May has been designated as Mental Health Awareness Month, the Henry and Stark County Health Departments announced.
The Mental Health Awareness Month 2026 theme is “More Good Days, Together.” This theme encourages everyone to reflect on what a “good” day looks like, both for themselves, and for their communities. In addition, it also reminds individuals and communities to move beyond simply recognizing mental health issues and take tangible steps to support mental well-being.
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, First Choice Healthcare joined the national movement to raise awareness about mental health. Each year they work to fight stigma, provide support, educate the public and advocate for policies that support people with mental illness and their families.
Consider the following Mental and 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, “People need to care for their mental health so they can respond to the stress of daily life and the challenges it presents. This Mental Health Month we are encouraging everyone to learn about steps they can take to protect their mental health and balance both mind and body.”
The First Choice Healthcare psychiatric nurse practitioner, clinic and school-based mental health therapists, and mental health nurses and support staff all work to provide this service to the community. “With limited resources for mental health in the community and the current circumstances we are facing locally and globally, it is now more important than ever to provide individuals with the behavioral and mental health support that they need,” said Humphrey.
There are many reasons an individual may seek treatment. The First Choice Healthcare Behavioral Health staff are prepared to support patients for counseling and therapy beginning at age 5; and beginning at age 6 for medication management who may be struggling with depression, anxiety, stress, behavior problems, bipolar disorder, family and parenting issues, obsessive compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and other related disorders, sexual assault, suicide prevention, trauma and loss.
For more information on mental health services or to schedule an appointment simply call First Choice Healthcare in Kewanee at 309-852-5272. Help and understanding are just a phone call away.
In honor of May’s designation as Mental Health Awareness Month, the Henry and Stark County Health Department’s staff has 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 their First Choice Healthcare recently sold 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 pay or 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.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon announce that May is National High Blood Pressure Awareness Month.
It is possible to 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.
– 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 reminds area residents that their family nurse practitioners in Kewanee 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; and Toulon 309-852-3115.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics remind residents that their “12 Communities, 12 Months” event for May will be a special outreach display on Friday, May 22 from 9 -11 a.m. at the Special Kneads Bakery, 326 Front St., Galva, Ill.
Their staff will offer the public free accepting 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, “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 talking with our staff.”
The department and First Choice Healthcare 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 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’ Environmental Health Division reminds 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.
The Health Departments is reminding area residents that 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 along with the proper fee and submitted no later than five calendar days prior to the event, or there is a late fee assessed. Consumers must be vigilant and ensure the people they purchase food from are following the required food safety practices and hold the proper license.
If you are an event coordinator, please make sure you have completed their Event Coordinator Information Sheet and submit it to their office ten business days before the scheduled event.
Megan Washburn, food program manager with the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, 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 so residents can be confident in the safety of these non-traditional venues.”
By applying with the health department local food vendors 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, 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?” Their health insurance navigators will be present at upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
Kewanee Public Library, 102 S. Tremont St., Kewanee, Ill.
Thursday, May 21
10 a.m.-noon
Special Kneads Bakery, 326 Front St., Galva, Ill.
Friday, May 22
9-11 a.m.
Say Less, 785 Tenney St., Kewanee, Ill.
Tuesday, May 26
1-3 p.m.
A Pretty Pet Parlor, 530 Green Park Ave., Colona, Ill.
Friday, May 29
1-3 p.m.
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.
