By The Kewanee Voice November 13, 2025
Give a can, get a check-up: Food drive boosts wellness in Henry and Stark counties
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon announce they are extending their popular General Health/Thyroid Panel Blood Test Special in order to raise donations for local food pantries.
Until Jan. 1, their First Choice Healthcare clinics are featuring the General Health/Thyroid Panel Blood Test for only $40-cash only – with a donation of “non-perishable food” items. This test includes a full lipid “cholesterol” panel. Please note, fasting is recommended for these tests for optimum results.
Many residents are looking to schedule their health insurance plan’s annual health check-up. This lab special is a great supplement to the yearly check-up. Protecting one’s health is probably the most important thing you can do for yourself and the ones you love.
Appointments for the lab special or for an annual health check-up with one of their providers are offered at all their locations: Kewanee 309-852-5272, 110 N. Burr Blvd; and Toulon 309-852-3115, 120 E. Court St.
Anyone wanting to donate to their clinics’ food drives may drop off “non-perishable food items” during regular business hours through the year’s end. These donations will then be taken to local food pantries for those in need.
Mental Health Therapy now available in Stark County for Medicare patients
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments ask:
● Do you need Mental Health services? Do you have Primary Medicare coverage?
If so, the Health Department announces Mental Health Therapy services for local residents.
How do you know if you could use mental health therapy? Ask yourself the following questions:
● Are you struggling with relationships at home or work?
● Are you facing a life transition and need a safe place to talk things through?
● Are you feeling overwhelmed, anxious, isolated or alone?
If you answered yes to any of these questions; you should know they are accepting new patients and have two locations in Stark County in which to serve you. If you would like to make an appointment or get more information, simply call (309) 852-5272 for one of the participating sites: Stark County Health Department & Toulon First Choice Healthcare Clinic, 120 E. Court St., Toulon, Ill.; or the Wyoming Society of Growth, 101 W. Williams St., Wyoming, Ill. Don’t wait, help and caring are just a phone call away.
Celebrating the care you count on: It’s National Nurse Practitioner Week
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that Nov. 9-15, has been proclaimed National Nurse Practitioner’s Week. The theme for National Nurse Practitioner Week 2025 is “NPs: Trusted Voices, Proven Care.” This theme highlights the important role that nurse practitioners – NPs play in the healthcare industry.
RaeAnn Tucker, director of Health Promotion with the Health Department and First Choice Healthcare said, “Nurse Practitioners serve as trusted frontline health care providers for patients in our community, state, and nation.”
In addition to diagnosing and treating acute and chronic conditions, Nurse Practitioners focus on health promotion, disease prevention and health education and counseling, guiding patients to make smarter health and lifestyle choices.
“During National Nurse Practitioner’s Week we celebrate and remind area residents of our clinic & psychiatric mental health Family Nurse Practitioners at our First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Toulon.” said Tucker. During the cold and flu season many may need to seek medical attention for sick appointments. Their clinics are a great option for those without a regular health care provider, or for someone who may not be able to get into their provider in a timely manner. An acute ill visit may include such ailments as sore throats, earaches, and urinary tract infections. Their psychiatric mental health practitioner sees patients needing help with such things as depression, anxiety, stress, behavioral issues, trauma and loss.
Tucker said, “Many people do not realize that the array of Clinical and Behavioral/Mental Health Services we offer. Because many of our programs receive federal and state funding, savings can be passed on.” Their clinic services can offer access to low-cost healthcare to those without health insurance or those who have a high insurance deductible. You do not have to be a resident of Henry or Stark County to access many services. They accept most insurances. Inquiries can be made through their offices to see if your insurance is one of them.
For more information or to schedule an appointment at their First Choice Healthcare Clinics, call the location nearest you: Kewanee 309-852-5272; or Toulon 309-852-3115 or visit their website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
Thanks Birth Control Day reminds us why every pregnancy should be wanted
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that Nov. 12 has been designated Thanks Birth Control Day.
The primary goal of the “Thanks Birth Control Day” campaign centers around a vision where every pregnancy is wanted. The mission of this designation is to improve awareness of contraception and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health.
With this in mind, the health department believe Thanks Birth Control Day is an opportune time to remind area residents that their First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer confidential services:
~ 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 contraception, condoms and STDs may not be comfortable healthcare issues to discuss; they want people to remember they are a source of confidential education, prevention, testing and treatment. And they are literally just a phone call away. People should know they offer the tools and services people need to stay healthy.
First Choice Healthcare accepts Medicaid payments, insurance, and cash payment. In addition, grant funds may be 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.