Henry County Health News

Health Department clients and patients were welcomed by Department staff
members wearing red attire on Friday, February 3rd.  The staff participated
in National Wear/Go Red Day. The health designation is a special day during
February - American Heart Month that focuses attention and awareness of
women's heart health.  Heart disease is the number one killer of both men
and women in the US.  For more information on the heart health services
offered by the Health Department visit their website
www.henrystarkhealth.com

   The Henry and Stark County Health Department announces that the Illinois
Department of Public Health Lead Program is holding 11 meetings around the
state to inform the public about the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's
Renovation, Repair and Paint Rule and explain the process for certification.

Two local meetings are:

MOLINE:     Wednesday, February 22nd from 9:00am-Noon
           (8:30am Continental Breakfast)
           I-Wireless Center, 1201 River Drive, Moline, IL 61265

PEORIA:     Wednesday, March 21st from 9:00am -Noon
           (8:30am Continental Breakfast)
           ITOO Hall, 4909 W. Farmington Rd., Peoria, IL

   Michele Beckstrom, RN Health Department Lead Program Coordinator,
states, "The new law requires contractors, property managers and others paid
to replace windows or renovate residential houses, apartments and
child-occupied facilities built before 1978 to be certified by the U.S.
Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).  This new law is intended to protect
children from leaded dust thay may result from disturbing lead-based paint."

   Common activities like sanding, cutting and demolition can create lead
hazards that can be harmful to children and adults.  In 2008, more than
5,000 Illinois children had elevated blood lead levels.  This new federal
law has the potential to significantly decrease childhood lead poisoning.

   Beckstrom adds, "There is no safe level of lead in the body.  Lead
poisoning can cause health problems including decreased I.Q., learning
disabilities, kidney disease, high blood pressure, miscarriage, and birth
defects."

   For more information on and a full schedule about the meetings, contact
Eleanor Davis at 217-524-2081.  To register online, visit
www.ienconnect.com/enviro

   The Environmental Health Division of the Henry and Stark County Health
Departments note that January has been proclaimed National Radon Action
Month in Illinois, by calling attention to the fact that radon is the
second-leading cause of lung cancer overall and the leading cause of lung
cancer for non-smokers.

   Dorothy David, Health Department Director of Environmental Health
Services, notes, "It really doesn't matter where you live in Illinois or
what type of home you live in, because we've seen excessive radon in every
county in Illinois, and in every type of home - old, new, with basements,
with a crawlspace or on a slab."

   Radon is a colorless, odorless, tasteless radioactive gas that comes
from the radioactive decay of naturally occurring uranium in the soil.  It
can enter homes and buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump
pumps or soil in crawlspaces.

   Radon is estimated to cause many thousands of deaths each year.  That's
because when you breathe air containing radon, you can get lung cancer.
The State of Illinois has enacted the Illinois Radon Awareness Act.
According to this law, anyone buying a home, condominium or other
residential property in Illinois must be provided with information about
indoor radon exposure and the fact that radon is the leading cause of lung
cancer in non-smokers and the second leading cause overall.

   Since radon gas is undetectable, specialized radon detectors must be
used to measure the amount of radon gas present in the air.  You can
purchase test kits from your local home improvement, hardware store, or home
extension office.  You may also call the Illinois Emergency Management
Agency (IEMA) Division of Nuclear Safety Radon Program at 1-800-325-1245 for
a list of laboratories that sell radon kits or visit their website at
www.radon.illinois.gov.

   The Health Department and state officials encourage anyone who discovers
their home has elevated levels of radon to contact a licensed radon
mitigation professional to correct the problem.  Depending on the home,
radon mitigation can cost between $800-$1200.  IEMA also has a list of
licensed radon reduction contractors who can fix your radon problem.

   For more information on radon you can visit the our website at
www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County
Health Departments.  Radon information is also available through IEMA at
their hotline number and at their website.

   The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents that
Blood Profiles are now available at clinics held Monday through Friday
starting at 7:30am at the Health Department's Main Office, Rt. 78 South,
Kewanee; and at 8:00am at their Colona Office 103 1st St., Colona.

   The fasting blood profile clinics offer area residents the opportunity
to receive indepth profiles like the Chem Screen/CBC basic blood profile, a
Thyroid Panel, and the PSA (Prostate Specific Antigen) test.  These tests
are available without a physician's order.

   Insurances, such as Medicare, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, and Mutual
Medical, can be billed with a physician's order.

   The basic blood profile offers 39 different blood results including a
total cholesterol, triglyceride, high and low density lipoprotein (HDL and
LDL), and red and white blood cell count results.

   The PSA, for males age 50 and over, is a blood test to be used as a
screening tool by physicians and should only be used in conjunction with a
doctor's physical exam.  The Thyroid panel gives indicatives of thyroid
functioning by giving T3/T4/CFT4 and TSH results.

   Fasting is required for the basic blood profile.  Therefore,
participants should not eat or drink anything other than water for 8-12
hours prior to the blood draw.  Test results will be sent by mail to
participants and their physicians.

   Please note, appointments which are necessary, may be made by contacting
the Health Department at (309) 852-5272.  For more information visit our
website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.

   The staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area
residents that frostbite and hypothermia are the greatest threats facing
anyone who ventures outside in temperatures below freezing.  It only takes a
few minutes in subzero weather for problems to occur.

   Frostbite occurs when the cold outside slows circulation and tissue
begins to die.  The hands and feet are usually affected first.  Hypothermia
occurs when the body's core temperature is lowered, and can result in death
if the drop in body heat slows the heart rate too much.  Frostbite symptoms
include numbness in the fingers, ears, nose, or feet.  The affected areas
may be red or white and hurt when rewarmed.

   Medical treatment for frostbite usually consists of rewarming the
affected area.  Prolonged exposure to the cold can result in significant
destruction of tissue.  Serious cases of frostbite can result in gangrene,
leading to possible amputation of the affected body part.

   To prevent frostbite and hypothermia, persons should wear hats which
cover the ears, scarves or masks to cover the face, mittens instead of
gloves so fingers can warm each other, and several layers of clothing to
trap the body heat.  Dampness increases the risk of frostbite and clothing
should be changed if it becomes wet.

   Drinking alcohol increases the chance of both hypothermia and frostbite.
Alcohol slows down the heart and blurs the judgement of how cold the person
really is.  Smokers are more apt to experience spasms in blood vessels which
interfere with circulation, thus increasing the threat of frostbite.

   The Health Department reminds everyone to avoid exposure to extreme cold
for more than a few minutes.  Serious tissue damage can occur in a short
period of time.

   The Henry and Stark County Health Department announces that members of
its staff recently attended a Social Media Training sponsored by the
Illinois Public Health Association, SIU Department of Family and Community
Medicine, and the Illinois Society for Public Health Educators.  The
training was entitled, "Boost Your Message!  Social Media Techniques in a
Public Health World."  RaeAnn Tucker-Marshall, Health Department Director of
Public Information, and Sandy Sommer, RN Director of Clinical Services
attended the training held recently in Springfield.

   The training's goal was to provide participants with an overview of
social media channels and tools (including Facebook, Twitter, mobile and
more) and applications to public health communications and marketing.

   Tucker-Marshall notes, "The training also gave participants skills
needed to begin developing a basic social media strategy for health
promotion and prevention messaging."

   Tucker-Marshall adds, "Participants attending the social media training
included: Administrators, health educators, nurses, health communicators,
and public health program managers.   Our staff took part in this important
training, because we feel that we owe it to our local residents to be
up-to-date on the latest communication innovations, techniques and
information."

   For more information on the services available through the Henry and
Stark County Health Departments call the Department at (309) 852-0197 or
visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at
Henry and Stark County Health Departments.

   The Henry and Stark County Health Department is pleased to announce they
will now be offering Monthly CPR (Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation)
Certification Classes.  The Department will offer both a Medical CPR Class
and a Non-Medical CPR Class.

   Sandy Sommer, RN, Health Department Director of Clinical Services,
states, "CPR training will teach participants to recognize and care for
breathing and cardiac emergencies in infants, children, and adults.
Instruction will also be given on how to recognize emergencies and take
action, and  understanding the role of AEDs (Automated External
Defibrillators) in the Cardiac Chain of Survival."

   The Medical CPR Classes will be held the 3rd Tuesday of each month, and
the Non-Medical Class will be held the 4th Wednesday of each month.  The
classes will run from 4:30pm to 8:30pm.  The cost of the Medical Class is
$30 and the cost of the Non-Medical Class is $20.

   These rates are per participant.  There is a set participant "minimum"
and "maximum" for each class; so anyone interested should contact the
Department at 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our
website at www.henrystarkhealth.com for more information or find us on
Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.
#####

   The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of
their Well-Child Clinic program.   Clinics are held in Kewanee at the Health
Department offices, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee.

   Through their Well-Child clinic the Department hopes that by offering
comprehensive health services to area children today; health problems will
be prevented in the future.

   Clinic services include: periodic "head to toe" well-child exams for
children from birth to age 20; hemoglobin tests, blood lead screenings,
immunizations, developmental screenings, and counseling and referral.
The services of the well-child clinics are available to all area residents.
The clinic will accept medicaid payments and private pay.  A sliding fee
scale, based on the client's income, has been established to assist
low-income families to obtain services.

   For more information or to make an appointment for the Health
Department's Well-Child clinic, call the Department at (309) 852-5272 or
visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on facebook at
Henry and Stark County Health Departments.

   The staff of the Henry and Stark County Health Departments reminds area
residents planning a program for a local club or organization; that the
Department staff is available to speak on a variety of health topics, and
the services offered to area residents through their offices.

   RaeAnn Tucker-Marshall, Health Department Director of Public
Information, notes that "presentations on Health Department programs and
awareness, home health and homemaker services, breast cancer awareness,
advanced directives, nutrition, women's health, heart health, influenzae and
its prevention, cholesterol and blood pressure control; and prostate and
cervical cancers, just to name a few, are offered free-of-charge."

   Tucker-Marshall adds, "Presentations can be tailor-made to meet any
group's specific needs.  Many presentations include informative handouts and
entertaining videos.  All information can be altered to the age and
interests of the audience."

   To schedule a presentation or for more information call the Department
at (309) 852-0197 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at
www.henrystarkhealth.com find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County
Health Departments.

   The Henry and Stark County Health Departments remind area residents of
their Family Planning clinic program.

   Through the family planning clinic program, the Health Department hopes
to give women the information and means they need 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.

   Clinics are held in Kewanee at the Health Department offices, Route 78
South.  Appointments, which are necessary, may be made by contacting the
Health Department.

   The family planning program provides annual physical exams to area
women, including a breast exam and pap smear.

   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.
In addition to contraceptive services, the clinic also offers pregnancy
testing.   

   For more information or to schedule an appointment call the Health
Department at (309) 852-5272 or visit our website at
www.henrystarkhealth.com. or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County
Health Departments.

   The Henry and Stark County Health Department offers area residents some
important winter survival strategies.  These safety tips can help us all to
get through the new year happy, healthy, and safe.

   On the road.  Use your low beam headlights when driving through fog or
snowstorms.  They will actually provide better visibility than high beams.
And be prepared for breakdowns with emergency flares, warm blanket,
first-aid kit, white cloth to signal distress, flashlight, snow shovel,
empty gas can, and for long trips, food and water.

   At home.  Carbon monoxide, a colorless, odorless gas and a by-product of
combustion, is an invisible killer.  Possible sources include: wood-burning
stoves, fireplaces, kerosene, gas or oil heaters and furnaces.  For your
protection: Assure proper ventilation, have these devices inspected and
consider installing carbon monoxide detectors.

   Under the sun.  Sunburns aren't limited to summer.  Fact is, sunlight in
winter can burn, especially when reflected off ice or snow.  So when skiing
or otherwise enjoying the outdoors, wear sunglasses that protect your eyes
against ultraviolet light, and spread sunscreen on exposed skin, including
your lips.

   Overexposed.  Watch for frostbite or hypothermia, and seek help without
delay if you suspect either.  Danger signs for frostbite: redness, tingling,
stinging pain or small white patches on the skin.  For hypothermia:
uncontrollable shivering, sleepiness, shallow breathing.  Remember, alcohol
increases loss of body heat, so avoid its use when you plan to be outdoors
for a long time.

   For more information on the services of the Henry and Stark County
Health Department call (309) 852-0197 (Main Office), (309) 792-4011 (Colona
Office), (309) 852-3115 (Stark), visit our website at
www.henrystarkhealth.org or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County
Health Departments.

   The Henry and Stark County Health Departments announce that January is
National Cervical Health Awareness Month and share the following facts about
cervical cancer:

   Each year in the US approximately 12,000 women are diagnosed with
cervical cancer, and more than 4,000 die as a result.  The true tragedy of
the disease is that cervical cancer screening tests and vaccines exist that
can prevent virtually every case.

   Cervical cancer tends to occur in midlife.  Most cases are found in
women younger than 50.  It rarely occurs in women younger than 20.  Many
women do not know that as they get older they are still at risk of getting
cervical cancer.

   Most deaths from cervical cancer could be avoided if women had regular
checkups with a Pap test.  Early detection significantly increases chances
of survival.  In fact, if detected early, cervical cancer is nearly 100
percent curable.

    In accordance with this health designation, the Health Department staff
is pleased to remind area women that they have clinic services that
addresses the prevention of deaths from breast and cervical cancer.

     Sandy Sommer, RN Director of Clinical Services adds, “Our clinic
program encourages early detection by providing well women exams, clinical
breast exams, pap smears, and teaching healthy breast care by educating
women in breast self-exam awareness.  Women need to realize that the most
effective tools associated with early detection are literally just a phone
call away, we just need area women to focus on the preventative aspects of
their health.”

   The Health Department accepts medicaid payments and private pay.  A
sliding fee scale, based on client income, has been established to assist
everyone to obtain services.  For those that are uninsured please contact
the Health Department for more information about the Illinois Breast and
Cervical Cancer Program.

   Sommer adds, a great push in the fight against cervical cancer is
increasing awareness of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine.  Experts
believe that women must be infected with HPV before they develop cervical
cancer.  The HPV vaccine has been shown to be highly effective in preventing
HPV infection and therefore, cervical cancer risk.  The Health Department
reminds area residents that they have the HPV vaccine series available to
both girls and boys between the ages of 9 and 18.  The vaccine should be
given before sexual activity begins and HPV exposure increases.

    For more information on women's health services, the HPV vaccine
series, or to schedule an appointment at either Department office location
call (309) 852-5272 (Main Office) or (309) 792-4011 (Colona Office)  or
visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at
Henry and Stark County Health Departments.

   The WIC and Case Management staff of the Henry and Stark County Health
Departments in conjunction with the March of Dimes and the National Birth
Defects Prevention Network announce that January has been designated as
National Birth Defects Prevention Month.  In accordance with this important
health observance, the WIC and Case Management staff is alerting the general
public to take positive steps to reduce the risk of congenital heart
defects.  Congenital health defects are one of the most common types of
birth defects and some forms may be preventable though healthy life style
choices and medical interventions before and during pregnancy.

   "Congenital heart defects include abnormalities of the heart that are
present at birth.  Some have only a minor and brief effect on a baby's
health and some have very serious and life-long effects.  Nearly 40,000
cases (approximately 1 in 110 live births) are reported annually in the US,"
says Heather Aldred, RN Health Department WIC/Case Management nurse.
"Public awareness, accurate diagnosis, and expert and early medical care are
all essential for adequate prevention and management of these all too common
and deadly conditions."

   The heart forms in the early weeks of pregnancy, often before a woman
realizes she is pregnant.  Diet, life-style choices, factors in environment,
heart conditions and medications all can play a role in preventing or
causing congenital heart defects.

   Aldred adds, "Small steps like visiting a health care provider before
pregnancy and taking a multivitamin everyday can make a big difference.
Also, women who are pregnant or planning to get pregnant can take control of
their health to improve their chance of a healthy pregnancy.  Good habits
include regular physical activity, about 30 minutes a day, 5 days a week, or
more.  Healthy eating means having a balanced diet, low in fats, with at
least 5 or more servings a day of fruits and vegetables.  A woman should
talk to her healthcare provider about making healthy changes for a
successful pregnancy."

   For more information on the Health Department WIC and Case Management
services call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 (Henry) or (309)
852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us
on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments

   The Henry and Stark County Health Department announces that a member of
their staff recently attended a special TB 101 Training Course.  Jessica
Hand, LPN, Health Department Clinical Services Nurse,  attended the training
co-sponsored by the American Lung Association and the Illinois Department of
Public Health recently in Springfield.

   Hand notes, "The TB 101 Course was designed to provide basic training in
tuberCulosis for nurses new to working as the local TB control authority in
rural, low-incidence counties within the State of Illinois."

   Areas of interest covered during the training included: how Tuberculosis
in other countries effects the TB case rates in the US; how to differentiate
between TB disease and latent TB infection; how to administer, read and
interpret results of TB skin tests; knowledge of the steps in a medical
evaluation to diagnose TB disease; recommendations for treatment of TB
disease; and appropriate TB infection control protocols for healthcare
facilities.

   For more information on the Communicable Diseases Control programs and
services available through the Henry and Stark County Health Departments
call the Department at (309) 852-5272  or visit our website at
www.henrystarkhealth.com. or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County
Health Departments.

   The Henry and Stark County Health Departments realize that many parents
have concerns about infection control and properly judging the severity of
their children's flu symptoms.

   If your child is sick?  If your child is 5 years or older and otherwise
healthy and gets "flu-like" symptoms, including a mild fever and/or cough,
consult your doctor as needed and make sure your child gets plenty of rest
and drinks enough fluids.

   If your child is younger than 5, or of any age and has a medical
condition like asthma, diabetes, neurological problems, or heart problems
and develops flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough, call your
doctor or get medical attention.  This is because younger children and
children who have chronic medical conditions may be at higher risk of
serious complications from influenza infection, including H1N1.  Talk to
your doctor early if you are worried about your child's illness.

   What if my child seems very sick?  Even children who have always been
healthy before or had the flu before can get a severe case of flu.  Call or
take your child to a doctor right away if your child of any age has:
* Fast breathing or trouble breathing
* Bluish or gray skin color
* Not drinking enough fluids
* Severe or persistent vomiting
* Not waking up or not interacting
* Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
* Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
* Has other conditions (like heart or lung disease, diabetes, or asthma) and
develops flu-like symptoms, including a fever and/or cough.

   Can my child go to school or day care if he or she is sick?  No, your
child should stay home to rest and to avoid giving the flu to other
children.

   When can my child go back to school after having the flu?  Keep your
child home from school or day care for at least 24 hours after their fever
is gone.  (Their fever should be gone without them having taken a
fever-reducing medicine.) A fever is defined as 100 degrees Fahrenheit or
37.8 degrees Celsius.

   In addition the nursing staff of the Health Department offers the
following tips as a means to prevent illness:

* Wash hands or use alcohol hand solutions after being in public or around
anyone with a cold or the flu.

* When coughing or sneezing, turn and cough or sneeze into a disposable
tissue; dispose promptly.  If no tissue is available, cough or sneeze into
the inside of your elbow.

* Don't take young children or those with immune system problems into large
crowds unnecessarily when the flu is in your community.

* Avoid close contact (holding, kissing) between infants and anyone who has
a cold or the flu.

* Stay home from work or school if you have the flu (fever, muscle aches,
cough).

* Do not share things that go into the mouth - drinking cups, straws, etc.

* Frequently clean commonly touched surfaces (door knobs, refrigerator
handle, phone, water faucets) if someone in your house has a cold or the
flu.

* Do not smoke around children.

   Seasonal flu shots for adults and children, 6 months and older, are
still available through the Department.  Walkins are welcome.  For more
information on the flu call the Department at (309) 852-5272 Main Office or
(309) 792-4011 Colona Office or visit our website at
www.henrystarkhealth.com find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County
Health Departments.

   The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to inform area
residents that our offices, Route 78 South, Kewanee and 103 1st St., Colona
will be closed on Monday, January 16th in observance of Martin Luther King
Jr. Day.

   However, limited home health and homemaker staff will be working on
those days to provide necessary in-home care.

   For more information, call the Health Department at 852-0197 or 792-4011
(Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com
or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.

   Are you planning your New  Year's resolutions for 2012?  The Health
Department staff offers the following Health Resolutions Checklist for your
consideration:

* Quit Smoking
* Get Your Annual Mammogram
* Keep Your Annual Pap Test
* Make sure all in the family are up-to-date on needed immunizations
* Eat Healthy
* Get Exercise
* Keep/Make Well Baby/Child Exams
* Get an Annual Fasting Blood Draw

   If you are considering one of these resolutions, the Henry and Stark
County Health Departments may be able to help you with smoking cessation
products, women exams, and child immunizations.  These services are
available at the Health Department, many for free or for a nominal fee.
The Health Department reminds area residents that we have grant funds,
services and programs to help you keep your 2012 New Year's Resolutions.

   The New Year can be a great opportunity to start fresh.  And New Year's
resolutions can be a powerful tool to give your health a big boost - and
improve your whole life.  Far too often, though, resolutions don't last past
February or March.  Instead of motivating you for success, resolutions are
often unrealistic  -  and can make you feel like you've failed.

   Let the Health Department help you meet your goals and resolutions for
the upcoming year.

   For more information call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 (Main
Office), (309) 792-4011 (Colona Office) or (309) 852-3115 (Stark County) or
visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at
Henry and Stark County Health Departments.  And, have a Happy and Healthy
New Year!

   The Henry and Stark County Health Department announces that member of
their Home Services staff recently attended the 2011 Governor's Conference
on Aging.  Janell Steffen, Health Department Director of Home Services,
attended this important conference sponsored by the Illinois Department on
Aging, the Senior Health Insurance Program and the Illinois Department of
Insurance held recently in Chicago.

   Steffen states, "The Annual  Conference is a premier event for agencies
in the aging network.  The Conferences Keynote speaker was Sandy Markwood ,
Chief Executive Office of the National Association of Area Agencies on
Aging, which represents the nation's 650 Area Agencies on Aging."

   "In addition, the conference featured many important sessions covering
such topics as: elder rights; healthy aging; public benefits, housing,
caregiving; and mental health."

     By attending conferences such as these, the Health Department's Home
Services Division continually strives to keep up-to-date on the latest
trends and innovations in elder care.  This will only result in better home
services being offered to our area clients," adds Steffen.

   For more information on the Home  Services offered through the Henry and
Stark County Health Departments call the Department at (309) 852-0492  or
visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at
Henry and Stark County Health Departments.

   The Henry and Stark County Health Departments' and the Henry County
Health Board are pleased to announce the 2011 Health Department Employee
Service Award recipients.  This year's winners include:

   Michele Beckstrom, RN of Wyoming, WIC/Case Management Nurse, 20 Years of
Service
   Gail Ripka, RN of Kewanee,  Administrator, 15 Years of Service
   Roger Anderson, of Galva, Maintenance, 15 Years of Service
   Martha Rivera, RN, of Kewanee, Home Health Nurse, 10 Years of Service
   Lisa Pitzer, of Kewanee, Clinical Services Secretary, 10 Years of
Service
   Sharon Milliken, of Galva, Financial Services Account Clerk , 10 Years
of Service
   Ann Cromien, of Galva, Clinical Services Secretary, 10 Years of Service
   Donna Ericson, of Galva, Secretary, 5 Years of Service
   Gary Mayo, of Geneseo, Computer Support Specialist, 5 Years of Service

   Health Department Administrator, Gail Ripka states, "The Henry County
Board of Health recognizes that honest, loyal and qualified employees are
the most valuable assets of the Health Department.  It is because of their
dedication and committment that we have been able to contribute so much to
the health and well-being of the community."

   For more information on the services of the Henry and Stark County
Health Departments, call the Health Department at (309) 852-0197 (Henry) or
852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us
on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments would like to inform area residents that our offices, Route 78 South, Kewanee and 103 1st St., Colona will be closed on Monday, January 2nd in observance of the New Year's Holiday.

   However, limited home health and homemaker staff will be working on those days to provide necessary in-home care.

   For more information, call the Health Department at 852-0197 or 792-4011 (Henry) or 852-3115 (Stark) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments.