We are proud to announce that Shawnee Health has been recognized once again for our commitment to delivering high-quality healthcare services. The Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) has honored us with several Community Health Quality Recognition (CHQR) badges for 2024, emphasizing our dedication to healthcare excellence.
These badges are a testament to our health centers and staff who consistently demonstrate exceptional standards in their healthcare services. Each badge highlight’s Shawnee Health’s promise to provide high quality, equitable, and accessible care to our community, reflecting our pursuit of continuous improvement and outstanding patient care.
Our 2024 CHQR Badges:
National Quality LeaderAchieved top 20% overall clinical quality measure (CQM) performance among all health centers in the US. |
Access EnhancerIncreased number of new patients by at least five percent from the previous year. |
Health Disparities ReducerImproved services for racial/ethnic groups within the southern Illinois region. |
Advancing HIT for QualityExpanded access to health information technology and improved telehealth services to allow for quick communication between providers and patients. |
Patient Centered Medical Home這 patient-centered medical home is a model that puts patients at the forefront of care. Shawnee Health implemented the PCMH model to improve quality and patient experience. |
Our Commitment to Quality
At Shawnee Health, quality is at the heart of everything we do. These recognitions from HRSA are not just badges; they are a reflection of our unwavering commitment to excellence in healthcare. We continuously strive to improve our services, adopt innovative practices, and address the unique needs of our community.
Receiving these CHQR badges is a significant achievement for Shawnee Health. They serve as a benchmark for our performance and a reminder of the high standards we set for ourselves.
A special thank you to our staff for bringing the best quality of care to southern Illinois.
肖妮健康服務機構認可美國老年人月
Shawnee Health Service 自豪地加入社區生活管理局慶祝美國老年人月。 57 年來，美國老年人月一直是表彰老年人對我們社區所做貢獻的特殊時刻。 OAM 還提供資源來幫助美國老年人保持健康和獨立。肖尼健康服務的社會服務部門肖尼聯盟很自豪能夠支持和倡導老年人幫助他們最大限度地獨立並留在社區中。
在 COVID-19 大流行期間，老年人比以往任何時候都更需要我們的關注和支持。根據疾病控制中心的數據，老年人因 COVID-19 疾病而出現更嚴重並發症的風險似乎更高。老年人應盡可能呆在家裡，以減少生病的風險。肖尼聯盟獲得了伊利諾伊州老齡事務部的贈款，以幫助 60 歲以上的老年人解決與 COVID-19 和隔離相關的未滿足需求。肖尼聯盟 18 個縣服務區的 60 歲以上老年人有資格獲得此援助。可以通過致電 (618) 985-8322 或免費電話 1-800-642-7773 聯繫肖尼聯盟提交請求。
肖尼聯盟提供各種服務來支持老年人及其護理人員。這些服務包括綜合護理協調、成人保護服務、家庭護理人員服務、長期護理監察員計劃、“護理選擇”、社區護理計劃、志願者資金管理計劃、住院病人和療養院居民過渡計劃、老齡資源中心、和許多其他人。
自1971年成立以來，肖尼健康服務公司一直致力於通過促進，發展和管理優質，全面的健康和社會服務來改善伊利諾伊州南部居民的健康和福利。肖尼健康服務公司（Shawnee Health Service）認為，優質的醫療保健是一項權利，並不斷努力確保患者獲得最高質量的醫療保健，而無需考慮年齡，種族，宗教，性別，經濟狀況或居住地。
Shawnee Health Service 在 COVID-19 大流行期間繼續運營，這是我們對依賴我們的安全和福祉的患者和客戶承諾的一部分。
肖妮健康服務公司將與伊利諾伊州合作，以擴大COVID-19測試
Shawnee Health Service, in coordination with the State of Illinois and the Illinois Primary Health Care Association, will expand access to COVID-19 testing for high-risk Illinoisans with COVID-19 symptoms. The expansion of testing will help reduce the transmission of the disease and improve health outcomes.
In an update on statewide efforts to expand testing, Governor JB Pritzker announced, “We are utilizing our incredible statewide network of Federally Qualified Health Centers to launch new testing locations in communities across Illinois. These new sites will feed specimens to our network of expanded laboratory capacity.”
Shawnee Health Service will test individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Shawnee Health Service especially encourages symptomatic patients who have been exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, who are over 60 years of age, who have a chronic health condition, who work in an essential community service, such as a grocery store or childcare facility, or who reside in temporary shelter, such as a homeless shelter, to seek testing.
If an individual is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, he or she should call (618) 519-9200. Individuals will be screened via phone. If deemed necessary, an appointment will be made for testing at Shawnee Health Care in Carbondale, Carterville, or Murphysboro. Testing is open to all southern Illinoisans, regardless of whether or not they are a patient or client of Shawnee Health Service.
Shawnee Health Service 在 COVID-19 大流行期間繼續運營，這是我們對依賴我們的安全和福祉的患者和客戶承諾的一部分。
Shawnee Health Service understands this is a difficult and stressful time for its employees and the community. To prevent the spread of misinformation related to workplace changes prompted by COVID-19, we want to explain what we’re doing to help our employees whose work schedules and locations are affected by the Governor’s order to shelter in place until April 7, 2020.
Because health care is an essential service, Shawnee Health Service will remain open in a limited capacity. Our OB/GYN clinic remains open, but all other services have been moved to our Carbondale campus. Shawnee Health Service has not implemented a layoff of employees at this time. We are making arrangements for employees who are able to work or telework wherever possible. Some employees will have reduced schedules because of the changes. We’re creating staffing rotations to ensure our employees who are able to continue working are scheduled to work some hours during this time. Insurance benefits will not be affected and employees are not losing their benefits, including paid leave balances.
For affected employees, Shawnee Health Service is providing up to 80 hours of paid leave to cover the hours employees are no longer scheduled to work because of the reduction in services and locations. These hours are paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay. This paid leave is separate from the employee’s regular paid leave balance. Employees are not required to use their paid leave before using the provided 80 hours. During the 80 paid leave hours, Shawnee Health Service will cover the employee’s entire health and dental insurance premiums meaning employees are not required to pay their share like normal.
It’s our hope that these benefits will relieve some stress and anxiety for our employees. The situation is constantly changing based on federal and state guidance and orders. We will keep all employees informed of future changes.
If employees have any questions, they should contact their supervisor or a member of management. We appreciate, and are proud of, all of our employees’ commitment to our patients and we’re always here to help.
– Shawnee Health Service
June is Men’s Health Month
June 1 kicks off Men’s Health Month. Men’s Health Month is dedicated to education and activities promoting the health and wellness of men and boys.
Did you know that men are dying an average of 5 years younger than women, and lead 9 out of 10 of the top causes of death? Men are at greater risk for death in every age group. Men have a higher suicide death rate than women. Men account for 92% of fatal workplace injuries.
Men also do not see their Primary Care Provider (PCP) for a physical exam nearly as often as women. Why? Men give reasons such as, “I don’t have time,” “There’s probably nothing wrong,” or, “I can tough it out.” The truth is there are no good reasons not to see the doctor, only excuses.
Shawnee Health Care’s Dr. Jeff Ripperda, MD, says, “The biggest issue facing men and men’s health is just getting men to go to the doctor in the first place.” Men’s Health Month is the perfect time to schedule your annual physical.
Men are more likely to be uninsured than women. If you are uninsured, Shawnee Health Service wants to help you get covered. Our Navigators can help you enroll in coverage through the online system. This service is free, and you do not have to be a patient of Shawnee Health Care to receive this service. Call (844) 331-3069 to make an appointment with a Navigator.
Fathers, brothers, sons: your families need you, and they need you to be healthy. This month, we challenge you to take care of your health and make an appointment for your annual physical. To make an appointment at Shawnee Health Care, call (618) 519-9200.
Shawnee Health Service is proud to introduce the MEND program.
In the United States, the percentage of children and adolescents affected by obesity has more than tripled since the 1970s. Data from 2015-2016 show that nearly 1 in 5 children ages 6-19 in the United States has obesity. Children with obesity are at higher risk of having chronic health conditions, such as asthma, sleep apnea, type 2 diabetes, and other conditions. They are also more likely to suffer from social isolation and lower self-esteem. In the long term, a child with obesity is more likely to be obese as an adult, and have a higher risk of developing heart disease, type 2 diabetes, and many types of cancer (CDC, 2018).
MEND is an evidence-based healthy lifestyle programs that empowers 7-13 year olds, with the support of their families, to reach and maintain a healthy weight. It does this by helping families change unhealthy attitudes about food and activity (Mind), keep physically active on a regular basis (Exercise), learn how to choose foods that are healthy, tasty and nutritious (Nutrition), and take action to maintain a healthy lifestyle – for life (Do It!). It does not focus on weight itself, but instead on the behaviors that lead to overweight and obesity.
MEND 7-13 is a 20-session family Program that meets for two hours twice a week and is attended by the child and at least one parent or caregiver. The first hour is an interactive family session on nutrition and behavior topics, followed by one hour of fun exercise for the children while the parents meet for support and discussion on topics such as goals and rewards, label reading and problem solving.
What is MEND?
MEND is a comprehensive, family-based program that helps overweight children ages 7-13 improve their health, fitness and self-esteem. MEND supports children and their families to achieve and maintain a healthier lifestyle.
Who participates in MEND?
- Children ages 7-13 who are above a healthy weight for their height
- Parents and guardians (required)
- Siblings of MEND participants
Is MEND effective?
MEND was developed and tested by leading experts in child nutrition, child psychology, and exercise. MEND’s innovative approach to preventing obesity complies with all relevant national guidelines and recommendations.
For more information about the MEND program, check out our MEND Healthy Lifestyle Program page. To register for the program, call (618) 519-9200.
Shawnee Health Service Celebrates Black History Month
The month of February is dedicated to an important minority group in the United States. That group is African Americans. During Black History Month, we celebrate the achievements of African Americans, and recognize the invaluable contributions and influence of African Americans in the United States. At Shawnee Health Service, we especially celebrate the achievements and contributions of African Americans to health care and to the Community Health Center Movement.
The Community Health Center Movement has often times been connected with the Civil Rights Movement. Important visionaries in community health were/are African Americans, and it’s important to recognize their achievements.
Millions of Americans in the 1960’s lacked access to basic healthcare, not only in impoverished inner-city neighborhoods, but also in the rural neighborhoods we are more accustomed to in southern Illinois. Civil Rights activists like H. Jack Geiger and Count Gibson founded America’s first community health centers, and now over 50 years later, health centers like Shawnee Health Service and 9,000 other sites in the United States serve over 24 million patients.
To the pioneers who have focused on community health, we say thank you.
—
During this observance, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Minority Health (OMH) raises awareness of health disparities, particularly in heart health and childhood obesity. OMH also provides a platform for national, state and local health organizations to discuss challenges and opportunities for the African American community, with the goal of decreasing health disparities and improving health outcomes.
This month, Shawnee Health Service will share statistics and resources to our social media pages with the goal of helping to reduce disparities and promote better health for African Americans.
H. Jack Geiger and Count D. Gibson, Jr.
If you are Medicaid beneficiary, you may have begun receiving notices from Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), leaving you with many questions:
What is Medicaid Managed Care?
- Managed Care is like private insurance for those on Medicaid. Rather than the state of Illinois paying providers directly, it pays insurance companies to coordinate your care, and the insurance companies then pay for the services you receive
I currently have Illinois Health Connect and received a notice that it is ending December 31, 2017. What do I need to do?
- Right now you do not need to do anything. The state will continue to pay your providers directly until April 1, 2018.
- Between mid-January through mid-February, you will receive an enrollment packet from HFS telling you to select a Managed Care plan.
- You will have 30 days to enroll in a plan. If you do not select a plan before your deadline you will be auto-enrolled into a plan
How will I know which plan to pick?
- Assistance is available to help you with the process. The organizations listed below provide free enrollment assistance to all members of the community. You do not need to be a patient to receive this service.
- Shawnee Health Service – (618 )519-9200
- Christopher Rural Health – (800) 408-7351
- Rural Health, Inc. – (618) 833-4471
What information should I bring when receiving enrollment assistance?
- Names of all providers for all household members
- List of current medications
HFS also has a Medicaid Managed Care in Illinois Frequently Asked Questions page: https://www.illinois.gov/hfs/MedicalClients/ManagedCare/Pages/ManagedCareFAQ.aspx
If you have any more questions about Medicaid Managed Care, you may contact Shawnee Health Service’s Outreach and Enrollment team by calling (618) 519-9200 or (844) 331-3069.