Farm Bureau and Health Department team up for DOT Exam Clinic in Henry County

The Henry County Health Department, First Choice Healthcare, and the Henry County Farm Bureau will be holding a special Certified DOT Exam Clinic for all Henry County Farm Bureau members on Friday, Feb. 21 at the Henry County Farm Bureau, 128 N. Prospect St. in Cambridge. The clinic is open to all men and women 18 years of age and older.

The special clinic will be featuring certified DOT exams for only $115. The Department will also offer tetanus booster shots for $25. Tetanus boosters are recommended every 10 years in adulthood. Professions and activities strongly encouraged to stay up-to-date on tetanus vaccination include: farming, construction, healthcare, childcare, food handling and gardening.

Appointments for the Feb. 21 clinic are necessary and will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please note, these DOT exams and tetanus shot specials are available on a “cash-only” basis and the Farm Bureau discount has already been applied.

To schedule an appointment, or for more information on the upcoming Henry County Farm Bureau DOT Exam Clinic, call the Farm Bureau at 309-937-2411.

Health Department and First Choice Healthcare staff note 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
In addition, those who 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 it to their appointment. Those forms will be made available to participants when they register for the Feb. 21 clinic.

In addition to the exams and vaccination services, the clinic will feature free donuts, coffee and juice courtesy of the Henry County Farm Bureau. A variety of health pamphlets, brochures and giveaways will also be on display.

Valentine’s Day kicks off start of National Condom Week Feb. 14-21

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon are noting that Valentine’s Day kicks off the important health designation of National Condom Week, Feb. 14-21. Americans spend almost $20 billion each year on candy, cards, flowers and other gifts for Valentine’s Day. The Health Department is encouraging residents to add another item to their gift list-condoms.

The primary goal of National Condom Week is to promote safe sex and normalize the use of condoms. The Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare note, “Of all birth control methods available, the condom is the only option that also protects against the spread of sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) such as HIV, gonorrhea, chlamydia and syphilis.”

National Condom Week is also an opportune time to remind area residents that their First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer confidential: free condoms, STD testing, treatment of STDs, contraceptive supplies, expedited partner treatment, preventative immunizations against such STD’s as Hepatitis B and HPV with counseling, education and referral.

The subjects of condoms and STDs may not be a comfortable healthcare issue to discuss, and the health department wants people to remember they are a source of confidential education, prevention, testing and treatment. They are also just a phone call away. People should know the Health Department offers the tools and services people need to stay healthy.

First Choice Healthcare accepts medicaid payments, insurance, and cash payment. A sliding fee scale, based on the client’s income, has been established to assist low-income families to obtain services. In addition, grant funds are available for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.

For more information or to schedule an appointment call their First Choice Healthcare locations at Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; and Toulon 309-852-3115.

Health Department offers PrEP/HIV Prevention Program and services

The Henry & Stark County Health Departments & their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona are reminding local residents of their PrEP/HIV Prevention program & services.

This new 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

Another aspect to this important health grant and initiative is that funds are available to help participants to receive services and needed medications..

First Choice Healthcare Clinic staff can help participants navigate financial assistance, for different types of insurance (or lack of insurance):

● Medicaid insurance – covers treatment 100%
● No insurance or private insurance? Financial assistance is available easily through the state.

For more information, call the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you: Kewanee 309- 852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; or Toulon 309-852-3115 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.