Advancing Health in Illinois

Be part of IHA’s 2019 advocacy efforts by participating in our four member advocacy events. We’ll kick off our outreach in February with our State Legislative Reception. Then, in April we have three events: Quality Advocacy Showcase, Federal Advocacy Day and State Advocacy Day. Make your voice heard—join us in advocating for strong Illinois hospitals serving patients, families and communities.

2018 marked the 65^th year of the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) safeguarding children and adults across the state from poisoning harm. As the first poison center in the U.S., IPC blazed a trail that led other states to create their own poison centers. Hear from IPC leaders and clinicians throughout Illinois in our video on IPC’s powerful impact on healthcare.

Submissions are open for the 4^th annual IHA Quality Advocacy Showcase at the State Capitol in April. The event offers your organization an opportunity to meet with legislators about a quality improvement project that has positively impacted patients and communities while reducing costs.

Addressing Illinois' Opioid Epidemic

IHA led an effort to develop opioid prescribing guidelines to assist clinicians in treating patients with acute and chronic pain in the emergency department. Last year, hospital emergency departments saw a 66 percent increase in opioid overdose visits.