April marks STI Awareness Month; Local clinics urge testing and prevention
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announced that April is STI, Sexually Transmitted Infection Awareness Month and STI Awareness Week is April 12-18.
This theme for this year’s STI Awareness Month is “Talk. Test. Treat.” This theme encourages individuals to learn about STIs and STI prevention, but just as importantly, to empower them to ask their healthcare provider what they can do – and how they can work together – to stay safe and healthy.
With an estimated 20 million new sexually transmitted infections occurring every year in the US, it is clear that STIs remain a widespread health threat in this country.
In addition, STI infections cost the American healthcare system nearly $16 billion in direct medical costs alone. And it’s America’s youth that is shouldering the substantial burden of these infections. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, CDC estimates that half of all new STIs in the country occur among young men and women aged 15 to 24.
With all these disturbing statistics it is obvious that STI Awareness Month is an opportune time to remind area residents that the First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer confidential:
● STI Testing for Males and Females
● Treatment of STIs
● Contraceptive Supplies
● PrEP/HIV Prevention Program
● Preventative immunizations against such STDs as Hepatitis B and HPV ~ Counseling, Education, and Referral
● Expedited Partner Treatment
Testing and knowledge of infection are vital to reducing the incidence and spread of STIs. Because many infections have no symptoms, those at risk need to get tested and find out if they are infected.
There are many actions you can take to protect yourself and others from STIs:
● Abstinence – The most reliable ways to avoid infection with an STD are to abstain from sex or to be in a long-term mutually monogamous relationship with an uninfected partner.
● Correct and consistent use of condoms – Consistent use of latex condoms reduces the risk of HIV and other STIs. Free Supplies are available through First Choice Healthcare clinics and offices in Kewanee, Colona & Toulon.
● Screening – Getting tested and treated for STIs can protect you from serious health consequences caused by STIs. STI Testing available at all First Choice Healthcare Clinics.
● Immunizations – Receiving recommended Hepatitis B and HPV immunizations can almost completely prevent infections covered by the vaccines.
Though the subject of STIs may not be a comfortable healthcare issue to discuss, the health department wants people to remember that their First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee and Toulon are sources of confidential testing, treatment and education. They are just a phone call away. People should know they also offer the tools and services people need to stay healthy.
For more information or appointments call First Choice Healthcare at Kewanee 309-852-5272; or Toulon 309-852-3115.
Health Departments announce Public Health Week lab special throughout April
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon will showcase their ongoing efforts “to protect and improve the health of the community,” during National Public Health Week, April 6-12 and throughout the month of April.
In keeping with National Public Health Week’s mission of promoting healthier living and achieving the goal of “healthiest nation by 2030,” the First Choice Healthcare Clinics will offer a clinic special during the month of April featuring a combination general health/thyroid panel blood test for only $50. This test includes a full lipid cholesterol panel. Please note, fasting is recommended for these tests for optimum results.
The First Choice Healthcare Clinics will be offering these specials at all their locations. The clinics are open to all area residents, and appointments are necessary and will be accepted on a first come, first served basis. Please note, these lab specials are available on a cash only basis.
To schedule an appointment or for more information on the First Choice Healthcare Clinics’ Public Health Week April Lab Special call Kewanee 309-852-5272; or Toulon 309-852-3115 or find them on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare or follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
Henry and Stark County clinics highlight available family planning resources
The Henry and Stark County Health Department and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and have family planning and reproductive health services available to the community.
Through the family planning clinic services, the First Choice Healthcare Clinics hope to give women the information and means they need to protect and improve their health, to plan pregnancies and make responsible decisions. The program also hopes to detect other health problems early in their development so that clients can be referred to other health care providers for treatment.
Many people believe they are without resources to afford reproductive health services – However, you may be eligible for free services based on your income. Did you know not all adolescents are on birth control to have sex or protect against pregnancy? Some girls who choose not to be sexually active suffer from heavy periods or need to regulate their cycles. Did you know many birth control pills help with acne?
Clinics are held at their two locations: 110 N. Burr Blvd, Kewanee 309-852-5272; and 120 East Court St., Toulon 309-852-3115. Appointments, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the clinic nearest you.
The family planning program provides annual physical exams to area women, including a breast exam and pap smear. The clinics offer contraceptive services such as: Depo, Nexplanon, free condoms and more. In addition, we offer pregnancy testing.
The clinic accepts Medicaid payments and private pay. A sliding fee scale, based on the client’s income, had 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 the First Choice Healthcare Clinic nearest you 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 or Instagram.
Annual wellness visits promoted as key to maintaining health and independence
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare remind everyone that preventative care is the key to a healthy and independent lifestyle.
Many may not realize that in order to help maintain personal wellness; Medicare covers an annual wellness visit for patients. What is an annual wellness visit and what does it include for the participant?
During an annual wellness visit, their First Choice Healthcare staff will discuss your medical history; review your medication with you; assess your current health and safety; develop a personalized preventative healthcare plan; and answer any questions you may have about your health.
Medicare pays 100% of the cost of annual wellness exams with no “out-of-pocket” expense to participants. For more information or to schedule your annual wellness exam call the First Choice Healthcare clinic nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272; or Toulon 309-852-3115.
Health departments bring Get Covered Illinois navigators to community locations this month
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:
Dollar Tree, 150 E. South St., Suites A & B, Kewanee, Ill.
Wednesday, April 22
10 a.m.- 12 p.m.
Gary’s Hometown Deli, 804 S. Oakwood Ave., Suite G, Geneseo, Ill.
Friday, April 24
10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
West Main Coffee & Books, 213 W. Main St., Toulon, Ill.
Wednesday, April 29
7:30 – 9:30 a.m.
Their “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.