Shawnee Health is proud to announce that it has been awarded the designation of an Age-Friendly Health System – Committed to Care Excellence by the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI). This prestigious recognition acknowledges Shawnee Health Service’s dedication to improving the care of older adults through the implementation of the 4Ms framework: What Matters, Medication, Mentation, and Mobility.
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health, a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), has been committed to enhancing the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents. As an organization that provides comprehensive health and social services, Shawnee Health has consistently prioritized the delivery of high-quality care to individuals of all ages, regardless of age, race, religion, sex, residence, or ability to pay.
Di Riley, Shawnee Health’s Chief Director of Clinical Services, expressed her enthusiasm for this recognition, stating, “We are thrilled to be recognized as an Age-Friendly Health System. This designation underscores our unwavering commitment to providing excellent care that aligns with the values and needs of our older adult patients.”
The Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, led by The John A. Hartford Foundation and the Institute for Healthcare Improvement in partnership with the American Hospital Association and the Catholic Health Association of the United States, aims to improve health care for older adults by promoting evidence-based practices that are safe, effective, and tailored to what matters most to them and their families.
Kedar Mate, MD, President & CEO of IHI, commended Shawnee Health for its leadership in this rapidly growing movement. “We applaud Shawnee Health’s dedication to implementing the 4Ms framework and for their significant contributions to improving the health and healthcare of older adults in their community.”
As a participant in the Age-Friendly Health Systems initiative, Shawnee Health will continue to receive resources and updates to support its ongoing efforts to enhance the care of older adults. The organization looks forward to celebrating this achievement and spreading awareness about the importance of age-friendly care.
For more information about Shawnee Health and its comprehensive range of services, please visit http://www.shawneehealth.com.
For Media Inquiries Contact:
Alex Hansen – Marketing and Recruitment Manager
109 California Ave. Carterville, IL 62918
(618)956-9570
ahansen@shsdc.org
About Shawnee Health
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health, as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. Shawnee Health believes that quality care is a right, and continuously strives to ensure that patients and clients receive the highest quality care without regard to age, race, religion, sex, residence, or ability to pay.
For additional media inquiries, please contact Shawnee Health Marketing Manager at (618) 956-9570 or ahansen@shsdc.org.
Shawnee Health is pleased to announce the commencement of the demolition process for the dilapidated building located at 500 S. Lewis Lane in Carbondale. The demolition marks an important milestone in the organization’s vision to create a new community health and wellness center that will bring numerous benefits to the Carbondale community.
The existing structure was once a nursing home that has sat vacant over the last 15 years. The building could be a hazard to the public and is an eyesore to the community. Shawnee Health is excited to take an active step in cleaning up the neighborhood as well as bringing new beneficial programs to the community.
The new community health and wellness center will house new programs aimed at addressing social determinants of health, providing resources and support to improve overall well-being. Additionally, the center will enhance access to social services, allowing individuals to receive comprehensive and coordinated care.
One exciting feature of the new center is the inclusion of a community garden, which will provide fresh produce and promote healthy eating habits within the community. Community wellness programs will also be offered, encouraging individuals to engage in physical activity and adopt healthier lifestyles.
“We are thrilled to further enhance our integrated health and community services project at our Carbondale campus,” said Christina Carney, CEO of Shawnee Health. “The funding received through Senator Tammy Duckworth, as Congressionally Directed Spending, will allow us to expand services in Carbondale, Illinois, and help bridge the gap community members face when trying to access community-based and social services.”
The demolition process is expected to be completed within the next 60 days. As the demolition occurs, debris will be sorted, and appropriate recycling procedures will be implemented to ensure limited ecological impact.
Construction of the new community health and wellness center is slated for completion in Fall 2025. This state-of-the-art facility will bring together a range of services under one roof, fostering a collaborative and holistic approach to community health.
The Shawnee Health team is grateful for the opportunity to create a dedicated space that will positively impact the lives of community members and residents in the neighborhood. For more information or to stay updated on the progress of the project, visit Shawnee Health’s website at www.shawneehealth.com.
Shawnee Health is pleased to introduce Christina Carney, MBA, FACHE, of Carterville, Illinois as its new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) effective August 1st, 2023. Carney, originally hired to serve as the Chief Operating Officer (COO) in October 2021, brings over two decades of experience in healthcare leadership. Carney will succeed Patsy Jensen, who plans to retire July 31, 2023.
The Shawnee Health Board of Directors engaged HR Full Circle, Springfield, IL, to conduct an expansive search for Ms. Jensen’s successor. After the completion of the comprehensive recruitment process, the Board selected Christina Carney to be only the 3rd CEO for Shawnee Health.
“Christina Carney’s appointment as CEO comes at a pivotal moment for Shawnee Health, as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of healthcare and social services in southern Illinois. As an accomplished executive, Carney has demonstrated a keen understanding of the challenges faced by healthcare providers, as well as the transformative opportunities that lie within these challenges. Her exceptional leadership skills, combined with her unwavering commitment to patient-centered care, made her the ideal choice to lead Shawnee Health into the future,” said Shawnee Health’s Board President Paula Reeves.
Carney stated “I feel incredibly honored to be able to lead an organization that does so much for the community that I grew up and raise my children in. I look forward to adding to the legacy of providing integrated primary medical, behavioral, dental care and social services to southern Illinois. The quality of the team of health professionals within Shawnee Health is next to none. I know together, we will drive positive change to improve the health outcomes and welfare of residents across southern Illinois.”
Carney is a board-certified healthcare executive, holds a master’s degree in Business Administration from the John M. Olin School of Business at Washington University and a bachelor’s degree in Health Care Management from Southern Illinois University – Carbondale. Carney held executive leadership roles at Southern Illinois Healthcare, SSM Health and SIHF Healthcare prior to joining Shawnee Health in 2021.
Patsy Jensen’s transition into retirement comes after a successful 40-year career within Shawnee Health. Prior to serving as CEO for the past 14 years, Jensen held other leadership positions within Shawnee Health including, Associate Director of Shawnee Alliance (Social Services), Executive Director of River to River Corporation, through the founding and development phases, and Chief Operating Officer. Over the course of Jensen’s tenure as CEO, Shawnee Health has grown as an organization of 285 employees to over 410.
“Shawnee Health’s Board of Directors would like to express how extremely grateful we are to Patsy Jensen for her longstanding commitment to our organization and to the communities of southern Illinois. The impact she has made within the region will be felt for decades,” said Paula Reeves.
About Shawnee Health
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health, as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. Shawnee Health believes that quality care is a right, and continuously strives to ensure that patients and clients receive the highest quality care without regard to age, race, religion, sex, residence, or ability to pay.
For additional media inquiries, please contact Shawnee Health Marketing Manager at (618) 956-9570 or ahansen@shsdc.org.
Shawnee Health Service is proud to celebrate National Health Center Week 2020 from August 9 – August 15. National Health Center Week is an annual celebration with the goal of raising awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers over the past five decades. National Health Center Week 2020 will be celebrated both in person and virtually this year, elevating the work that Community Health Centers have done while fighting on the front lines of COVID-19 to keep our communities healthy and safe.
Shawnee Health Service provides integrated primary medical and behavioral health care, dental care, and specialty care to southern Illinoisans regardless of ability to pay. Community Health Centers, like Shawnee Health Service, are not just healers, we are innovators who look beyond medical charts to address the factors that may cause poor health, such as poverty, homelessness, substance use, mental illness, lack of nutrition, and unemployment.
While COVID-19 continues to exacerbate social and medical inequities across the country, Community Health Centers have stretched themselves to reconfigure services for those in need. Shawnee Health Service has pivoted to serving our community through telehealth, drive-through COVID-19 testing with interpretation services on site, and distribution of emergency resources, while still ensuring our patients can access the medical care that they need.
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health Service has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. Shawnee Health Service believes that quality health care is a right, and continuously strives to ensure that patients receive the highest quality health care without regard to age, race, religion, sex, financial status, or where they live.
May is Mental Health Month
Shawnee Health Service recognizes May as Mental Health Month. This May for Mental Health Month, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) is raising awareness and highlighting that no one experiencing a mental health condition should feel alone. More than 40 million people in the U.S. face the day-to-day reality of living with a mental health condition. And now more than ever, in these uncertain times, it is important for the mental health movement to come together.
Shawnee Health Service’s Behavioral Health Counseling team has not slowed down since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic. Starting in mid-March, the team made more than 400 calls a week to patients to offer support. Since then, the team has rapidly responded to the need for telehealth, transitioning all face-to-face counseling appointments to phone or video.
Using evidence-based methods, Behavioral Health Counselors assist patients in identifying goals and taking manageable steps to improve their overall health. During this pandemic, people’s mental and physical problems have not gone away. For some patients, needs have intensified. Here are some tips that we discuss with patients, which may be useful for all of us during this time:
Identify your “triggers.” Do you know what causes you to feel more anxious or depressed? Is it certain times of day or after a type of interaction? Try to pay attention to your mood throughout the day and take note.
Many patients have identified the news and social media as a source of stress. There is some evidence to support that more time spent on social media actually . makes people feel more depressed! If you want to stay informed, limit the number of times you check in or the length of time you are watching/listening to new information.
Identify ways of coping that work for you. What makes you feel better or at least feel more neutral? Try going for a walk, talking with a friend, getting exercise, or reading/ watching something funny. The field of positive psychology and addiction treatment support gratitude lists as a way to lift mood. Despite what may be going wrong, what things in your day/life are you grateful for?
Give yourself permission to have some rough days. “Radical acceptance” is part of an evidence-based treatment model that involves accepting life on life’s terms and not resisting what you cannot or choose not to change.
Shawnee Health Service wants to remind all of our patients that we are here for you. We are available by telephone or through video conferencing. You are not alone.
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health Service has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. Shawnee Health Service believes that quality health care is a right, and continuously strives to ensure that patients receive the highest quality health care without regard to age, race, religion, sex, financial status, or where they live.
Shawnee Health Service is continuing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of our commitment to our patients and clients who count on us for their safety and wellbeing.
Shawnee Health Service COVID-19 Operations Update
Shawnee Health Service is committed to continuing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of our commitment to our patients and clients who count on us for their safety and wellbeing. We aren’t going anywhere. We are committed to serving you and our community.
We hope that you and your family are staying safe and well. We hope that you are following the CDC recommended guidelines for protecting yourself from coronavirus and getting your coronavirus information from reliable sources, like the CDC. Maybe most importantly, we hope that you are taking care of your mental and emotional health.
We wanted to reach out to provide some information about what we are doing and what you can do to protect the health of our friends and neighbors in southern Illinois.
What is Shawnee Health Care doing?
Keeping Our Patients Safe – We are asking that our patients call before their appointments. Your Shawnee Health Care clinician will determine the best, safest way to care for you. That may be by phone, by video visit, or at a face-to-face appointment. All employees, patients, and visitors of Shawnee Health Care are required to wear a mask. Only one additional person is allowed to accompany a patient into a visit.
Video Visits – Shawnee Health Care is now offering Video Visits, through Zoom (a free app), for patient appointments. For step by step instructions, visit www.shawneehealth.com/video-visits. Call (618) 519-9200 to get started.
Face-to-Face Visits – Shawnee Health Care clinicians are still seeing patients at Shawnee Health Care in Carbondale, Carterville, and Murphysboro, and at Shawnee Health Care, OB/GYN. Shawnee Health Care in Marion, Marion Wellness, and Terrier Care remain closed at this time. If you are experiencing a dental emergency (severe pain, loose tooth, chipped or cracked tooth, swelling or knots in gums, etc.), please call (618) 519-9200. We are still doing our best to practice social distancing guidelines in our waiting rooms and with sick patients. You will be screened for symptoms of coronavirus upon arrival at the health center.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Shawnee Health Service is actively looking for resources and communicating with our distributors regarding availability and ordering of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks. We are currently accepting donations of homemade fabric masks, commercially manufactured masks, goggles which provide full eye protection (front and sides), and clear plastic face shields. Donations will be accepted at the Shawnee Health Service Administrative Office at 109 California Street, Carterville, IL 62918 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.
Protecting Our Employees
Shawnee Health Service is still practicing social distancing guidelines to the best of our ability. We are offering paid leave and work modifications for some employees, as well as federally mandated leave related to coronavirus. All Shawnee Health Service employees are required to wear masks while working.
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or if soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
What can you do to protect others?
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash, and immediately clean your hands after.
- Wear a face mask if you are sick. If you are NOT sick, you do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
What should you do if you feel sick?
If you are experiencing the symptoms of coronavirus, which are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will discuss your symptoms, travel history, and any known exposure to a person who has tested positive for the virus.
Your health care provider may run a rapid flu test or respiratory viral panel. Those tests help rule out anything more common. Based upon that test, your health care provider will decide whether or not to request COVID-19 testing (per Jackson County Health Department).
Shawnee Alliance receives COVID-19 grant for older adults 60+ with unmet needs
Shawnee Alliance, the social services division of Shawnee Health Service, has received an Emergency Assistance Services grant from Illinois Department on Aging in response to COVID-19. These funds will be used to assist older adults 60+ with unmet needs related to COVID-19 and isolation. Older adults 60+ in Shawnee Alliance’s 18-county service area are eligible for this assistance.
These unmet needs may include, but are not limited to:
- Nutritional needs
- Personal care and sanitation needs
- Personal medical care needs
- Transportation services
Counties in Shawnee Alliance’s service area which are eligible for assistance include: Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White, and Williamson.
Shawnee Alliance can submit requests to use funds for needs other than these pre-approved areas.
If you would like to request assistance, please call Shawnee Alliance at (618) 985-8322 or toll free at 1-800-642-7773. Requests can be submitted by phone only.
Click here for more information about older adults and COVID-19.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
March 27, 2020
Shawnee Health Service is now offering Video Visits, through Zoom (a free app), for patient appointments with our providers.
Call (618) 519-9200 to get started.
March 18, 2020
Due to the current COVID-19 precautions, Shawnee Health Service will close MOST health centers until further notice. The following facilities will be OPEN from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday:
Shawnee Health Care, Medical – 400 S Lewis Ln, Carbondale
Shawnee Health Care, Dental – 402 S Lewis Ln, Carbondale
Shawnee Health Care, OB/GYN – 101 S Wall St, Carbondale
Shawnee Health Care, Pharmacy (DRIVE THRU ONLY) – 7 S Hospital Dr, Murphysboro
Shawnee Health Care, Medical – 400 S Lewis Ln, Carbondale – will also be open on the following days:
Saturday, March 28 from 8 am – 5 pm
Sunday, March 29 from 11 am – 2 pm
Saturday, April 4 from 9 am – 2 pm
Sunday, April 5 from 11 am – 2 pm
March 18, 2020
Shawnee Alliance, the social services division of Shawnee Health Service, has received an Emergency Assistance Services grant from Illinois Department on Aging in response to COVID-19. These funds will be used to assist older adults 60+ with unmet needs related to COVID-19 and isolation. Older adults 60+ in Shawnee Alliance’s 18-county service area are eligible for this assistance.
These unmet needs may include, but are not limited to:
- Nutritional needs
- Personal care and sanitation needs
- Personal medical care needs
- Transportation services
Counties in Shawnee Alliance’s service area which are eligible for assistance include: Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White, and Williamson.
Shawnee Alliance can submit requests to use funds for needs other than these pre-approved areas.
If you would like to request assistance, please call Shawnee Alliance at (618) 985-8322 or toll free at 1-800-642-7773. Requests can be submitted by phone only.
Click here for more information about older adults and COVID-19.
March 17, 2020
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, here’s what to do:
Contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will discuss symptoms with a patient, travel history and any known exposure to a person who has tested positive for the virus.
Your health care provider may run a rapid flu test or respiratory viral panel. Those tests help rule out anything more common. Based upon that test, your health care provider will decide whether or not to request COVID-19 testing (per Jackson County Health Department).
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
1) Cough
2) Fever
3) Shortness of breath
Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
March 10, 2020
We know that you likely have questions about coronavirus, or COVID-19. Shawnee Health Care wants to keep you and your family informed, healthy, and safe.
Shawnee Health Service is actively monitoring the fast-moving developments with the coronavirus.
When looking for information on the Coronavirus, we recommend you use the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website (www.cdc.gov). This website contains the most accurate and up-to-date information. The CDC Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cdc) and YouTube page (www.youtube.com/CDCStreamingHealth) are also great resources with videos discussing common coronavirus-related questions and concerns.
Shawnee Health Service is taking steps to protect our patients and employees. A few examples of how we are doing this include:
- Our Contact Center is currently asking screening questions prior to scheduling appointments. If the screening questions are positive, then a patient case is generated for further action.
- We have placed signs in each of our health centers advising patients to put on a mask if they have flu-like symptoms.
- We are actively looking for resources and communicating with our distributors regarding availability and ordering of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks.
- We remain in contact with our local health departments, and we are constantly monitoring the CDC website. We are also participating in online trainings and updates when available.
What should you do to protect yourself from COVID-19? CDC recommends that you avoid being exposed to the virus and use everyday prevention action to prevent the spread of respiratory virus:
1) Cover your cough,
2) Wash your hands,
3) Stay home when sick.
We will keep you posted on the latest developments.
March is National Nutrition Month.
National Nutrition Month occurs every March as a campaign by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The goal of National Nutrition Month is to encourage Americans to improve their personal health through diet and the power of food.
The month is divided into four weeks. Each week emphasizes a certain topic based on healthy eating:
Week One: Eat a variety of nutritious foods every day!
Eat the rainbow! No, we don’t mean Skittles. Eat the rainbow just means to try a lot of different colorful fruits and vegetables. Bonus points if you try foods you have never had before, or that you do not eat often! You can also learn how to read nutrition labels, get plenty of water, control your portions, and eat slowly to savor the flavor.
Week Two: Plan your meals each week.
This one is pretty straightforward. Before the start of the week, try to plan out as many of your meals as you can. Use these planned meals to make your grocery list. If possible, look up meal options at your school or work for the week ahead. Try to make your meals away from home healthy, or prepare meals at home to take with you if no healthy options are available. Tip: look up restaurant menus ahead of time, and decide what you will order before you arrive.
Week Three: Learn skills to create tasty meals!
Try cooking! Many of us may be a bit uneasy in the kitchen. Cooking is like anything else–you have to practice to get better! No one is born a professional chef. Take this week to have fun with cooking healthy meals. Look up some healthy recipes for dishes you enjoy, or find recipes for new dishes to try. New foods can be more interesting when you have prepared them yourself. Another tip: Use the recipes you find to make your weekly grocery list. Remember to keep any uneaten food as leftovers to reduce food waste.
Week Four: See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Ask your doctor for a referral to see an RDN. Registered Dietitians are healthcare professionals who specialize in helping patients make the best food choices. Dietitians can help you make your diet extra healthy, while still including some of your favorite foods. Dietitians can also help treat various health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and many others.
Shawnee Health Care offers some programs that can be helpful to you, both during National Nutrition Month and year-round:
• Shawnee has two full-time dietitians, Gail Peterman and Marie Funk. Gail and Marie can help with all of your diet-related needs. Gail Peterman is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. This means she can help with all aspects of managing diabetes, including insulin. Marie Funk also has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. She can help you plan the perfect exercise routine. Click here to learn more about Nutrition Services at Shawnee Health Care.
• Lose to Gain is a comprehensive weight loss program offered at Shawnee. This program helps you make lasting healthy lifestyle changes, lose weight, and manage weight-related health problems. It involves a care team, which includes a Board-Certified Obesity Medicine Specialist, a dietitian, and Behavioral Health Specialist. Click here to learn more about Lose to Gain.
• Exercise Essentials is another program offered by Shawnee. As the name suggests, Exercise Essentials teaches you all of the basics of planning a personalized exercise routine that will optimize your results. This program is led by Marie Funk. This class meets Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings at the John A. Logan Fitness Center.
Sources:
https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month
Contributed by Gage McCollum Fink, BS, MAcc,
Master of Science Graduate Student & Dietetic Intern – Southern Illinois University