The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics are announcing that April 20-27 has been designated National Infant Immunization Week (NIIW).
National Infant Immunization Week is a yearly observance highlighting the importance of protecting children two years and younger from vaccine-preventable diseases, VPDs. This year, more than ever, they recognize the critical role vaccination plays in protecting our children and communities and the nation’s public health from serious childhood diseases. The Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health, IDPH recommend families check with their healthcare providers to make sure children are up to date on routinely recommended vaccines.
Each year NIIW lets local and state health departments join with national immunization partners, health care professionals, community leaders from across the United States and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to work together to highlight the positive impact of vaccination on the lives of infants and children, and to call attention to immunization achievements.
Recently, several important milestones have been reached in controlling vaccine-preventable diseases among infants and adults worldwide. Vaccines have drastically reduced infant death and disability caused by preventable diseases in the United States. In addition:
● Through immunization, we can now protect infants and children from 14 vaccine-preventable diseases before age two.
● Vaccines have saved an estimated 154 million lives over the past 50 years.
● In the 1950’s, nearly every child developed measles, and unfortunately, some even died from this serious disease.
● The measles vaccine has been particularly impactful, saving nearly 94 million lives since 1974.
Rae Ann Tucker, health department director of Health Promotion said, “It’s easy to think of these diseases as a thing of the past. But the truth is they still exist. Children in the United States can, and do, still get some of these diseases.”
The Health Department and its First Choice Healthcare Clinics remind area residents that immunizations can be obtained through the First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon by appointment.
For more information on their immunization program call the First Choice Healthcare location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272; or Toulon 309-852-3115 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics will hold their “12 Communities, 12 Months” event for April with a special outreach display on Wednesday, April 29 from 7:30 – 9:30 a.m. at the West Main Coffee & Books, located 213 W. Main St., Toulon, Ill.
Their staff will offer the public free acceptance and disposal of home expired or unused medications and free blood pressure checks. There will also be free giveaways and health information. In addition, their Get Covered Illinois Insurance Navigator will be available.
For instructions regarding expired/unused medication and sharps disposal for this event, click here.
RaeAnn Tucker, director of Health Promotion with the Health Department said, “We believe this is going to be a wonderful event as there will be something for everyone interested in getting some great information, taking advantage of free screenings, giveaways and just partaking in a pleasant time visiting and talking with our staff.” The health department provides this year-long opportunity to showcase the many programs and services available to our area residents and families.
For more information about the “12 Communities, 12 Months” promotions and events call the health department at 309-852-0197 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee and Toulon are announcing that April 20-27 has been proclaimed Every Kid Healthy Week.
Every Kid Healthy Week is an annual celebration of child and family health and wellness achievements and goals. It takes place the last full week of April, and it shines a spotlight on the actions organizations and schools are taking to improve the health and wellness of their kids.
RaeAnn Tucker, director of Health Promotion said, “This week also gives our staff at the Henry and Stark County Health Departments a chance to highlight how we are continually working with local school districts and other social service agencies to highlight the services available local to kids and families that aim to improve their nutritional, physical and mental health.”
The health department would like to remind local residents that in addition to the vast array of public, community and school health education services offered by the Health Departments, they also offer needed and vital clinical and behavioral health services through our First Choice Healthcare clinics in Kewanee and Toulon.
First Choice Healthcare clinics offer a full range of clinic services which includes prompt walk-in and sick appointments, family planning and reproductive healthcare, WIC food supplemental program, school/sport exams, chronic disease management, STD testing and treatment, work and DOT physicals, TB testing, lead screenings and immunizations. In addition, First Choice Healthcare offers behavioral and mental health services to local schools, students, families and residents. That means that for the first time, Henry and Stark County residents are able to access integrated primary medical and behavioral health services in one healthcare home.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at their First Choice Healthcare Clinics call the location nearest you Kewanee 309-852-5272 or Toulon 309-852-3115.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program asks, “Do You Need Health Insurance?” their Health Insurance Navigators will be present at the upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
Lavender Crest Winery, 5401 US Hwy 6, Colona, Ill.
Thursday, April 23
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
Gary’s Hometown Deli, 804 S. Oakwood Ave., Suite G, Geneseo, Ill.
Friday, April 24
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
Hometown Haven, 303 W. Front St., Annawan, Ill.
Monday, April 27
8 -10 a.m.
West Main Coffee & Books, 213 W. Main St., Toulon, Ill.
Wednesday, April 29
7:30 -9:30 a.m.
Their “Get Covered Illinois” Navigators can help you:
● Find affordable health coverage that meets your needs
● Fill out and submit your application
● Compare quality health plans side-by-side
● Find out if you qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium
● Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or an affordability program
● Understand your benefits
● Understand health insurance terms
Remember you may be eligible to enroll in a Get Covered Illinois health plan outside of the usual Open Enrollment, or make changes to your existing coverage, if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period, SEP. The SEP may require you to enroll within 60 days of a Qualifying Life Event.
A qualifying life event is a life change, such as:
Loss of Health Coverage, due to:
● Losing job-based coverage
● Losing Medicaid coverage
● Losing Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors or Health Benefits For Immigrants Adult coverage
● A divorce or legal separation
● Turning 26 years old, no longer eligible for parents’ coverage
Other Qualifying Life Events include:
● Getting Married
● Having a baby or adopting a child
● Moving to a new ZIP code or county
● Becoming a US Citizen
● Leaving incarceration.
For more information on this Get Covered Illinois Navigator Event or assistance in enrolling in a Get Covered Illinois Healthcare Marketplace please call 309-852-5272.
