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 press releases and our Member News Spotlight. You can sort by category.

Featured News

Hospital care expenses per day: A state-by-state breakdown

Hospital expenses per adjusted inpatient day vary widely across states and ownership types, with costs ranging from under $700 to more than $6,000 depending on location. Becker's Hospital Review

News Articles

  • Jan 22, 2026
  • Press Release

Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis Elected to IHA Board

Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Chief Executive Officer, Cook County Health (CCH), has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA).

  • Jan 22, 2026
  • Press Release

President and Chair of Prime Healthcare Foundation Dr. Kavitha Bhatia Elected to IHA Board

Dr. Kavitha Bhatia, President and Chair of the Prime Healthcare Foundation and Chief Medical Officer of Strategy for Prime Healthcare, has been elected to the IHA Board of Trustees.

  • Jan 22, 2026
  • Press Release

Memorial Health President and CEO Dr. Mandy Eaton Elected to IHA Board

Mandy Eaton, PhD, President and Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Health, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA).

  • Jan 22, 2026
  • Press Release

President and CEO of Silver Cross Hospital Michael Mutterer Elected to IHA Board

Michael Mutterer, RN, MA, LCPC, CADC, LNHA, President and Chief Executive Officer, Silver Cross Hospital, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association.

  • Jan 22, 2026
  • Press Release

Sean O’Grady of Endeavor Health Elected to Illinois Health and Hospital Association Board

Sean O’Grady, President, Acute and Ambulatory Operations at Endeavor Health, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA).

  • Jan 21, 2026
  • Press Release

New RAND Study Shows U.S. Poison Centers Save the Nation Billions Each Year

U.S. Poison Centers save $3.1 billion every year in medical costs and lost productivity, according to a new independent study released by America’s Poison Centers®. 

  • Jan 21, 2026
  • Press Release

HSHS President and CEO Damond Boatwright Elected to Serve as Chair of IHA Board

Hospital Sisters Health System (HSHS) President and CEO Damond Boatwright has been elected as Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA).

  • Dec 16, 2025
  • Press Release

Be Merry, But Safe: IPC Urges Caution Mixing Alcohol and Prescription Medications

Illinois Poison Center (IPC) experts are reminding the public of the potentially dangerous consequences of combining some medications with alcohol.

  • Nov 19, 2025
  • Press Release

IHA, ICAHN to Celebrate National Rural Health Day Nov. 20

In recognition of National Rural Health Day, IHA and ICAHN celebrate Illinois’ rural hospital community who provide high-quality care and address challenges facing rural communities. 

  • Nov 06, 2025
  • Press Release

IHA Hosts Emergency Simulation to Enhance Hospital Response to Large-Scale Disasters

In an effort to bolster emergency preparedness across Illinois, IHA this week hosted a live, simulated Mass Casualty Incident (MCI) for hospitals and health systems statewide. 

  • Oct 20, 2025
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center Shares Halloween Safety Tips to Keep Kids Safe from Hidden Hazards

As families prepare to celebrate Halloween, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is reminding parents and caregivers about the growing number of accidental poisonings reported during the season.

  • Jun 24, 2025
  • Press Release

Op-Ed: Medicaid Cuts in Senate Bill Threaten Care, Access, and Jobs in Illinois

Congress is considering a massive budget cut that would gut Medicaid — a move that would devastate healthcare access, eliminate jobs, and destabilize hospitals across Illinois.

  • Jun 23, 2025
  • Press Release

Making a Splash – Safely: Illinois Poison Center Shares Pool Safety Tips for Summer Fun

As summer officially begins, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is reminding families to stay safe around the pool. 

  • Apr 29, 2025
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospital Leaders to Meet with State Legislators to Advocate for Key Healthcare Priorities

On Wednesday, April 30, nearly 100 leaders of hospitals and health systems from across the state will meet with legislators from their respective districts during Hospital Advocacy Day.

  • Mar 12, 2025
  • Press Release

Illinois Joins Poison Centers Nationwide to Highlight Dangers of Poisoning and Reducing Risk, Injury

IPC joins poison centers nationwide to raise awareness about poison dangers and educate the public on ways to further protect their loved ones during National Poison Prevention Week.

  • Mar 07, 2025
  • Press Release

Phillip Kambic of Riverside Healthcare Elected to Illinois Health and Hospital Association Board

Phillip Kambic, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Riverside Healthcare in Kankakee, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association. 

  • Mar 06, 2025
  • Press Release

Illinois Nurses Convene at State Capitol to Engage Leaders on Critical Healthcare Priorities

Magnet Hospital Day highlighted Illinois nurses' dedication to patient care, clinical excellence and healthier communities.

  • Feb 24, 2025
  • Press Release

Protecting Medicaid Funding is Essential to Safeguard Illinois’ Healthcare System

Driven by an unwavering mission to provide high quality, accessible care, hospitals across the state open their doors every hour of every day to everyone, regardless of their ability to pay. 

  • Feb 19, 2025
  • Press Release

IHA Statement on Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address

The following statement can be attributed to A.J. Wilhelmi, President and CEO of IHA, in response to Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State and Budget Address.

  • Feb 03, 2025
  • Press Release

Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers' Thomas J. Dohm Elected to IHA Board

Thomas J. Dohm, President and CEO, Morris Hospital & Healthcare Centers in Morris, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA).

  • Jan 23, 2025
  • Press Release

Loyola Medicine’s Shawn P. Vincent Elected to Serve as Chairman for IHA Board

Shawn P. Vincent has been elected to serve as Chairman of the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA). 

  • Jan 21, 2025
  • Press Release

Travis Andersen of UW Health in Northern Illinois Elected to IHA Board

Travis Andersen, President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO), UW Health in northern Illinois, in Rockford, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for IHA.

  • Nov 18, 2024
  • Press Release

IHA, ICAHN to Celebrate National Rural Health Day on Nov. 21

Illinois' small and rural hospitals continue to offer high-quality healthcare, provide access and drive economic development to rural communities.

  • Nov 07, 2024
  • Press Release

IHA Hosts Emergency Preparedness Exercise to Prevent Cybersecurity Disruptions at Illinois Hospitals

IHA hosted a live interactive webinar for hospitals and health systems to test their defense against malicious cyber actors and strengthen preparedness efforts. 

  • Oct 25, 2024
  • Press Release

Illinois’ Poison Center Offers ‘Tricks’ to Keep Everyone Safe this Halloween

Candy, costumes, and spooky decorations are part of the fun of Halloween, but the IPC wants to remind parents and caregivers to be cautious and stay vigilant while celebrating.

  • Oct 22, 2024
  • Press Release

Statewide resource pool launches in Illinois to address healthcare workforce needs

Matchwell, a Medical Solutions brand specializing in matching local and per diem clinicians with top healthcare facilities, announced the launch of the Illinois Resource Pool. 

  • Oct 01, 2024
  • Press Release

IHA Presents First Annual Ruth Colby Excellence in Leadership Award

IHA President and CEO, A.J. Wilhelmi presented Mary Lou Mastro the inaugural Ruth Colby Excellence in Leadership Award during IHA’s 2024 Leadership Summit in Oak Brook last week.

  • Jul 29, 2024
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center Highlights Dangers of Synthetic Opioids, Designer Drugs

Summer months are a perfect opportunity to enjoy outdoor concerts, music festivals and sporting events, but the use of recreational drugs can be common at these events.

  • Jul 01, 2024
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center Offers Tips to Avoid 4th of July Holiday Hazards

Cookouts, fireworks and holiday parties with friends and family are common occurrences on July 4, but the events also pose risk to the public if they don’t take the proper precautions to stay safe. 

  • Jun 05, 2024
  • Press Release

IHA Statement on Governor JB Pritzker’s Signature of Fiscal Year 2025 Budget

The following statement can be attributed to A.J. Wilhelmi, President and CEO of the Illinois Health and Hospital Association, in response to the signing of the Fiscal Year 2025 budget package.

  • May 24, 2024
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center Encourages the Public to Celebrate Safely This Summer

With the upcoming Memorial Day holiday marking the unofficial start to summer, IPC encourages Illinoisans to take precautions against poison exposure while enjoying fun in the sun.

  • May 07, 2024
  • Press Release

Illinois Hospital Leaders to Meet with State Legislators During IHA’s Advocacy Day in Springfield

On Wednesday, May 8, nearly 100 leaders of hospitals and health systems from across Illinois will meet with legislators from their respective districts during Hospital Advocacy Day organized IHA.

  • Apr 11, 2024
  • Press Release

IHA, Hospital Leaders Advocate for Legislative Reforms to Address Inappropriate Denials of Care

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association and its member hospitals support legislation to reduce barriers to healthcare services for Illinois' most vulnerable population.

  • Mar 15, 2024
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center to Participate in National Poison Center Prevention Week March 17-23

The Illinois Poison Center (IPC), the nation's oldest poison center, joins poison centers around the country to raise awareness about poison dangers during National Poison Prevention Week.

  • Mar 13, 2024
  • Press Release

IPHCA, IHA Applaud 8th Circuit Decision Upholding Law Protecting 340B Contract Pharmacy Partnerships

IHA joined IPHCA to applaud the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 8th Circuit’s March 12 decision upholding Arkansas’ 340B Drug Pricing Nondiscrimination Act.

  • Mar 13, 2024
  • Press Release

Gov. Pritzker Highlights Health Insurance Reform Initiatives

Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined doctors, patients, stakeholders and legislators to highlight efforts to reform predatory health insurance practices and protect patients.

  • Mar 06, 2024
  • Press Release

$117.7 Billion: State Economic Impact of Illinois Hospitals and Health Systems

Illinois’ more than 200 hospitals & nearly 40 health systems are powerful economic drivers for their communities and for Illinois, generating a statewide economic impact of $117.7 billion annually.

  • Feb 21, 2024
  • Press Release

IHA Statement on Gov. JB Pritzker's FY2025 State of the State, Budget Address

The following statement can be attributed to A.J. Wilhelmi, President and CEO of IHA, in response to Gov. JB Pritzker's State of the State and Budget Address.

  • Feb 12, 2024
  • Press Release

Illinois Healthcare Leaders Seek Legislative Action to Protect Access to Life Saving Medication

Legislation aims to stop big pharma from restricting patients’ ability to fill prescriptions at local pharmacies.

  • Jan 07, 2024
  • Press Release

Three Young Adults Hospitalized from Fake Xanax Pills Featured in Jan. 5 CDC Report

Researchers advise of increase in use of Bromazolam drug and prompt coordination with public health officials, poison centers when patients present with serious injuries after illicit drug use.

  • Oct 16, 2023
  • Press Release

IHA Statement on the Passing of Silver Cross Hospital President and CEO Ruth Colby

The Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) is profoundly saddened to learn of the passing of Ruth Colby, President and Chief Executive Officer of Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox, Illinois.

  • Sep 18, 2023
  • Press Release

Youth Suicide Risk Due to Overdose Rises During School Year

Illinois Poison Center Offers Parents & Caregivers Suicide Prevention Resources, Ways to Mitigate Risk During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.

  • Apr 18, 2023
  • Press Release

Hospital Leaders to Discuss Healthcare Priorities with State Legislators During IHA’s Advocacy Day

Illinois hospital and health system leaders are calling on the General Assembly to pass several bills that will increase the Medicaid reimbursement rate for hospitals. 

  • Mar 15, 2023
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center Joins National Effort to Raise Awareness About Poison Dangers

For 70 years, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) has provided vital information and resources to families to help reduce the threat of poisoning and save lives.

  • Mar 02, 2023
  • Press Release

IHA part of coalition to urge reforms to Illinois' Biometric Information Privacy Act

IHA joined leading business, healthcare and technology groups at a Springfield press conference, urging the Illinois General Assembly to enact reforms to the state’s Biometric Information Privacy Act.

  • Jan 30, 2023
  • Press Release

Dr. Thomas Shanley Elected to Illinois Health and Hospital Association Board

Thomas Shanley, MD, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago, has been elected to the Board of Trustees.

  • Jan 30, 2023
  • Press Release

Tracy Bauer Elected to Illinois Health and Hospital Association Board

Tracy Bauer, President and Chief Executive Officer, Midwest Medical Center, Galena, has been elected to the Board of Trustees for the Illinois Health and Hospital Association. 

  • Jan 23, 2023
  • Press Release

Illinois Poison Center: Keep Cannabis Edibles Out of Reach of Children

Children ages 5 and younger are accidentally ingesting cannabis edibles at an alarming rate, according to a new study recently published in Pediatrics

  • Dec 05, 2022
  • Press Release

Midwest Alliance for Patient Safety PSO announces 2022 Patient Safety Champion Awards

The Midwest Alliance for Patient Safety (MAPS) Patient Safety Organization (PSO) announced the recipients of two MAPS PSO Patient Safety Champion awards.

  • Nov 07, 2022
  • Press Release

Beware of 'Silent Killer' in Homes: IPC Urges Residents to Purchase Carbon Monoxide Detectors

With cold weather on the horizon, Illinois Poison Center (IPC) wants to remind the public that heating your home to combat the icy temperatures also increases the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.

  • Oct 17, 2022
  • Press Release

Illinois' Poison Center Offers Safety 'Tricks' to Prevent Poisoning This Halloween

According to the Illinois Poison Center (IPC), accidential poisonings from Halloween candy is rare, but IPC manages cases each year involving dry ice, glow sticks and more. 

  • Oct 04, 2022
  • Press Release

Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris Receives Outstanding Leadership Award

Illinois House Majority Leader Greg Harris was presented the "Outstanding Leadership Award" last week at the Illinois Health and Hospital Association's (IHA) Leadership Summit.

  • Jul 12, 2022
  • Press Release

IPC Warns Public of Fake Prescription Pills, Drug Substitutions as Fentanyl Use Rises

Now that summer is in full swing, the Illinois Poison Center (IPC) is warning the public to stay safe by avoiding recreational drugs, especially synthetic recreational drugs.

  • Feb 22, 2021
  • Press Release

Telehealth Legislation Protects Virtual Healthcare Beyond COVID-19 Pandemic

The Coalition to Protect Telehealth announced support for a legislative proposal to protect Illinoisans’ access to the innovative telehealth services they have relied on during the COVID pandemic.

  • Jan 13, 2021
  • Press Release

Statement from IHA Re: Hospital and Healthcare Transformation – Senate Bill 1510

IHA and the Illinois hospital community want to thank Representative Greg Harris, Senator Heather Steans, and HFS Director Theresa Eagleson for their leadership in moving this legislation forward.

  • Jan 13, 2021
  • Press Release

Statement from IHA Re: Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch

IHA congratulates State Representative Emanuel “Chris” Welch on his historic election as Speaker of the Illinois House of Representatives for the 102nd General Assembly. 

  • Nov 17, 2020
  • Press Release

MAPS PSO Presents Patient Safety Champion Award to DuPage Medical Group

MAPS PSO awarded the MAPS PSO Patient Safety Champion award to DuPage Medical Group in Downers Grove and gave an Honorable Mention to Pinckneyville Community Hospital.

  • Nov 02, 2020
  • Press Release

Jordan Powell Joining IHA to Lead on Health Policy and Finance

Jordan Powell joins IHA as Senior Vice President of Health Policy and Finance on Dec. 14. He will provide leadership on strategic policy, payment system, health equity and healthcare reform issues.

  • Sep 30, 2020
  • Press Release

Healthcare Providers, Advocates Urge General Assembly to Protect Telehealth

The Coalition to Protect Our Telehealth, which includes IHA, urges the General Assembly to protect telehealth approaches so Illinoisans can access critically needed, affordable care beyond COVID-19.

  • Sep 16, 2020
  • Press Release

IHA Opinion: Hospitals Committed to Serving Everyone

Illinois hospitals of all shapes and sizes are the cornerstones of their communities and provide some of the highest quality healthcare in the world.

  • Feb 15, 2019
  • Press Release

Karen Harris Named IHA Senior Vice President and General Counsel

Karen Harris will join the Illinois Health and Hospital Association (IHA) as its Senior Vice President and General Counsel, effective March 1.

  • Jan 28, 2019
  • Press Release

IHA's Longest Serving Employee Retires

On Jan. 31, IHA will lose its longest serving employee.