IHA Healthcare News

Get the healthcare news you need to stay on top of legislative proposals, industry trends and local issues. This section has news articles, IHA's Daily Briefing, IHA's Regional Roundup, IHA press releases and our Member News Spotlight. You can sort by category.

Featured News

Opinion-Evelyn Sanguinetti: State is Taking Action Against Opioid Epidemic

It’s time to end the opioid epidemic and save lives. Today, more Americans die from drug overdoses than breast cancer. The Southern

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Opinion-Evelyn Sanguinetti: State is Taking Action Against Opioid Epidemic

News Articles

  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

SIU Certifying More Doctors to Medically Treat Opioid Addiction

One Southern Illinois medical facility is certifying more of its doctors to medically treat opioid addiction. Illinois News Network

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

County Health Department Offering OD-Reversal Drug for Free; Hy-Vee Joins Those Selling It

Narcan, a drug that can reverse an overdose of heroin and other opioid drugs, is being distributed for free by the Sangamon County Department of Public Health. State Journal-Register

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

In Fight Against Opioids, Chicago Licenses 1,500 Pharmaceutical Reps

In an effort to curb the over-prescription of opioids, Chicago has licensed nearly 1,500 people as pharmaceutical representatives since a city ordinance went into effect last year. Chicago Sun-Times

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Racial Infant, Mother Death Disparity Leads to Call for Action

[Democratic] Lawmakers are calling on Gov. Bruce Rauner’s office to address racial disparities in pregnancy and childbirth deaths. WAND TV

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Decreased Funding 'Absolutely a Big Deal,' says Lead Navigator Group

The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services announced [last] week it’s slashing funding for the Affordable Care Act’s navigator program to $10 million. Health News Illinois

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Our View: A Year After Budget Impasse, Fiscal Woes Continue

It’s been a year since the two-year state budget impasse ended. GateHouse Media

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Azar Pitches Drastically Slashing 340B Discounts for Hospitals

HHS Secretary Alex Azar in a private meeting with GOP House lawmakers floated standardizing the 340B drug discounts offered to providers, cutting it to 20% of the list price. Modern Healthcare

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Trump Fails at Lowering Drug Prices as Costs Keep Going Up

As a candidate and then as president, Donald Trump has had plenty to say about how drug prices are out of control and how he plans to get them down. Bloomberg News

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

McDonald's Pulls Salads from 3,000 Locations after Dozens Sickened by Parasite

Health officials are investigating an outbreak of intestinal illness that has sickened dozens and is "likely linked" to salads at McDonald's. NPR

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

HHS Submits Updated Plan for Reuniting Migrant Children with Parents

The Trump administration, responding to a federal judge's sharp admonition, provided an updated plan Sunday about how it will verify the parentage of older children in detention. Politico

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

The State of the Affordable Care Act

It is no secret that Republicans are not fans of the Affordable Care Act. NPR

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Doctors to Trump: Suspending Insurer Premiums Hurts Our Sickest Patients

A coalition of more than 500,000 physicians says the administration’s move to suspend billions of dollars in payments hurts patients with “chronic health conditions.” Forbes

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • Member News Spotlight

Heart-Failure Programs at Hospitals Take Steps to Address Growing Health Problem

The annual award is based on Memorial’s ability to ensure that patients receive the most appropriate treatment based on nationally recognized, research-based guidelines. State Journal-Register

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Alexander County Gets One Step Closer to Opening Hospital

People living near Cario, Illinois, will soon have access to a hospital and emergency room. WPSD TV

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • News from the Web

Chicago's Violence/The Human Toll/The Price Tag

Bloomberg news analysis in December of 2017 put the cost of Chicago's violence at a staggering $2.5 billion dollars a year. Chicago Now

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  • Jul 16, 2018
  • Press Release

Luis Andrade Joins IHA's Government Relations Team

Luis Andrade, lead human services and Medicaid analyst for the Office of the Illinois House Speaker, joins IHA as its director of government relations, effective Aug. 6.

Read More About Luis Andrade Joins IHA's Government Relations Team
  • Jul 16, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: July 16

Andrade Joins IHA's Government Relations Team

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: July 16
  • Jul 13, 2018
  • News from the Web

How Illinois can - and should - blunt the pain of Trump's attack on Obamacare

The ballooning price of coverage in states that have already disclosed their proposed 2019 rates suggests the writing is on the wall in Springfield. Crain's Chicago Business Opinion

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • News from the Web

Illinois, Iowa Tracking Parasitic Illness Cases

Health officials in Illinois and Iowa are investigating an increase in people becoming sick from a parasite that causes intestinal illness. Associated Press

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • News from the Web

CMS Proposes to Overhaul Medicare Billing Standards, Pay for Telehealth

The CMS on Thursday proposed paying doctors for virtual visits and overhauling Medicare billing standards it has had in place since the 1990s. Modern Healthcare

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • News from the Web

Drug Shortages Prompt FDA to Form Task Force

The US Food and Drug Administration is forming a Drug Shortages Task Force to look into the country's persistent drug shortages and find long-term solutions. CNN

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • News from the Web

Hospital Lockdowns can Leave Patients' Loved Ones Locked Out

The facility was on lockdown after receiving several victims from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. NPR

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • News from the Web

Everyone Deserves a Holistic, Patient-Centric Health Care System

As health care evolves to become more consumer-centric, it’s crucial that providers and care advocates evolve with it. Stat News Opinion

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • News from the Web

House Panel Advances Bill that Would Temporarily Halt Obamacare's Employer Mandate

The House Ways and Means Committee on Thursday approved legislation that would chip away at ObamaCare, including a measure that would temporarily repeal the law's employer mandate. The Hill

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • News from the Web

Six Named to 2019 Order of Lincoln

A hospital executive, former Illinois Supreme Court justice, former Chicago Bulls player and a nationally known columnist are among the six Illinoisans who will receive the 2019 Order of Lincoln.

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • Member News Spotlight

Advocate Aurora, Foxconn Enter into Tech Collaboration

Advocate Aurora Health and Foxconn Health Technology Business Group finalized a "multi-facted collaboration" based on technology innovation. Health Leaders Media

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • News from the Web

Are Workplace Wellness Programs Worth It?

Workplace wellness programs, encouraged by the ACA and touted as a way to improve employee health and reduce their medical costs, now cover more than 50 million U.S. workers. News Tribune

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • News from the Web

Chicago Ordinance Could Make Employers Give 2 Weeks Notice Before Changing Employee Schedules

Plans to introduce a new ordinance requiring employers in Chicago to give their workers advance notice of changes in schedule appear to have stalled. Cook County Record

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  • Jul 13, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: July 13

IHA Board Updated on Assessment, Medicaid Managed Care

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: July 13
  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

Court sides with Ingalls Memorial Hospital over patient safety report

Ingalls Memorial Hospital does not have to turn over reports it submitted to its patient safety organization, according to a recent ruling by the Illinois Appellate Court. Health News Illinois

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

AG nominee Harold talks mental health, opioids in B-N

Erika Harold is looking for local input in her agenda as candidate for Illinois attorney general. “Criminal justice reform and stemming the opioid epidemicare are priorities for me. The Pantagraph

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

CMS expected to propose cuts to more 340B providers

CMS is expected to expand the number of 340B health facilities that will be impacted by payment cuts for all physician-administered drugs. Politico

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

House Subcommittee Debates Need for 340B Oversight Amid Host of New Bills

On the heels of a watchdog report that pushed for more oversight of the 340B program, lawmakers were split on exactly how that oversight needs to be applied. Fierce Healthcare

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

Proposed changes to 340B program would cut DSH eligibility by half

A new congressional proposal would raise the minimum disproportionate share hospital adjustment percentage. Becker's Hospital Review

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

How bundling care hurts the patients who need it the most

Not all patients are the same. If they were, the machine would have already replaced the doctor. Forbes

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

'It’s not just a girl problem': When offering HPV vaccine, doctors advised to focus on cancer preven

In her children’s pediatrician’s office two years ago, Lockport mother Kelly DiFilippo declined the HPV vaccine for her oldest daughter, and “no one batted an eye,”  Chicago Tribune

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

A Simple Emergency Room Intervention Can Help Cut Future Suicide Risk

Many people who attempt suicide end up in an emergency room for immediate treatment. But few of those suicide survivors get the follow-up. NPR

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

A Hospital’s Human Touch: Why Taking Care In Discharging A Patient Matters

The kidney doctor sat next to Judy Garrett’s father, looking into his face, her hand on his arm. Kaiser Health News

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

Outrageous Or Overblown? HHS Announces Another Round Of ACA Navigator Funding Cuts

The Trump administration’s decision Tuesday to slash funding to nonprofit groups that help Americans buy individual health insurance coverage sparked outrage. Kaiser Health News

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

Quincy City Council approves two Blessing Hospital requests

Blessing Hospital got the Quincy City Council's approval Monday night to tackle a $49.2 million building expansion. Herald Whig

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

Decatur Memorial Hospital warns of active phone scam

Decatur Memorial Hospital is warning the public of an active phone scam. WICS TV

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • News from the Web

In Chicago, across the nation — a call for blood donors as supply runs low

A nationwide call for blood donors went out this week as supplies were dangerously low, a recurring problem around the Fourth of July. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jul 12, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: July 12

House Subcommittee Holds 340B Drug Program Hearing

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: July 12
  • Jul 11, 2018
  • News from the Web

State Rep. Named Interim Director of Democratic Party of Illinois

State Rep. Christian Mitchell was named the Interim Executive Director of DPI, according to a statement from the search committee. NBC 5 TV

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  • Jul 11, 2018
  • News from the Web

Trump says Drug Maker Pfizer 'Rolling Back Price Hikes'

President Donald Trump says pharmaceutical company Pfizer is “rolling back price hikes, so American patients don’t pay more.” Associated Press

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  • Jul 11, 2018
  • News from the Web

The Unintentional Victims of the War on Opioids

Chronic pain sufferers in the United States are facing another obstacle in their daily quest to manage their pain: the government’s crackdown on opioid painkillers. NBC

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  • Jul 11, 2018
  • News from the Web

Trump Officials Slash Grants that Help Consumers get Obamacare

The Trump administration is once again slashing funding for a program that helps Americans sign up for Obamacare. New York Times

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  • Jul 11, 2018
  • News from the Web

Trump Administration Yanks Health Care Away from More Americans

A campaign to sabotage the Affordable Care Act took another step when the Trump administration announced it will indefinitely suspend “risk adjustment payments.” Chicago Sun-Times Editorial

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  • Jul 11, 2018
  • News from the Web

Everyone is Panicking About What Trump's Selection of Brett Kavanaugh Means for Obamacare

President Trump's nomination of Brett Kavanaugh has legal scholars and politicians carefully parsing the judge's previous decisions for clues about the future of US policy. Business Insider

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  • Jul 11, 2018
  • News from the Web

South Shore Hospital Tells State it Needs $3 Million in Funding by Aug. 1 to Avoid Shutdown

Losing money due to a Medicaid shortfall, South Shore Hospital sent a desperate plea to the state Tuesday, saying it needs $3 million in funding by Aug. 1 to avoid a shutdown. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jul 11, 2018
  • News from the Web

Local Hospital Launches New Opioid Treatment

Across the country and in Illinois, in particular, the number of newborn babies who experience withdrawal from drugs used by their expectant mothers is skyrocketing. OakPark.com

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  • Jul 11, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: July 11

CMS Proposes Medicaid Provider Payment Change

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: July 11
  • Jul 10, 2018
  • News from the Web

Suicide in Illinois a Bigger Crisis than Homicide

Suicide rates in Illinois have increased by nearly 25 percent, mirroring national trends. Illinois News Network

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  • Jul 10, 2018
  • News from the Web

One Year After Historic Tax Increase, Illinois Remains in the Red

One year ago, lawmakers overrode Gov. Rauner’s veto, passing a $36.5 billion budget that took an additional $5 billion from taxpayers and ended a more than two-year standoff. Illinois News Network

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  • Jul 10, 2018
  • News from the Web

Azar says 'Change is Coming' for 340B

HHS Secretary Azar warned hospitals and drugmakers that "change is coming" to the 340B program, stressing the "need to disrupt the entire system of rebates." Healthcare Dive

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  • Jul 10, 2018
  • News from the Web

Choking on the Cost of 'Medicare for All'

Last month, Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez, an outspoken socialist, beat 10-term Congressman Joe Crowley in the primary election for New York's 14th congressional district. Forbes

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  • Jul 10, 2018
  • News from the Web

Trump Stance on Breast-Feeding and Formula Criticized by Medical Experts

The Trump administration’s aggressive attempts to water down an international resolution supporting breast-feeding go against decades of advice by most medical organizations. New York Times

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  • Jul 10, 2018
  • News from the Web

Sometimes Patients Simply Need Other Patients

When Jodie Ofosuhene learned she had breast cancer at age 29 in 2016, she got more than standard medical care. New York Times

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  • Jul 10, 2018
  • News from the Web

The Real Driver of Health Care Spending

The Health Care Debates that occurred in Washington over the past year were largely irrelevant to what’s happening in the health care marketplace. Commonwealth

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  • Jul 10, 2018
  • News from the Web

Hospital Fire Judged 8th Most Heartbreaking Moment in Illinois History

The deadly fire at old St. Anthony Hospital in Effingham was judged the 8th most heartbreaking moment in Illinois history. WXEF Radio

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  • Jul 10, 2018
  • News from the Web

New Opioid Addiction Treatment Offers Hope at Cook County Hospitals

Patience Roberts, at 37 years old, recently received her yoga instructor certification, moved in with her daughter and started serving up food for the paleo palate. Chicago Sun-Times

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  • Jul 10, 2018
  • News from the Web

Live in a Chicago Neighborhood with a High Violent Crime Rate? Your Odds of Obesity are Higher

In a recent study, University of Chicago researchers found there is a connection between repeated exposure to violent crime in some West and South side neighborhoods. Chicago Tribune

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  • Jul 10, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: July 10

Register Today: Medicaid MCO Webinars in July

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: July 10
  • Jul 09, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: July 9

340B Drug Pricing Program Hearing July 11

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: July 9
  • Jul 06, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: July 6

Report: Healthcare Adds 25K Jobs in June

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  • Jul 05, 2018
  • Daily Briefing

IHA Daily Briefing: July 5

Save the Date: Medicaid MCO Webinars: July 24-26

Read More About IHA Daily Briefing: July 5
  • Jun 27, 2018
  • Press Release

The IPC Celebrates 65 Years of Keeping Illinois Safe

Nation's oldest poison center marks milestone anniversary.

Read More About The IPC Celebrates 65 Years of Keeping Illinois Safe
  • Jun 21, 2018
  • Press Release

Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi: Federal Approval of Redesigned Hospital Assessment Program

Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi, President & CEO

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  • Jun 06, 2018
  • Press Release

MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award

The Midwest Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Patient Safety Organization (PSO) awarded Valerie Skroch of Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers with the MAPS PSO Patient Safety Champion award.

Read More About MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award
  • Apr 25, 2018
  • Press Release

IHA Statement re: Amendment to House Bill 5245 (SANEs)

IHA opposes amendment to HB5245 that does not include key suggestions from the hospital community.

Read More About IHA Statement re: Amendment to House Bill 5245 (SANEs)
  • Apr 04, 2018
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospital Leaders Showcase Quality Improvement Initiatives at the State Capitol

Over 90 Illinois hospitals and health systems displayed their efforts to improve quality care and patient safety while decreasing costs during IHA’s 3rd annual Quality Advocacy Showcase on April 12.

Read More About Illinois Hospital Leaders Showcase Quality Improvement Initiatives at the State Capitol
  • Mar 27, 2018
  • Press Release

$95.3 Billion: The State Economic Impact of Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems

Illinois’ more than 200 hospitals and nearly 50 health systems generate a total impact of $95.3 billion annually on the state’s economy, according to an IHA report.

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  • Feb 28, 2018
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Prevention Month

Educate yourself with the Illinois Poison Center during Illinois Poison Prevention Month

Read More About Illinois Poison Prevention Month
  • Feb 28, 2018
  • Press Release

IHA Statement re: General Assembly Votes on Hospital Assessment Program

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association commends the General for overwhelmingly approving Senate Bills 1773 and 1573.

Read More About IHA Statement re: General Assembly Votes on Hospital Assessment Program
  • Jan 17, 2018
  • Press Release

IHA Recognizes Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems for IHA Innovation Challenge

Because of three exceptional Illinois Health and Hospital members, patients in Illinois are benefiting from reduced Clostridium difficile infection rates.

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  • Jan 08, 2018
  • Press Release

Camphor Products: A Cause for Concern

Nation's oldest poison center urges parents to be careful when storing products in their medicine cabinet

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  • Jan 03, 2018
  • Press Release

Illinois Health and Hospital Association Elects New Board

IHA is pleased to announce its newly elected 2018 Board of Trustees.

Read More About Illinois Health and Hospital Association Elects New Board
  • Dec 21, 2017
  • Regional Roundup

Regional Roundup 12-21-17

IHA Weekly Regional Roundup: December 21, 2107

Read More About Regional Roundup 12-21-17
  • Sep 21, 2017
  • Press Release

Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson ACA Repeal Proposal

Statement from A.J. Wilhelmi, President & CEO, Illinois Health and Hospital Association

Read More About Graham-Cassidy-Heller-Johnson ACA Repeal Proposal