Hancock County Health Department

Family Health

Our Family Health Division offers services in two areas.

1. Family Health:

Family Planning
The purpose of this program is to help individuals and couples with their specific needs. A range of family planning and female health services including Pap tests, pelvic exams, breast exams, urinalysis, and hemoglobin tests are available. Birth control is accessible, but a medical exam is required. All services are provided by our nurse practitioner and staff nurses.

WIC (Women, Infants and Children)
This program provides food coupons for supplemental foods to assist in healthy nutrition for women, infants, and children up to 5 years old. Basic health screening and monitoring of child development is provided. Educational sessions on breastfeeding, nutrition, and development are also part of this program.

Pap Smears
Pap smears are available through our Family Planning clinic. It is recommended for women to receive a pap smear once a year. Call for an appointment.

Breast and Pelvic Exams
As part of our Family Planning clinic, women can receive a breast and pelvic exam completed by a nurse practitioner. Education and information about female health issues is also available. Call for an appointment.

Pregnancy Testing and Counseling
Immediate results of the pregnancy test are available. The results are strictly confidential. Counseling is available. Call for an appointment.

STD (Sexually Transmitted Diseases) and HIV/AIDS testing and counseling
Our nurse practitioner will provide testing, treatment, and education regarding sexually transmitted diseases for both men and women. If you think you may have a STD or HIV/AIDS or have been with a partner who has a STD or HIV/AIDS, please call for an appointment. All calls and appointments are CONFIDENTIAL.

Family Case Management
This program is for pregnant women and infants up to age 1. It provides information and education on having a healthy pregnancy, child growth and development, immunizations, and referral sources. This is done through face to face contact and/or home visits.

Child Immunizations
All required immunizations are available to county residents. The initial immunization series should be completed by age 2. Booster shots are needed again after age 4. Clinics are held Fridays from 8:15 -3:45 at the Health Department. Call for an appointment.

College Immunizations

								If you are entering college, there are some highly recommended vaccinations you need to receive.  Call today for the listing.

Adult Immunizations
The Tetanus immunization is recommended every ten years. We also offer vaccinations for Hepatitis A and B. Call for an appointment.

Lead Poisoning Screening
All Illinois children entering pre-school, day care, and Kindergarten must have proof of a lead screening. We conduct lead screenings by appointment. The procedure is either a written questionnaire or a simple fingerstick blood test. If necessary, a home visit is done. Call for an appointment.

Healthy Start Program
The goal of this program is to help income-eligible pregnant women receive proper nutrition and physician's care as early in the pregnancy as possible. Our staff will provide assistance in obtaining a medical card, as well as other services within the Health Department.

Travel Precautions
If you are traveling outside of the United States, there are vaccination recommendations for each part of the world.  Call today to see what precautions you will need to prepare for before going on your trip.

2. Chronic Diseases:

Blood Pressure/Blood Sugar Screenings
Free clinics to check blood pressure and blood sugar are held from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm the 4th Tuesday of each month. No appointment is necessary. Education and handout materials will also be provided.

Cholesterol Screening
Using a blood drop obtained from a fingerstick, a complete lipid profile (total cholesterol: good (HDL) and bad (LDL) cholesterol, triglycerides: very bad cholesterol (VLDL) and ratio) can be done and results received within 15 minutes. The screening is conducted from 8:00 am to noon on the 4th Tuesday of each month. A 12-14 hour fast is required with NO alcohol consumed 72 hours prior to the screening. There is a nominal fee and an appointment is required. Education and handout materials will also be provided.

A1C
Using a blood drop obtained from a fingerstick, this test will show your average blood sugar over the last three months. No fasting and no appointment is required and results are provided within 15 minutes. There is a nominal fee for this test. Education and handout materials will also be provided.

Hancock County Diabetes Support Group
This group provides support and education for individuals who have diabetes, as well as their families or anyone with an interest in diabetes. The meetings are free and are held monthly at either the Hancock County Health Department or Memorial Hospital in Carthage. Please call for date, time, place, and more information.

Risk Reduction Blood Profile
The Risk Reduction Blood Profile provides a comprehensive list of blood levels including total cholesterol, HDL, LDL, triglyceride, glucose, sodium, potassium, calcium and many more.

Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program/Peoria Memorial Affiliate of the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.
Through this program, women ages 35 through 64 years old may be eligible to receive a FREE pelvic exam and pap smear. Women ages 40-64 may also be eligible for these tests plus a mammogram. These services are available to all residents if you meet income guidelines and have no insurance.

Corporate Wellness Programs
Corporate Wellness Programs are programs designed for area business, civic group, or schools. Our staff will meet with your leaders and design a program appropriate to your employees needs. Such programs include, but are not limited to: smoking cessation, weight loss, proper nutrition, cholesterol and blood pressure maintenance.

Hancock County Volunteers for Diabetes
The Health Department networks with this organization to provide support and assistance with education, short-term financial help, medical care, and equipment for diabetics. Please call for more information.