
The Henry and Stark County Health Departments and their First Choice Healthcare Clinics in Kewanee and Colona note that Valentine’s Day kicks off the important health designation of National Condom Week, February 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. The Health Departments and First Choice Healthcare note, “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. With this in mind, we believe National Condom Week is also an opportune time to remind area residents that our 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."
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.