The Henry and Stark County Health Departments’ Environmental Health Division is reminding residents that most local community calendars, from the Memorial Day holiday to the Labor Day observance, feature a wide variety of community events and other food service opportunities. It’s the season for summertime activities, fairs, festivals, farmers markets and other public food-service events, and some of the regulations for these events may have been recently updated.
Therefore, if you are preparing to serve food to the public through any event, whether a fee is charged or not, you are required to apply with the Health Department so that they can better assist you in the sanitation standards of food preparation.
These forms must be filled out in their entirety and submitted no later than five business days with the proper fee included before the event, or there is a late fee assessed. It is not permitted to prepare food out of a home, or other unlicensed kitchen, without a permit. Consumers must be vigilant and ensure the people you purchase food from are following the required food safety practices and hold the proper license.
If you are an event coordinator, make sure you have completed their event coordinator application and submit it to their office ten business days before the scheduled event. Cottage food operators must complete the correct forms and apply for registration along with submission of water sample.
Even at farmers markets, if you are providing samples, or if the product is chopped, sliced, bottled, jammed, jellied, or pickled, chances are there are rules about how these foods must be handled. If unsure, please contact them as ignorance of the rules is no excuse.
Megan Washburn, food program manager with the Henry and Stark County Health Department said, “The aim of this process is not to dictate rules but to educate our community on best practices. We have seen a lot of rogue food service operations lately, and we really want local food handlers to have the latest and most up-to-date information on food safety.”
By applying with the Health Department, food vendors can have their staff’s expertise and guidance at their disposal.
“Offering this education to local event food vendors really is a win-win for everyone. Event coordinators can ensure they are organizing a safe and approved event, food vendors can be confident in the food they prepare and serve, and local residents can rest assured that food purchased at local events is safe.” said Washburn
Help make our communities’ summertime fun, delicious, and safe. For more information on the Health Department’s Food Program, they have a newly updated website with resources and where all forms can be found at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month. The health department reminds residents that they can have high blood pressure and not know it. That is why it is called the silent killer. It is also why it is so important to have your blood pressure checked. If you know family or friends who haven’t had their blood pressure checked recently, make it a point to ask them to do it in May.
If you have high blood pressure, there are steps you can take to get it under control, including:
● Ask your provider what your blood pressure should be. Set a goal to lower your pressure with your doctor and then discuss how you can reach your goal. Work with your health care team to make sure you meet that goal.
● Take your blood pressure medication as directed. If you are having trouble, ask your doctor what you can do to make it easier. For example, you may want to discuss your medication schedule with your doctor if you are taking multiple drugs at different times of the day. Or you may want to discuss side effects you are feeling, or the cost of your medicine.
● Quit smoking—and if you don’t smoke, don’t start.
● Reduce sodium. Most Americans consume too much sodium, and it raises blood pressure in most people. Learn about tips to reduce your sodium.
● Achieve and maintain a healthy body weight.
● Participate in 30 minutes of moderate physical activity on most days of the week.
● Eat a healthy diet that is high in fruits and vegetables and low in sodium, saturated fats, trans-fat, and cholesterol.
● Manage stress.
● Limit the amount of alcohol you drink (no more than one drink each day for women and two for men).
● And, of course, check your blood pressure regularly.
The First Choice Healthcare’s Family Nurse Practitioners in Kewanee, Colona and Toulon can help with the management of high blood pressure and high cholesterol. If you don’t know your blood pressure and cholesterol numbers; they have services that can help you see where you stand.
For more information, call First Choice Healthcare Clinics at Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; and Toulon 309-852-3115. You can also visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.
May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month and the staff at the Henry and Stark County Health Departments have been participating in this month-long celebration by encouraging everyone to “Show Your Green” by supporting and donating to local mental health initiatives.
The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare recently sold green mental health month t-shirts to their county staff with proceeds of the sales going to their mental health services support fund. This special fund, started with generous donations from a local couple as well as The Hill Church, helps behavioral and mental health patients with needs, such as medication and transportation, that are not otherwise covered by other payor sources.
The Health Department and First Choice Healthcare invite anyone interested in making donations to this fund to simply mail in a donation specifically stating that it is for mental health support. They will acknowledge your donation by sending you a receipt in the mail. Join with their staff, this month and always, as they continue to fight stigma, provide services, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.
May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month. The Mental Health Awareness Month 2025 theme is “Turn Awareness into Action.” This theme encourages individuals and communities to move beyond simply recognizing mental health issues and take tangible steps to support mental well-being. It highlights the importance of active engagement, advocacy, and making a meaningful difference in addressing mental health challenges.
Mental Health Awareness Month has been observed in the US since 1949. Each year millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental illness. During May, the Health Department’s First Choice Healthcare joins in the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year they fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.
Consider the following Mental & Behavioral Health Facts:
● 1 in 5 US adults experience mental illness each year, and less than half of them receive treatment.
● 1 in 6 US youth experience mental illness each year, and only half of them receive treatment.
● 50% of all lifetime mental illness begins by age 14, and 75% by age 24.
● The average delay between onset of mental illness symptoms and treatment is 11 years.
● 60% of Americans are concerned about the stigma and around mental illness.
Paige Humphrey, psychiatric nurse practitioner with First Choice Healthcare said, “We know that mental health is integral to overall health. People need to care for their mental health so they can respond to the stress of daily life and the challenges it presents.”
During Mental Health Month, they encourage everyone to learn about steps they can take to protect their mental health and balance both mind and body.
With limited resources for mental health in our community and the current circumstances we are facing locally and globally, it is now more important than ever to provide individuals with the behavioral/mental health support they need. Through the hard work and dedication of their psychiatric nurse practitioner, clinic and school-based mental health therapists, and mental health nurses; First Choice Healthcare is able to offer this support to the community.
