Henry & Stark County Health Department

Angie Peach, LPN Clinic Nurses and Josefina Foremen, AFP Family Nurse Practitioner with Henry and Stark County Health Departments stand next to a brochure rack and hold a poster promoting STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) prevention. The Health Department is noting April's designation as National STD Awareness Month.

                                           

"HEALTH DEPARTMENT NOTES APRIL - STD AWARENESS MONTH"

 

    The Henry and Stark County Health Departments note that April is STD (Sexually Transmitted Disease) Awareness Month.  Sandy Sommer, RN Director of Clinical Services, notes, "With an estimated 20 million new sexually transmitted infections occurring every year in the US, it is clear that STDs remain a widespread health threat in this country."

 

    Sommer adds, "In addition, STD 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 STDs in the country occur among young men and women aged 15 to 24."

 

    Sommer notes, "With all these disturbing statistics it is obvious that STD Awareness Month is an opportune time to remind area residents that the Health Department offers confidential:"

 

~ 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

 

    Testing and knowledge of infection are vital to reducing the incidence and spread of STDs.  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 STDs:

   

    * Abstinence - The most reliable way 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 STDs.  (Supplies are available through the Health Departments Kewanee and Colona offices.)

 

    * Screening - Getting tested and treated for STDs can protect you from serious health consequences caused by STDs. (STD Testing available at the Health Department.)

 

    * Immunizations - Receiving recommended Hepatitis B and HPV immunizations can almost completely prevent infections covered by the vaccines.

 

    Adds Sommer, "Though the subject of STDs may not be a comfortable healthcare issue to discuss, we want people to remember the Health Department is a source 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."

 

    The clinic accepts 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.  In addition, grant funds are available for those who meet certain eligibility requirements.

 

    For more information or to schedule an appointment call the Health Department at (309) 852-5272 (Main Kewanee Office) or 792-4011 (Colona) or visit our website at www.henrystarkhealth.com.  You may also find us on Facebook at Henry and Stark County Health Departments or Follow Us on Twitter.

"LA LECHE LEAGUE ANNOUNCES MAY MEETING"

 

    The La Leche League of Henry and Stark Counties' reminds area residents that their next meeting is scheduled for Wednesday, May 11th at 7:00pm at OSF St. Luke Medical Center, Kewanee.  "Avoiding Difficulties" will be the evening's program.

 

    Are you a new or expectant mother planning to breastfeed?  Then you will want the information and encouragement that La Leche League provides. Leaders are experienced breastfeeding mothers, accredited by La Leche League International.  Whether you are pregnant or already nursing, La Leche has something for you - tips and techniques shared by mothers who have enjoyed a successful breastfeeding relationship.

 

    Malissa Campbell, La Leche Counselor, notes "We welcome new mothers, pregnant women and babies and children at our meetings."

 

    Services available through La Leche include monthly informational meetings, lending library, and phone help for breastfeeding problems or questions. 

 

    Please join La Leche on Wednesday, May 11^th for "Avoiding Difficulties."  Remember all mothers and their babies are welcome.  For more information call Malissa at (309) 927-3027.

"HEALTH DEPARTMENT ANNOUNCES MAY MENTAL HEALTH SUPPORT MEETING"

 

     The Henry and Stark County Health Department and the Stark County Citizen's Mental Health Task Force asks, "Does someone you love suffer from mental illness?  Do you feel alone as you struggle to provide care and support for someone with mental illness? You're not alone."

 

    The Health Department and the Stark County Citizen's Mental Health Task Force invites you to attend the April Support Group for friends and family of people with mental illness.

 

    The meeting will be held on Tuesday, May 17 at 6:00-7:30pm at the Henry and Stark County Health Departments, Rt. 78 South, Kewanee.

 

     Beth Smith adds, "We encourage interested individuals to join with others dealing with the same struggles to share stories, offer encouragement and lend support"

   

    For more information about the upcoming mental health support group meeting, you may contact the Health 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, or Follow Us on Twitter.

"HEALTH DEPARTMENT OFFERS FAMILY PLANNING SERVICES"

 

    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.