The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that construction is nearing completion at their new WIC Services location in the former Johnson’s Chiropractic building at 109 S. Burr Blvd. Kewanee. The new WIC Office will officially open to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 3.
Duane Stevens, health department Public Health Administrator said, “Our WIC staff is excited about this move, and are looking forward to being able to better serve our families in this office dedicated solely to offering easily accessible and customer friendly WIC and other Maternal and Child Health services.
“This short move down Burr Blvd for our WIC office is a wonderful extension of our Health Department Services Campus. This will also allow us to accommodate the growth of our Behavioral and Mental Health services and increased staff in our First Choice Healthcare Kewanee Clinic location.” said Stevens.
For more information on the WIC program and services available through the Henry and Stark County Health Departments phone Kewanee at 309-852-0197; Colona at 309-792-4011; or Toulon at 309-852-3115, visit their website or apply here.
***This institution is an equal opportunity provider.
Local health officials are raising awareness for National Birth Defects Prevention Month this January
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare WIC and Case Management staff are joining the National Birth Defects Prevention Network (NBDPN), and the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in noting January as National Birth Defects Prevention Month. The theme for 2026 is “Every Journey Matters.”
Annually, National Birth Defects Prevention Month raises awareness of birth defects and promotes strategies that reduce the risk of birth defects and their complications. Not all birth defects can be prevented. However, all pregnant people and prospective parents are encouraged to make healthy choices and adopt healthier habits to help lower their risk of having a baby born with a birth defect.
Heather Aldred, Maternal and Child Health services supervisor with the health department said, “Many steps can be taken to increase a woman’s chance of having a healthy baby.”
While we can’t prevent all birth defects, the following steps increase a woman’s chance of having a healthy baby.
–Be sure to take 400 micrograms (mcg) of folic acid every day.
–Book a visit with your healthcare provider before stopping or starting any medicine.
–Become up to date with all vaccines, including the flu shot.
–Before you get pregnant, try to reach a healthy weight.
–Boost your health by avoiding harmful substances during pregnancy, such as alcohol, tobacco, and other drugs
The Health Departments are encouraging healthcare professionals, educators, social service professionals and the general public to support this effort. Every 4.5 minutes, a baby is born with a birth defect in the United States. By following these “Prevent to Protect” guidelines, women can reduce the risk of having a child with a birth defect and also reduce their risk of pregnancy complications such as early pregnancy loss, prematurity and stillbirths.”
There are many different kinds of birth defects including congenital heart defects, cleft lip or palate, defects of the brain or spine, and a variety of genetic syndromes such as Down syndrome. Some have only a minor or brief effect on a baby’s health and some have life-threatening and/or life-long effects.
More than 120,000 babies born with a birth defect, approximately one in 33 live births are reported each year in the United States.
“Most people are unaware of how common, costly and critical birth defects are in the United States, or that there are simple steps that can be taken to reduce the risk of birth defects,” said Aldred. “The health of both parents prior to pregnancy can affect the risk of having a child with a birth defect. Diet, life-style choices, factors in the environment, health conditions and medications before and during pregnancy all can play a role in preventing or increasing the risk of birth defects.”
For more information on Health Department WIC services call their First Choice Healthcare locations at Kewanee 309-852-5272; Colona 309-792-4011; and Toulon 309-852-3115.
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and the Get Covered Illinois Navigator Program asks, “Do You Need Health Insurance?” Their Health Insurance Navigators will be present at the upcoming local events to assist anyone looking to set up health insurance coverage:
Geneseo City Hall, 115 S. Oakwood Ave., Geneseo, Ill.
Thursday, Feb.5
9 a.m.- Noon
Paula’s Design Team, 125 W. South St. #8, Kewanee, Ill.
Friday, Feb. 6
1 – 3 p.m.
Our “Get Covered Illinois” Navigators can help you:
● Find affordable health coverage that meets your needs
● Fill out and submit your application
● Compare quality health plans side-by-side
● Find out if you qualify for financial help to lower your monthly premium
● Find out if you qualify for Medicaid or an affordability program
● Understand your benefits
● Understand health insurance terms
Remember you may be eligible to enroll in a Get Covered Illinois health plan outside of the usual Open Enrollment, or make changes to your existing coverage, if you qualify for a Special Enrollment Period (SEP). The SEP may require you to enroll within 60 days of a
Qualifying Life Event. A qualifying life event is a life change, such as:
Loss of Health Coverage, due to:
● Losing job-based coverage
● Losing Medicaid coverage
● Losing Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors or Health Benefits For Immigrants Adult coverage
● A divorce or legal separation
● Turning 26 years old, no longer eligible for parents’ coverage
Other Qualifying Life Events include:
● Getting Married
● Having a baby or adopting a child
● Moving to a new ZIP code or county
● Becoming a US Citizen
● Leaving incarceration.
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.
