Frequently Asked Questions

Call 309-647-1134. If you know the program you need, enter the extension for that service. If you do not know which department you need, staff can help direct your call.

The main office is located at:

700 East Oak Street
Canton, IL

Additional offices are located in Astoria and Cuba.

The main Canton office is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM.

Some services, such as WIC, also have limited evening or satellite office hours.

For emergencies after business hours, contact the Fulton County Sheriff at 309-547-2277.

Some services require appointments, while others may have limited clinic hours or scheduled days. If you are unsure, call before visiting so staff can confirm availability.

Bring the following unless told otherwise:

• Identification, such as a driver’s license, state ID, or passport
• Proof of income, if required for the program
• Insurance card, if applicable
• Any forms you were instructed to complete before your visit

Not every service requires the same paperwork, so call ahead if you are unsure.

Call the main number and explain what you need help with. Staff can direct you to the correct service, office, or extension.

The Fulton County Health Department offers a range of services including:

• Health Watch screenings
• Immunizations and flu clinics
• WIC
• Better Birthing Outcomes
• Communicable disease services
• Family planning
• Pregnancy testing
• HIV and STI testing
• Mammogram assistance
• Vision screenings
• Smoking cessation resources

Health Watch includes preventive screenings that help identify health risks early. Services include cholesterol testing, blood pressure screening, glucose testing, and broader wellness screenings.

Health Watch screenings are available to the public.

Health Watch may include:

• Cholesterol testing
• Blood pressure screening
• Glucose testing
• Cardiovascular, diabetes, cancer, and general wellness screening
• PSA testing

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 254 to ask about scheduling and availability.

Available immunization services include:

• Flu immunizations
• Pneumonia immunization
• Tetanus immunization
• Immunizations for children and adults

Yes. Flu immunizations are available through the health department.

Yes. Immunizations are available for infants, children, and adults.

Call 309-647-1134.

For flu and pneumonia immunizations, use Ext. 300.

For child and adult immunizations and tetanus-related questions, use Ext. 254.

Better Birthing Outcomes provides education and referral services for pregnant women, infants, and children under age two.

This program is for:

• Pregnant women
• Infants
• Children under age two

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 254.

WIC is the Women, Infants, and Children nutrition program. It provides food packages and nutrition education for eligible participants.

WIC eligibility is based on income guidelines and applies to eligible women, infants, and children.

Yes. WIC has no fee for those who qualify.

Bring:

• Identification
• Proof of income, such as 30 days of pay stubs or last year’s taxes
• Insurance card, if applicable
• Any required forms given before your visit

WIC hours listed on the current site include:

• Canton Office
  Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM
  Second Monday of the month, 3:00 PM to 7:00 PM
• Astoria Office
  Second and fourth Wednesday of each month

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 254.

Yes. Family planning services include contraceptives, annual wellness exams, pap smears, STD testing and treatment, pregnancy testing, education, and counseling.

Yes. Pregnancy testing is available through family planning services.

Yes. Pap tests are available through the Family Planning Program, STD Clinic, and Women’s Health Program.

Yes. Mammogram screening, diagnostic assistance, and financial assistance are available for Fulton County women ages 35–64.

Yes. Women’s Health Clinics provide physical exams, clinical breast exams, and pelvic exams for women who do not need contraceptive services. Fees are based on income.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 244.

Yes. HIV/AIDS testing and education are available.

Yes. STI testing, treatment, counseling, education, and HIV testing are available for men and women.

Yes. TB skin tests are available at no charge by appointment.

The current Health Services page lists Tuberculosis Screenings and Testing under Ext. 254.

The health department lists a Dental Sealant Program for children in grades 1–8 who qualify for free or reduced lunch and are under age 18.

Yes. Vision screenings, referral, and follow-up are available for the public and schools.

Yes. Smoking cessation referrals are available through the Illinois Quitline and local resources.

Call Ext. 264.

Communicable disease services include reportable disease investigation, education, testing, and follow-up.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 226.

Permits and licensing are handled by the Illinois Department of Public Health, not the Fulton County Health Department.

Yes. Facilities are subject to annual inspections for state licensing requirements.

Current community-facing programs include:

• Energy Assistance
• Emergency Preparedness
• Township-based support services

The Low Income Home Energy Assistance Program helps income-qualified households with natural gas, propane, electric bills, reconnection assistance, and furnace help for inoperable heating systems.

For the 2026 program year:

• October 1, 2025 for priority households
• November 1, 2025 for all other income-eligible households

Applications are accepted through August 15, 2026, or until funding is exhausted.

Priority groups beginning October 1, 2025 include:

• Adults age 60 and older
• Individuals with a disability
• Families with children under age 6
• Households disconnected from utilities
• Households with a disconnection notice
• Households with less than 25% propane

Households must be at or below 60% of the State Median Income.

Listed 30-day income guidelines are:

• 1 person: $3,332
• 2 people: $4,357
• 3 people: $5,382
• 4 people: $6,407

For larger households, additional limits apply.

You must provide all required documentation, including:

• Proof of gross income for all household members for the previous 30 days
• Proof of Social Security Numbers for all household members, if applicable
• Current heat and electric bills issued within the last 30 days

Renters may also need a lease or rental agreement showing heating costs are included in the rent.

Yes. Cash assistance may be available for renters who can provide a lease or rental agreement showing heating costs are included in rent.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 245.

Weatherization services are free to households that:

• Qualify for LIHEAP
• Have a household member receiving SSI, TANF, or AABD
• Meet the listed income requirements

The site references township services through the Astoria and Cuba offices, along with support services such as chore housekeeping and medication management for Cass and Putman Township residents.

Chore housekeeping includes:

• Cleaning
• Personal care
• Errands
• Grocery shopping

Eligibility is limited to Cass and Putman Township residents.

Medication management includes medication setup and monitoring for residents of Cass and Putman Township.

Call 309-785-5300.

Emergency Preparedness includes planning and coordination for public health emergencies such as disease outbreaks, biological emergencies, and natural disasters.

The current site says emergency information will be provided on:

• Fulton County ESDA Facebook page
• Local media outlets

A POD is a Point of Dispensing, a location used to quickly distribute medicine to large numbers of people during a public health emergency.

The Medical Reserve Corps is a volunteer force that supports the health department during emergencies and critical events. Both medical and non-medical volunteers may participate.

The current Emergency Preparedness page directs interested volunteers to call the Emergency Preparedness Coordinator or visit the Medical Reserve Corps website.

This section includes:

• Food Safety & Sanitation
• Food Permit Applications
• Temporary Food Licenses
• Water & Septic Services
• Nuisance Complaints
• Related environmental health functions such as recycling and inspections

In most cases, yes. The health department lists food permit applications for permanent food establishments, mobile food units, temporary food service, seasonal temporary service, and cottage food operations.

There is a specific Food Permit Application for Mobile Food Units.

You likely need an Application for Temporary Food Service Permit.

You may need an Application for Seasonal Temporary Food Service Permit.

A cottage food operation is a home-based food business subject to registration, self-certification, labeling rules, and additional requirements depending on the product.

The site lists:

• Application for Cottage Food Operations
• Cottage Food Operation Home-Self Certification Checklist
• Food Safety Plan for Acidified & Fermented Foods
• Labeling Guidance for Cottage Food Products

A food safety plan is required if you produce acidified or fermented foods and are not following an approved USDA or cooperative extension recipe.

Yes. A lab-tested pH result must be submitted with the food safety plan.

Every three years with your cottage food registration, and whenever new products requiring a different process are added.

Cottage food labels must include:

• Name of the cottage food operation and local government
• Registration number
• Product name
• Ingredient list in descending order
• Allergen information
• Required home-kitchen disclaimer
• Date the product was made

The current guidance references the major allergens including:

• Wheat
• Milk
• Eggs
• Soy
• Peanuts
• Tree nuts
• Fish
• Crustacean shellfish
• Sesame

Inspection reports are available through the Fulton County food facility inspection system.

The site says that as of January 1, 2019:

• Category I and II facilities must have a Certified Food Protection Manager on site at all times
• Food handlers who are not volunteers or CFPMs must complete food handler training every three years

Yes. The site states classes are offered at the health department and are also available online.

A nuisance complaint involves a public health nuisance that threatens safety, health, or well-being. Examples include:

• Trash or debris that attracts pests
• Unsafe open burning
• Noxious weed overgrowth
• Improper swimming pool maintenance
• Dead animals

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 230.

You must provide your name and contact information for records, but the site states that it will be kept confidential.

If the property is within city or town limits, the complaint should be directed to that city or town, not the county.

Yes. The Environmental Health page states that electronics, paint, and other recyclable items are accepted at the health department on Thursdays from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM for Fulton County households.

No. The page states this service is for households only. Businesses are directed elsewhere.

Yes. The Environmental Health page states that:

• Bacteria test kits are available for $20
• Nitrate/nitrite kits are available for $50

The Environmental Health page states that water well permits and septic permits are part of the services offered.

Yes. The page states that private sewage disposal systems and water wells located on property being sold in Fulton County must be evaluated by the health department.

Yes. The current site states that all wells, even if not used for drinking water, must be evaluated. Unused wells are considered abandoned and must either be brought into operation or sealed under health department supervision.

Birth certificate requests are handled through Vital Records. A photo ID is required.

Death certificate requests are handled through Vital Records. A photo ID is required.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 221.

FOIA stands for the Freedom of Information Act. It allows the public to request access to certain public records.

FOIA requests may be used to request public records, documents, and administrative information that are subject to disclosure.

Provide as much detail as possible, including the type of record and date range, so the request can be reviewed more efficiently.

The content you provided references documents such as:

• Privacy Practices
• IBCCP Eligibility Determination
• Cornerstone Informed Consent Form
• IBCCP Health Assessment
• IBCCP Client Participation Agreement & Release of Information
• Authorization to Obtain Information
• What to Bring to Your Appointment

Governance includes:

• Board of Health
• Administrator’s Message
• Employment Opportunities
• Annual Reports & Financials
• Contact Directory

The Board of Health provides oversight for the health department and its public health mission.

The administrative content you provided lists 2026 meeting dates including:

• January 20, 2026
• March 19, 2026

The site includes sections for:

• Meeting Agendas
• Meeting Minutes
• Annual Reports

The Administrator’s Message communicates the mission and direction of the Fulton County Health Department, including its commitment to health promotion, prevention, and education.

Employment Opportunities are listed in the Governance section. If no openings are posted, call the health department for current information.

These documents provide transparency into the department’s operations, reporting, and financial information.

The directory provides office numbers, fax numbers, and service extensions.

The main office phone number is 309-647-1134.

The main office fax number is 309-647-9545.

309-329-2922

309-785-5300

For after-hours emergencies, call the Fulton County Sheriff at 309-547-2277.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 254.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 244.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 226.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 300.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 264.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 292.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 230.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 245.

Call 309-647-1134 Ext. 221.

Call 309-785-5300.