Health Department to offer free services during February outreach event

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments are announcing that at their “12 Communities, 12 Months” event for February, they will be conducting a special outreach display on Friday, Feb. 27 from 9 -11 a.m. at the Kewanee YMCA located at 315 W. 1st St., Kewanee.
Staff will offer the public free disposal of home expired or unused mediations 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.

RaeAnn Tucker, director of Health Promotion with the health department said, “We believe 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 giveaways, promotions, and just partaking in a pleasant time visiting and talking with our staff.”

The health department and First Choice Healthcare will host 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.

Local health officials promote safe sex during National Condom Week

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare Clinics note 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. “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.” said a representative of the health department. With this in mind, National Condom Week is also an opportune time to remind area residents that their First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer confidential:

● Free Condoms
● STD Testing for Males and Females
● Treatment of STDs
● Contraceptive Supplies
● Preventative immunizations against such STDs as Hepatitis B and HPV ~ Counseling, Education, and Referral
● Expedited Partner Treatment

“Though the subjects of condoms and STDs may not be a comfortable healthcare issue to discuss, we want people to remember we are a source of confidential education, prevention, testing and treatment. And we are literally just a phone call away. People should know we offer the tools and services people need to stay healthy.” said the representative.

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; and Toulon 309-852-3115. You may also find them on Facebook at First Choice Healthcare or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.

Kewanee WIC Services move to new Burr Boulevard location

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind local residents they have moved their Kewanee WIC Services to a new building at 109 S. Burr Blvd., Kewanee. The Kewanee WIC Office officially opened to the public on Tuesday, Feb. 3.

Health Department Public Health Administrator Duane Stevens 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 Boulevard 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 & Stark County Health Departments call 309-852-0197 Kewanee; 309-792-4011 Colona; or 309- 852-3115 Toulon or visit their website or apply here.

For more information you can also visit www.fns.usda.gov/wic. This institution is an equal opportunity provider.

Navigators to assist residents with health coverage at three local stops

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:

Country Morning Coffee, 205 W. 1st St., Kewanee, Ill.
Wednesday, Feb.18
8:30 -10:30 a.m.

Special Needs Bakery, 326 Front St., Galva, ll.
Friday, Feb. 20
9 a.m.- Noon

Beck’s Phillips 66, 401 E. 2nd St., Kewanee, Ill.
Wednesday, Feb. 25
9:30 -11:30 a.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.