The Henry and Stark County Health Department and their First Choice Healthcare offer mental health services and are accepting new patients. Their behavioral health staff are prepared to support patients for counseling and therapy beginning at age 5 and beginning at age 6 for medication management.
With limited resources for mental health in the community, it is more important than ever to provide individuals with the behavioral and mental health support they need. The health department’s behavioral health services are supported by their Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Paige Humphrey, who serves as an important resource within the behavioral health care team. Humphrey has extensive experience with a focus on medication management to promote improved symptom control and daily functioning.
“I prioritize creating a comfortable, open and nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard, understood and supported. I view treatment as a collaborative, team-based process and work closely with each patient to ensure they feel confident, informed and actively involved in their treatment,” Humphrey said.
Our psychiatric nurse practitioner offers care and support for:
The Health Department encourages individuals dealing with such challenges to take advantage of the services they offer. Their services are confidential, convenient and feature local comfort and care. The road to hope and healing is one call away.
For more information, call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee at 309-852-5272. To start a referral for services, visit their website here.
Refrigerators and freezers are among a home’s most essential appliances, and power outages or equipment failures can quickly raise concerns about food safety. The Henry and Stark County Health Departments emphasize that knowing how to manage perishable foods during an outage is key to preventing illness, especially after severe weather when the risk of foodborne contamination increases.
If your power fails, the Health Department reminds you that all need not be lost, and they suggest the following hints to help you keep your cool:
According to health officials, an unopened full freezer will keep foods frozen for up to two full days. If ice must be added, handle it with protective gloves. Dry ice requires adequate ventilation because it releases carbon dioxide as it warms.
Rae Ann Tucker, director of health promotion for the health departments, said, “When power is restored, check all foods, fresh or frozen, to determine safety. Discard any food that has an unusual odor, color or texture, or feels warm to the touch. Remember the saying, ‘When in doubt, throw it out.’”
For more information on food safety, contact the Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health Department at 309-852-0197 or visit www.henrystarkhealth.com.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics announce their “12 Communities, 12 Months” event for July will be a special outreach display on Friday, July 24 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the Concessions Building at the Stark County Junior Fair in Wyoming, Ill.
Staff will offer free acceptance and disposal of expired or unused home medications and free blood pressure checks. There will also be giveaways and health information. In addition, their Get Covered Illinois insurance navigator will be available.
Find instructions for expired or unused medication and sharps disposal for this event here.
RaeAnn Tucker, director of health promotion, said, “We believe this is going to be a wonderful event as there will be something for everyone interested in getting great information, taking advantage of free screenings, giveaways, and visiting and talking with our staff.” The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare staff use this year-long opportunity to showcase the many programs and services available to area residents and families.
For more information about the “12 Communities, 12 Months” promotions and events, call 309-852-0197 or visit www.henrystarkhealth.com. 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 the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program ask, “Do you need health insurance?” Navigators will be present at upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
Splat Ink Tattoos & Piercings, 205 N. Tremont St., Kewanee:
Thursday, July 16
10 a.m.–noon
Stark County Junior Fair, 310 E. Washington St., Wyoming:
Friday, July 24
10 a.m.–noon
Veteran & Senior Fair, The Rock, 302 1st St., Coal Valley:
Wednesday, July 29
9 a.m.–noon
For more information on this Get Covered Illinois Navigator event or assistance enrolling in a Get Covered Illinois Healthcare Marketplace plan, call 309-852-5272.
