The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are reminding residents they offer monthly CPR-Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation Certification classes.
Heart disease is the leading cause of death for men and women in the United States. That’s why they encourage people to take a CPR Certification class. As the American Heart Association says, “Learn to save a life, learn CPR. The Life you SAVE could be that of a loved one.”
CPR training will teach participants to recognize and care for breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants, children and adults. Instruction will also be given on how to recognize emergencies and actions to take, and understanding the role of AEDs, Automated External Defibrillators in the Cardiac Chain of Survival.
CPR Classes are held the fourth Tuesday monthly. The class will be held at the Health Department offices, 110 N. Burr Blvd., Kewanee, IL. The classes will run from 4 to 6 p.m. The cost of the Class is $45. Payment and registration is due prior to the class date. These rates are per participant.
There are a set participant “minimum” and “maximum” for classes; so, anyone interested should contact the Health Department at 309-852-0197 Ext. 231.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announced that Dec. 1-7, has been proclaimed National Influenza Vaccination Week.
National Influenza Vaccination Week, NIVW is an annual observance in December to remind everyone six months and older that there’s still time to get vaccinated against flu to be protected during the upcoming season. Local residents are reminded that the health departments have seasonal flu shots for all adults and children – 6mos.+ and adult Pfizer updated Covid-19 at their clinics in Kewanee and Toulon while supplies last.
Adults 18 years+ can get their flu vaccination on a “walk-in basis”, Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4 p.m. and children’s flu shots – 6 mos+ are available by appointment at both locations. Flu shots are “no-cost” for those with Medicare or insurance coverage. Bring your Medicare and/or insurance card with you in order to receive the “no-cost” shot. The cost of this year’s flu shot, for those paying cash, is $60.
Adult Covid-19 shots are available on a “walk-in basis” and by appointment at both locations, simply call the First Choice Healthcare location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272; or Toulon 309-852-3115. Adults with Medicare or “insurance coverage” for the Covid-19 vaccination can obtain the Pfizer 2025-26 updated vaccine. Simply bring your Medicare or insurance card with you. Those with “No Insurance Coverage” for the Covid-19 vaccination may obtain the Pfizer 2025-26 updated Covid-19 vaccine through the “317 Access Program.”
RaeAnn Tucker, health department director of Health Promotion said, “Vaccination is particularly important for people who are most vulnerable to developing serious flu complications, including people with certain chronic conditions such as asthma, diabetes and heart disease.” Last flu season nine out of 10 adults hospitalized for flu had at least one reported underlying medical condition.
In addition to Influenza and Covid-19 vaccination; they offer some suggestions on how to help keep germs away during upcoming gatherings, activities and the infectious season:
To make an appointment or for more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you Kewanee 309-852-5272; or Toulon 309-852-3115 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 & Stark County Health Departments announce that the 38th annual observance of World AIDS Day is Dec. 1. This year’s theme, “Overcoming disruption, transforming the AIDS response,” The theme calls for a renewed approach to the HIV/AIDS response, highlighting the need to address challenges like funding cuts and inequality to protect progress and ensure the response moves forward.
The Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon remind local residents of their PrEP/HIV Prevention program & services. This PrEP/HIV Prevention grant includes and provides to local residents:
● Completely confidential and inclusive safe sex education, including how to reduce risk of HIV transmission
● HIV testing for general screening or post-exposure to HIV
● Assessment of individual risk and potential need for PrEP or PEP treatment
● Counseling about PrEP and PEP treatment and necessary monitoring
● Prescribing prophylactic PrEP medication (Oral or Injectable) OR
● Prescribing PEP medication, to reduce risk of HIV after a possible exposure
This grant also has funds available to help participants to receive services and needed medications. The First Choice Healthcare Clinic staff can help participants navigate financial assistance, for different types of insurance, or lack of insurance:
For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you Kewanee 309- 852-5272; or Toulon 309-852-3115.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments recently announced that Dec. 1-7, has been proclaimed National Handwashing Week. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, “Handwashing is one of the most important means to prevent the spread of infection.”
RaeAnn Tucker, health department director of Health Promotion said, “What people need to remember, especially while mitigating the effects of Covid-19 and the cold and flu season; is that simple and consistent handwashing promotion and awareness is important for infection prevention, food safety, school health, personal health and disease prevention.”
To put this in greater perspective one should consider these startling statistics:
The Health Department staff notes that there are many critical times to wash your hands. A few examples are before eating, after the toilet, during food preparation, after handling animals, upon arriving home, after changing diapers, leaving the hospital or physician’s office and any time you think your hands are dirty. Use soap, running water, and scrub all surfaces of your hands for 20 seconds and dry with a paper towel. If a sink and soap are not available, use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
In addition, the Health Department reminds individuals to practice infection preventative measures; clean hands frequently, cover your nose and mouth when coughing, and contain the spread of the infection by staying home when you are ill.
For more information visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments
