“Henry County Officials Announce Seventh COVID-19 Death”
The Henry County Health Department has been notified of a Seventh Coronavirus (COVID-19)-related death in Henry County, Illinois. The individual, a woman in her 80s, had earlier tested positive for COVID-19.
“We are deeply saddened to hear of this latest loss of one of our Henry County residents to this illness. Our hearts go out to the family and friends who are mourning the loss of their loved one and we send our sincerest condolences,” Henry County Health Department Administrator Duane Stevens said in a statement.
The Henry County Health Department has announced multiple confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Henry County. Public health officials are working actively to identify and investigate all individuals who were in contact with the cases. Federal privacy restrictions prohibit the release of further information regarding the investigations.
The Health Department notes with expected additional cases coming, residents need to assume that they have been exposed to COVID-19. For a reference of the most current status of confirmed positive cases of COVID-19 in the State please visit the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Covid-19 webpage at
ATTENTION GHOULS AND GOBLINS! The Health Department & our First Choice Healthcare Clinics note that Illinois families are starting to plan for Halloween. Because some of the traditional ways to celebrate this holiday do not allow for proper social distancing, the Health Department & IDPH are providing the following guidance to allow for safe Halloween celebrations. Today we look at "Trick or Treat Alternatives, Pumpkin Patches, Haunted Houses..."
ATTENTION HALLOWEEN REVELERS EVERYWHERE! The Health Department & our First Choice Healthcare Clinics note that Illinois families are starting to plan for Halloween. Because some of the traditional ways to celebrate this holiday do not allow for proper social distancing, the Health Department & IDPH are providing the following guidance to allow for safe Halloween celebrations. Today we look at "Fall Festivals, Costume Parties, and Social Gatherings..."
"HEALTH DEPT NOTES NATIONAL HEALTH EDUCATION WEEK, OCTOBER 19-23, 2020"
RELEASE:
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that October 19-23, 2020 has been proclaimed National Health Education Week. The Health Department joins with public health and health education advocates across the country to raise awareness of the importance of health education measures. This year's theme of National Health Education Week is “Health Education as a Catalyst for Change.” This year’s focus will celebrate how health educators form important partnerships with schools, medical providers, social service agencies, governmental entities, businesses, social and faith-based organizations in order to promote community health. Health education and prevention measures are now, more than ever, are a nationwide priority; and as the public health system evolves, there are more options when it comes to preventative health and community partnerships.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion notes, "This year as we celebrate National Health Education Week, we honor the work of health providers, healthcare workers and health educationspecialists that are helping us through the COVID-19 pandemic. This week aims to recognize health education specialist for their contributions to promoting and improving individual and population health to providing health education and health promotion services for cost-effective prevention, wellness, and disease management.”
Today seven in 10 deaths in the US are related to preventable diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood pressure, heart disease and cancer. Another striking fact is that 75 percent of our health care dollars are spent treating such diseases. However, only 3 percent of our health care dollars go toward prevention.
Tucker adds, "That's why health education is so vital to our communities' future health. Education can make a difference. For example, more than half of all cancer deaths could be prevented by making healthy choices such as not smoking, staying at a healthy weight, eating right, keeping active and getting recommended screening tests.”
For more information on the Department Health Education services call the Department at (309) 852-0197 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES OCTOBER AS NATIONAL BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and its First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona announce that October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
Breast cancer is the most common cancer among American women, except for skin cancers. About 1 in 8 women in the US will develop invasive breast cancer during their lifetime.
The American Cancer Society’s estimates for breast cancer in the United States for 2020 are:
About 276,480 new cases of invasive breast cancer will be diagnosed in women in the U.S. as well as 48,530 new cases of non-invasive (in situ) breast cancer.
About 42,170 women will die from breast cancer in the U.S.
RaeAnn Tucker, Health Department Director of Health Promotion, notes, “When considering facts such as these it's obvious that we, in the public health field, must emphasize the importance of early detection and screening. Indeed, breast cancer is the second most common kind of cancer in women. The good news is that many women can survive breast cancer if it’s found and treated early. Therefore, we would like to encourage women to partner with a friend or family member to remind each other to practice monthly breast self-exam and make annual clinical exam and mammogram appointments."
The First Choice Healthcare Clinics of Kewanee and Colona remind area residents that they provide annual physical exams to area women, including a breast exam and pap smear.
The clinic accepts medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client's income, has been established to assist residents to obtain services.
For more information on the First Choice Healthcare Clinics Women's Health services call (309) 852-5272 Kewanee or (309) 792-4011 Colona or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES NATIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT WEEK, OCT. 11-17.”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics, in conjunction with the American Case Management Association (ACMA), will celebrate National Case Management Week October 11-17. This week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, compassion and quality of patient care outcomes achieved by case managers across the health care continuum. The theme for this year is “Transitions Through Care, Expertise and Integrity.”
Case managers, usually registered nurses, social workers or physicians, provide collaborative clinical assessment, care coordination, patient education, counseling, case monitoring, discharge planning, resource management and patient advocacy.
Heather Aldred, RN Maternal and Child Health Supervisor with the Health Department notes, “Our staff is thrilled that a national recognition has been set aside to celebrate the things we do, each and every day, that helps build strong and healthy families.”
Aldred adds, “To participate in our Family Case Management Program we ask: *Are you pregnant? * Do you have a child under age 1? *Do you have a high risk infant?”
If so, Health Department Family Case Management nurses can help you:
Find a Doctor for prenatal care
Find a Doctor for your children’s care
Understand proper nutrition
Depression Screening
Understand stages of child development
And, be a better parent
In addition, Health Department Family Case Managers can offer program participants assistance in utilizing other programs and services like WIC, Family Planning, Child Care and Immunizations.
For more information on the Department's WIC and Casemanagement services call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011(Colona) or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter. For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
“HENRY & STARK COUNTY HOMECARE ASSISTANTS CITED AS PUBLIC HEALTH HEROES”
CAPTION FOR ATTACHED PHOTOS:
Jill Engstrom, a Homecare Coordinator with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ Home Services Division, hands Ruby Beam, a Homecare Assistant from Kewanee, a supply of masks and some hand sanitizer. During the Covid-19 pandemic and shutdown, Homecare Assistants have continued to offer essential home services to many of our areas homebound, vulnerable and aged population. They have followed all community mitigation guidance and orders by wearing face masks, observing social distancing guidelines, and observing all around infection control measures while continuing their most important of duties. For their dedication to improving and protecting the lives of so many local residents, the Henry County Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is pleased to salute the over 100 Henry and Stark County Homecare Assistants throughout area as Public Health Heroes.
RELEASE:
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 community mitigation as “Public Health Heroes!”
The Health Department cites the over 100 area Homecare Assistants with the Department’s Home Services Division as Public Health Heroes for assisting in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19. During the Covid-19 pandemic and shutdown, Homecare Assistants have continued to offer essential home services to many of our area’s homebound, vulnerable, and aged population. They have followed all community mitigation guidance and orders by wearing face masks, observing social distancing guidelines, and observing all around infection control measures while continuing their most important of duties.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of the Health Promotion with the Henry County Health Department states, “We would like to thank each and everyone one of these dedicated Homecare Assistants for their dedication to improving and protecting the lives of so many; and we ask local residents to join with us in thanking them for going above and beyond in keeping our residents and communities safe during this unprecedented time."
The Henry & Stark County Health Department and the Henry County OEM note when we work together there’s nothing we cannot achieve - like helping to keep the community safe and reduce the potential spread of the virus especially among those at most risk!
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES HEALTHY LUNG MONTH BY NOTING THEY HAVE RADON TEST KITS AVAILABLE FOR PURCHASE”
The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department notes that October is designated National Healthy Lung Month; therefore, they remind area residents they have Radon Home Test kits available for purchase through their offices in Kewanee and Colona. The kits are being offered at the low cost of $15 per kit.
Dorothy David, Director of Environmental Health Services notes, “Many people don’t even know that Radon gas is such a health threat. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas present in the soil and water that can build up to dangerous levels in the home. Radon gas is odorless, colorless, tasteless, and invisible and the only way to know if a home has a radon problem is to test for it. Breathing radon can increase ones risk of lung cancer. If you are a smoker, your risk is even more heightened.”
David adds, “Radon gas found in 65% of homes in Henry County and 82% of homes in Stark County. Radon is a Class A human carcinogen, meaning there is actual evidence that exposure to radon causes lung cancer. It is the cause of 20,000 lung cancer deaths in the United States annually.”
Testing your home is the only way to know if you have elevated levels of radon. 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 or through our Environmental Health Division.
For more information on Radon Gas or the Radon Home Testing Kits call (309) 852-0197 Extension 266. Remember, you can always Find Us on Facebook or Follow Us On Twitter.
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT CITES GENESEO CULVER’S AS PUBLIC HEALTH HEROES”
RELEASE:
The Henry & Stark County Health Department and Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 community mitigation as “Public Health Heroes!”
The Health Department cites the Geneseo Culver’s and its local management and staff as Public Health Heroes for assisting in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of the Health Promotion with the Henry and Stark County Health Department states, “The Geneseo Culver’s location has been cited for protecting its employees and customers by its consistent practice and encouragement of Covid-19 community mitigation and prevention measure.”
Tucker adds, “Culver’s of Geneseo has shown such respect and commitment in helping to keep both their employees, and the customers they serve, protected against Covid-19 infection. They prove that businesses can still operate and exist in this new normal of Covid-19 community mitigation and prevention. Therefore, the Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to cite the Geneseo Culver’s and its employees as Public Health Heroes; and we ask local residents to join with us in thanking them for going above and beyond in keeping our residents and communities safe during this unprecedented time."
The Henry & Stark County Health Department and the Henry County OEM note when we work together there’s nothing we cannot achieve - like helping to keep the community safe and reduce the potential spread of the virus especially among those at most risk!
“HEALTH DEPARTMENT CELEBRATES NATIONAL CASE MANAGEMENT WEEK, OCT. 11-17.”
RELEASE:
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics, in conjunction with the American Case Management Association (ACMA), will celebrate National Case Management Week October 11-17. This week is an opportunity to recognize the dedication, compassion and quality of patient care outcomes achieved by case managers across the health care continuum. The theme for this year is “Transitions Through Care, Expertise and Integrity.”
Case managers, usually registered nurses, social workers or physicians, provide collaborative clinical assessment, care coordination, patient education, counseling, case monitoring, discharge planning, resource management and patient advocacy.
Heather Aldred, RN Maternal and Child Health Supervisor with the Health Department notes, “Our staff is thrilled that a national recognition has been set aside to celebrate the things we do, each and every day, that helps build strong and healthy families.”
Aldred adds, “To participate in our Family Case Management Program we ask: *Are you pregnant? * Do you have a child under age 1? *Do you have a high risk infant?”
If so, Health Department Family Case Management nurses can help you:
Find a Doctor for prenatal care
Find a Doctor for your children’s care
Understand proper nutrition
Depression Screening
Understand stages of child development
And, be a better parent
In addition, Health Department Family Case Managers can offer program participants assistance in utilizing other programs and services like WIC, Family Planning, Child Care and Immunizations.
For more information on the Department's WIC and Casemanagement services call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011(Colona) or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter. For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
“HENRY COUNTY RETURNS TO BLUE LEVEL COUNTY RISK FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE”
The Henry County Health Department is alerting residents that as of Friday, September 11, 2020, our County-Level COVID-19 Risk Metrics is returning to “Blue.” Blue status indicates that the county is experiencing overall stable COVID-19 metrics.
These metrics are intended to be used for local level awareness for each county’s progress during Phase 4 and will help local leaders, businesses, local health departments, and the public make informed decisions and promote healthy behaviors. Individuals, families, and community groups can use these metrics to help inform their choices about personal and family gatherings, as well as what activities they choose to do.
Henry County COVID-19 cases are still on the rise. As of September 10th, we have a total of 556 confirmed positive cases. However, per the county-level risk metrics provided by the Illinois Department of Public Health: * Henry County new cases are once again above the 50 mark or more new cases per 100,000 people; as of today we stand at 145 new cases per 100,000. However, Henry County’s weekly positivity rate stands today at 6.8% under the State’s 8.0% metric trigger mark.
Duane Stevens, Henry County Public Health Administrator states, “It is important our county residents understand that although we are now not in the warning level; we all should still be implementing all Phase 4 measures. People should be wearing face coverings, not gathering for large events, keeping distance between people, limiting indoor capacity; covering coughs and washing hands. The virus is still circulating, but based on the metrics the county is considered to be in a stable status.”
The Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management are encouraging everyone to do their part and continue to recognize the role they play in helping Henry County slow the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and are one of the best prevention tools available to the public at this time. As a result, all businesses, service facilities or organization open to the public shall require employees, customers, and other individuals on the premises who are over age two to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when on premises and unable to maintain at least a six-foot social distance. Additionally, gatherings of more than 50 people (or gatherings of 50% or more of a building’s maximum occupancy) are prohibited unless exempted by law or Executive Order. To report places of business or organizations violating these mitigation actions: Call the Pandemic Compliance Hotline for Henry & Stark Counties at (309) 883-5057; or send an email to COVID@EMA-HC.com
“STARK COUNTY RETURNS TO BLUE LEVEL COUNTY RISK FOR CORONAVIRUS DISEASE”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department is alerting residents that as of Friday, September 18, 2020, our Stark County-Level COVID-19 Risk Metrics is returning to “Blue.” Blue status indicates that the county is experiencing overall stable COVID-19 metrics.
These metrics are intended to be used for local level awareness for each county’s progress during Phase 4 and will help local leaders, businesses, local health departments, and the public make informed decisions and promote healthy behaviors. Individuals, families, and community groups can use these metrics to help inform their choices about personal and family gatherings, as well as what activities they choose to do.
Stark County COVID-19 cases are still on the rise. As of September 17th, we have a total of 47 confirmed positive cases. As of September 17, 2020 we had a total of 47 confirmed positive cases. Since August 17, 2020 when we stood at 8 cases; Stark County is up 39 cases which is an increase of 487% in cases to date in a month’s time.
Duane Stevens, Henry and Stark County Public Health Administrator states, “It is important our county residents understand that although we are now not in the warning level; we all should still be implementing all Phase 4 measures. People should be wearing face coverings, not gathering for large events, keeping distance between people, limiting indoor capacity; covering coughs and washing hands. The virus is still circulating, but based on the metrics the county is considered to be in a stable status.”
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management are encouraging everyone to do their part and continue to recognize the role they play in helping Henry County slow the spread of COVID-19. Face coverings are effective in preventing the spread of COVID-19 and are one of the best prevention tools available to the public at this time. As a result, all businesses, service facilities or organization open to the public shall require employees, customers, and other individuals on the premises who are over age two to cover their nose and mouth with a face covering when on premises and unable to maintain at least a six-foot social distance. Additionally, gatherings of more than 50 people (or gatherings of 50% or more of a building’s maximum occupancy) are prohibited unless exempted by law or Executive Order. To report places of business or organizations violating these mitigation actions: Call the Pandemic Compliance Hotline for Henry & Stark Counties at (309) 883-5057; or send an email to COVID@EMA-HC.com
With Henry and Stark County Covid-19 Cases Increasing -
Here’s some important information on LOCAL COVID TESTING
HAMMOND-HENRY HOSPITAL & REGIONAL HEALTH PARTNERS
COVID Screening is now available to all individuals - Two Locations
1258 W. South Street HOURS Monday - Friday 8:30 am - 5 pm.
HOTLINE 309-944-9198
Call the hotline at 309-944-9198 to start the process. Insurance will be billed.
OSF HEALTHCARE COVID INFORMATION & CARE OPTIONS https://www.osfhealthcare.org/covid19/ If you suspect you have novel coronavirus (COVID-19) and it is not an emergency,
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments First Choice Healthcare Clinics remind area residents they have Lab Services that are available at clinics held Monday through Friday starting at 7:00am at the Health Department's Kewanee Clinic, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee; and at 8:00am at their Colona Office 103 1st St., Colona.
The First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer area residents the opportunity to receive a variety of indepth profiles like a General Health Panel, GHP which includes a Comprehensive Metabolic Panel, CMP; Complete Blood Count, CBC; and a Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, TSH. Other popular profiles include a Lipid Panel; the CBC; the CMP; the TSH; and the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test. These tests are available without a physician's order and reasonably priced.
Many insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid can be billed with a physician’s order.
The PSA, for males age 50 and over, is a blood test to be used as a screening tool by physicians and should only be used in conjunction with a doctor's physical exam. These and other fasting blood profiles can be obtained by appointment at their Kewanee and Colona office locations.
Fasting is required for optimal results. Therefore, participants should not eat or drink anything other than water for 8-12 hours prior to the blood draw. Test results will be sent by mail to participants and ordering physicians.
Please note, appointments which are necessary, may be made by contacting the Kewanee Clinic at (309) 852-5272 or the Colona Clinic at (309) 792-4011. For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or Find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENTS FIRST CHOICE HEALTHCARE CLINICS OFFER CERTIFIED DOT PHYSICALS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and their First Choice Healthcare Clinic in Kewanee reminds area residents they offer area drivers low cost DOT Physicals. Appointments are available at our Main Office, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee and by special arrangement and at our West Office, 103 1st St., Colona.
The Health Department notes that the Department of Transportation requires some drivers to get regular physicals to make sure they can drive safely. If any of the following apply to you, you must get a DOT physical and carry a DOT medical certificate when you drive a commercial vehicle:
You are paid to operate a motor vehicle that holds nine to 15 passengers; you drive the vehicle more than 75 miles from where you report to work; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
You operate a motor vehicle with a gross combination weight rating, gross vehicle weight, gross vehicle weight rating, or gross combination weight of at least 10,001 pounds; you operate this vehicle for interstate commerce purposes
You transport hazardous materials in certain quantities
Sandy Sommer, RN Clinical Services Director with the Health Department notes, “If you want to comply with federal law, a qualified medical examiner must complete your DOT physical form. Our Nurse Practitioner, Marylou Johnson is a Certified DOT medical examiner.”
DOT Physical participants should expect the examiner to review their health history and ask the participant to list the medications taken on a regular basis. During your DOT physical, the examiner will also do the following:
Sommer adds, “If you are seeing a provider and are on medication for sleep apnea, diabetes, high blood pressure, cardiac, anxiety, ADHD/ADD, depression and other mental health issues, and seizures. Participants need to obtain a “Clearance Letter” from the provider of care and bring to their appointment.
Please note appointments for DOT Physical, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the First Choice Healthcare Clinics at (309) 852-5272 - Kewanee Office or 792-4011-Colona Office. For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT WIC PROGRAM NOTES THE NEW ILLINOIS WIC EBT CARD COMING SOON"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department staff reminds area residents that they offer the WIC (Women, Infants and Children) Food Supplemental program. The WIC program promotes the health of our local children and mothers, by providing free groceries to participants; and creating healthier families by encouraging healthy eating and lifestyles.
Heather Aldred, RN, Maternal and Child Health Services Supervisor with the Health Department, states, “We are thrilled to announce that the New Illinois WIC EBT Card is Coming Soon! This will make WIC Services even more easy for area families participate in and use.
Aldred adds, “For all current WIC participants at your next WIC visit - the transfer from the old WIC paper checks will be replaced by the new Illinois WIC EBT card. In addition, each household will now be issued just one Illinois WIC EBT Card with all the food benefits on this one card; no more handling multiple checks for different members of your family.”
Health Department WIC staff note that WIC participants will need to be present to complete the following transition to the news system: (as this cannot be done by Proxy)
Receive your New Illinois WIC EBT Card
Select the 4-digit PIN which activates the new card
Learn how to use the New Illinois WIC EBT Card when shopping for food
In addition, the Health Department WIC staff reminds participants to allow more time for this visit, and that they have expanded WIC hours in order to be more convenient to working families and school children participating in the program. WIC benefits area available to eligible children up to the age of 5, pregnant women, infants, postpartum and breastfeeding women.
Aldred adds, “We are so excited about this new WIC EBT Card, sometimes referred to as eWIC. Participants now have the ease of taking their shopping list to the store and then buying the food they need when they need them.”
The Health Department WIC and Casemanagement staff promotes healthy pregnancies, babies, children and families through their services. The WIC Supplemental Food Program offers supplemental foods and nutrition education to residents who meet certain nutrition and economic guidelines. In addition, clients may receive healthy food items such as milk, formula, eggs, and cereal; fruits, vegetables, juices, whole grain breads and tortillas.
Aldred concludes, "In order to make this transition as seamless as possible; our WIC and Casemanagement staff won’t be available Wednesday, August 12th – Friday, August 14th; and then on a limited basis Monday, August 17th thru Tuesday, September 8th.
For more information on the Department's WIC and Casemanagement services call the Department at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011(Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter. For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
"HEALTH DEPT FIRST CHOICE HEALTHCARE CLINICS OFFER WELL CHILD CLINIC SERVICES"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics remind area residents of their Well-Child Clinic program. Well Child Exam services are offered in our First Choice Healthcare Clinics at 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee and at 103 1st St. Colona, IL.
Through our First Choice Healthcare Clinics, the Department hopes that by offering comprehensive health services to area children today; health problems will be prevented in the future.
Clinic services include: periodic "head to toe" well-child exams for children from birth to age 20; hemoglobin tests, blood lead screenings, immunizations, developmental screenings, and counseling and referral.
The services of the well-child clinics are available to all area residents. The clinic accepts many insurances, Medicare, and Medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client's income, has been established to assist low-income families to obtain services.
For more information or to make Well Child appointments call First Choice Healthcare Clinics at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or (309) 792-4011, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us On Twitter.
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ACCEPTING BIRDS FOR WEST NILE TESTING"
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that with the warm summer weather beginning; so does the season for West Nile Virus infection. Dorothy David, Health Department Environmental Health Services Director notes, "Key to the surveillance efforts of West Nile Virus throughout the state is the continued testing of the local mosquito and bird populations. Mosquitoes and birds are the key vectors of West Nile virus transmission. Therefore, the Health Department would like to alert area residents that they will be accepting dead birds for West Nile Virus testing."
David adds, "Birds that will be accepted would include the following "Perching Bird" species: crows, blue jays, grackle, starling, robin, cardinal, catbird, mockingbird, sparrows, finches, flycatchers, swallows, warblers, wrens, and small or medium sized hawks and owls."
Birds submitted for testing should be "eligible" birds with no obvious cause of death, i.e. or birds killed by a gunshot or birds found crushed on a roadside that are most likely killed by motor vehicles. Birds dying from West Nile Virus are usually found singly, scattered over a wide area. In contrast, birds that die from other causes (storm mortality, food poisoning, toxicants) often die in groups or clusters in a small area.
Please note, no waterfowl, gulls, larger birds such as vultures, endangered birds including the bald eagle will not be accepted for testing. Birds should only be submitted if they have not been damaged by scavenging animals and are not decomposed. Decomposed animals can be recognized as having a strong odor, deflated or dried eyes, maggots present, or bloated from decomposition gases. Those specimens should be discarded.
Dead birds can be submitted to the Health Department Main Office, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee starting immediately.
For more information on dead bird collection or West Nile Virus surveillance, contact the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 Extension 266 or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com, find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, or Follow Us on Twitter.
"FIRST CHOICE HEALTHCARE CLINICS OF KEWANEE AND COLONA OFFER ‘READY FOR SCHOOL’ SERVICES TO AREA STUDENTS"
The Henry and Stark County Health Department’s First Choice Healthcare Clinics of Kewanee and Colona announce they are offering Sports and School Physical Exam clinics throughout the summer.
Appointments are available at their Kewanee Clinic (NEW LOCATION), 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee and at their Colona Clinic, 103 1st St., Colona.
The clinics offer area Junior High and Senior High School Athletes, Freshmen, Sixth Graders, Kindergartners, and Preschoolers school or sports physicals.
The First Choice Healthcare Clinics encourage parents to call early for their appointments; and thereby avoid the end of the summer rush.
Parents be sure your children are up-to-date on their required immunizations before school begins this fall. Immunizations, TB checks; blood lead screenings, and other needed lab tests are also available to participants at additional charges. The First Choice Healthcare Clinics have all immunizations that are required for school entry as private pay vaccines. Please call for eligibility, costs, and for vaccine availability.
Please note, appointments which are necessary, may be made by contacting the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you at (309) 852-5272 – KEWANEE or 792-4011-COLONA.
In addition the Department reminds area parents that certified copies of birth certificates for children born in Henry County since 1971 can be obtained through the Health Department office, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee. The charge for obtaining birth certified copies is $13 for the first copy and $6 for each additional copy.
For more information visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.
Gustafson Ford and the Ford Motor Company, in recognizing the need for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) during the Covid-19 pandemic; has recently donated supplies of face shields, vinyl gloves and masks to communities served by their local dealerships. These extremely sought after items were then generously donated to the Henry and Stark County Health Department and Henry County OEM for distribution to First Responders in Henry and Stark Counties. Pictured is Kurt Gustafson of Gustafson Ford and RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Health Departments. The Henry & Stark County Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is pleased to salute Gustafson Ford and the Ford Motor Company as Public Health Heroes!
“GUSTAFSON FORD DONATES FACE SHIELDS, GLOVES & MASKS TO HENRY COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT AND OFFICE OF EMERGENCY MANAGEMENT (OEM)”
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 community mitigation as “Public Health Heroes!”
The Health Department cites Gustafson Ford as Public Health Heroes for assisting in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Kurt Gustafson, Gustafson Ford, and the Ford Motor Company in recognizing the need for Personal Protection Equipment (PPE) during the current COVID-19 pandemic; has generously donated face shields, masks, and vinyl gloves to the Henry and Stark County Health Department and Henry County OEM for distribution to Public Health Workers and First Responders in Henry and Stark Counties.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion with the Henry & Stark County Health Departments states, “We would like to thank Gustafson Ford and we ask local residents to join with us in thanking them for going above and beyond in keeping our Public Health Workers and First Responders safe during this unprecedented time."
The Henry & Stark County Health Department and the Henry County OEM note when we work together there’s nothing we cannot achieve - like helping to keep the community safe and reduce the potential spread of the virus especially among those at most risk!”
Did You Know Our First Choice Healthcare Clinics in KEWANEE and COLONA Serve Everyone? Our Services are OPEN TO ALL - regardless of income and insurance! Also, due to the fact that many of our programs receive Federal and State funding, savings can be passed on to you. You don’t even have to be a resident of Henry or Stark County to access our many services. So Come One, Come All! For more information on First Choice Healthcare Clinic Services call (309) 852-5272 Kewanee or (309) 792-4011 Colona
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 pandemic community mitigation as “Public Health Heroes!”
Today we salute Angel Nails Salon & Spa of Kewanee. This small business has been cited for protecting its employees and patrons by its caring and consistent practice of Covid-19 community mitigation and prevention measures. The Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to cite Angel Nails Salon & Spa as Public Health Heroes!
A crew from Rebuilding Together Henry County recently installed a new wheelchair ramp at a local home. During the Covid-19 pandemic and shutdown, they have followed all community mitigation guidance and orders by wearing face masks and observing social distancing guidelines. For their dedication to improving and protecting the lives of so many local residents, the Henry County Health Department and the Henry County Office of Emergency Management (OEM) is pleased to salute “Rebuilding Together Henry County” and its team of dedicated volunteers as Public Health Heroes. Pictured from Left to Right: Robert Ver Heecke, Jim Themanson, Dianne Packee, David Nelson, Tom Newman, Dewey Richter, Lanny Hulslander, Ken Themanson, and (missing from photo/photographer) Paul Estes.
“REBUILDING TOGETHER HENRY COUNTY CITED AS PUBLIC HEALTH HEROES”
The Henry & Stark County Health Department is honoring area individuals, businesses, organizations, and groups that are stepping up during the current COVID-19 community mitigation as “Public Health Heroes!”
The Health Department cites Rebuilding Together Henry County as Public Health Heroes for assisting in the fight to prevent the spread of COVID-19. “Rebuilding Together Henry County” makes its impact through volunteers and donations providing free-of-charge home repairs and updates to existing homeowners in the Geneseo, Cambridge, Annawan, Colona School districts; as well as the City of Kewanee.
Rebuilding Together Henry County Volunteer Crews install free-of-charge wheelchair ramps in area homes with a need. During the Covid-19 pandemic and shutdown they have followed all community mitigation guidance and orders. As the homes they work at, when building ramps, have people who are at risk; they do not enter the homes and keep a safe distance from occupants if they should come to see what is going on or to thank the crew. Paul Estes with Rebuilding Together Henry County notes, “It’s not easy building with masks and gloves on – and we have many older crew members – but wearing the face masks and social distancing can be done if you try.”
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of the Health Promotion with the Henry County Health Department states, “We would like to thank Rebuilding Together Henry County and their volunteers; and we ask local residents to join with us in thanking Rebuilding Together Henry County for going above and beyond in keeping our residents and communities safe during this unprecedented time."
The Henry & Stark County Health Department and the Henry County OEM note when we work together there’s nothing we cannot achieve - like helping to keep the community safe and reduce the potential spread of the virus especially among those at most risk!
WE'RE OPEN!! NEW PHASE – NEW DAY! Our FIRST CHOICE HEALTHCARE CLINICS in KEWANEE, 110 N. Burr Blvd.; and COLONA, are OPEN! SAME great staff offering affordable healthcare services to ALL.
KEWANEE: WALK IN CLINIC & APPOINTMENTS, 110 N. Burr Blvd. Hours are Monday-Friday, 7:30am-4:00pm. 309-852-5272
"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES SUMMER SUN SAFETY MEASURES”
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments notes that with the Memorial Day weekend came the unofficial kick-off of the summer season. With summer here, Americans will spend more time outdoors enjoying the sunny weather.
RaeAnn Tucker, Director of Health Promotion, states, "The Department recognizes the importance of outdoor physical activity, but we encourage people to exercise precaution when spending time in the sun in order to reduce their risk of developing skin problems."
"One American dies every hour from Melanoma the deadliest form of skin cancer. With more than one million cases diagnosed in the U.S. each year, skin cancer is more common than all other major types of cancer combined, adds Tucker. "In some parts of the world, melanoma is increasing at rates faster than any other cancer. Yet it's probably the most preventable type of cancer since the vast majority of cases are simply due to overexposure to the sun."
Of special concern to the Department staff is educating residents about sun safety with children's health as the focus. Children spend a great deal of time in the sun, getting an average of three times more exposure to the sun's rays than adults. Since unprotected sun exposure early in life can be life-threatening later, it is critical to form positive sun safety habits at a young age. According to a recent study:
* More than half of an individual's lifetime exposure to UV (ultra violet) rays occurs during childhood.
* If you have one or more blistering sunburns before the age of 18, you will be twice as likely to develop melanoma later in life.
* And, 65-90% of melanomas are caused by sun exposure and UV rays.
With these disturbing statistics in mind; the Department staff offers the following sun safety tips:
* Keep in mind the sun is strongest between 10am and 4pm.
* Always wear protective clothing when outdoors.
* Wear a wide brimmed hat and UV blocking sunglasses.
* Do not use tanning beds.
* Keep very young children (6 months or less) out of the sun.
* Sunscreens need to be applied liberally and evenly over all exposed areas.
* Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 15 or higher whenever outdoors and reapply often.
* For children, the American Academy of Dermatology recommends sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher.
* And remember, stay in the shade whenever possible.
For more information on sun safety measures and skin cancer prevention, visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us On Twitter.
We Are Looking For Caregivers In KEWANEE!
If you are someone who has a passion for helping others – maybe being a Homecare Assistant is the job for you. We need caring individuals to work in assisting the elderly and disabled in their homes with meal preparation; housekeeping; laundry; personal care; shopping and errands.
Interested persons should have reliable transportation. Part-time positions are available, and training is provided. For more information you may call the Henry County Health Department Home Services Division at (309) 852-0492
Henry County Health Department 110 N. Burr Blvd. Kewanee, IL 61443 309-852-0197 Copyright 2007 All rights reserved
