National Awareness

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona note that September 26^th has been designated World Contraception Day.  The primary goal of World Contraception Day campaign centers around a vision where every pregnancy is wanted. Launched in 2007, WCD’s mission is to improve awareness of contraception and to enable young people to make informed choices on their sexual and reproductive health. 

The theme for this year’s World Contraception Day observance is the “The Power of Options.”  With this in mind, we believe World Contraception Day is also an opportune time to remind area residents that our 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; 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."

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 our First Choice Healthcare locations at (309) 852-5272 KEWANEE or (309) 792-4011 COLONA.  You may also find us on Facebook at First Choice Healthcare or Follow Us on Twitter and Instagram.

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics announce that September has been designated National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month.

Although its mortality rate has steadily fallen in the last decade, prostate cancer is still the second leading cause of cancer deaths in men in the United States.  In 2023, the American Cancer Society estimates there will be about 288,300 new cases and about 34, 700 deaths from prostate cancer.

National Prostate Cancer Awareness month gives us the opportunity to renew our commitment to fight this disease by finding better ways to prevent, detect, and treat it.

Today, 1 in 6 men will get prostate cancer during his lifetime, but only 1 man in 34 will die of the disease.  More than 2 million men in the United States who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer at some point are still alive today.  When detected during these earliest stages the 5 year survival rate is close to 100%.

The exact causes of prostate cancer are not known, but awareness can help men make more informed choices about their health.  Researchers have identified several factors that may increase a man's risk of developing prostate cancer including age, race, and family history.

This designation is another opportunity to emphasize the importance of prostate screening and testing.  The Department and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics remind area residents, in honor of Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, they have PSA blood screening is available to area men through their locations in Kewanee and Colona.

The PSA blood screening is open to all men ages 50-64; or any men younger who have a first degree family member (father/brother/son) who has been diagnosed with Prostate Cancer. Males under 50 years of age will need a physician’s order for the screening.  No fasting is necessary for this screening.  Appointments for the blood draws may be made by calling the First Choice Healthcare Clinics at 852-5272 (Kewanee) or (309) 792-4011 (Colona).

For more information on the First Choice Healthcare Clinic’s men's health services visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com or find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments, First Choice Healthcare, or Follow Us on Twitter and Instagram.

The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and our First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona note that September is Sexual Health Awareness Month.  Sexual Health Awareness Month is an annual observance held throughout September to raise awareness about the importance of sexual health and well-being. The reasons behind observing this month are manifold:

• Promoting Safe Practices.  One of the primary goals of Sexual Health Awareness Month is to educate individuals on the importance of practicing safe sex. It’s an opportunity to discuss the use of contraceptives, including condoms and birth control, to prevent unintended pregnancies and the transmission of sexually transmitted infections (STIs).
• Breaking Stigmas.  Sexual health issues often carry a significant societal stigma, which can discourage individuals from seeking help or information. By observing this month, we aim to break down these stigmas, create a safe space for discussions, and encourage open and honest conversations about sexual health.
• Empowering Individuals.  Education is a powerful tool for empowering individuals to make informed decisions about their sexual health. 

    With these goals in mind, Sexual Health Awareness Month is an opportune time to remind area residents that the First Choice Healthcare Clinics offer confidential:

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

 Though the subject of one’s sexual health may not be a comfortable healthcare issue to discuss, we want people to remember that our First Choice Healthcare locations in Kewanee and Colona are sources of confidential testing, treatment, and education.   And we are literally just a phone call away.  People should know we offer the tools and services people need to stay healthy.

 For more information or appointments call First Choice Healthcare at (309) 852-5272 (Kewanee) or 792-4011 (Colona).