotion Director RaeAnn Tucker emphasized the prevalence of radon in all types of homes across Illinois. Residents are urged to test their homes using radon detection kits now available for $15 at the Henry and Stark County Health Department offices and First Choice Clinics in Kewanee, Colona, and Toulon. If radon levels, above the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (USEPA) action level of 4 picocuries per liter of air (pCi/L), are detected in your home, the Health Department can provide you with information regarding radon mitigation on our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee at 309-852-5272; Colona at 309-792-4011; and Toulon at 309-852-3115, or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com; find them on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
