Rural Health Transformation Program Information and Tools
The Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP) continues to move forward in Illinois. To assist, the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) has launched a new RHTP information and tools webpage designed to serve as the go-to source for important program updates, funding information and resources. This page will be updated as new information becomes available, including application details and notifications when applications open in Euna.
The page includes informational webinar recordings and slide decks, application guidance, budget worksheets, eligible hospital information and other tools to help hospitals prepare for upcoming funding opportunities. The webpage includes information on programs ICAHN is overseeing, including disease prevention and chronic disease management, workforce investment, and technology transformation.
IDPH Ebola Virus Disease Operational Plan Release
The Illinois Dept. of Public Health Office of Preparedness and Response (IDPH OPR) today released the recently revised IDPH Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) Operational Plan. The plan provides guidance and tools for all response partners involved in efforts to reduce morbidity, mortality and social disruption that would result from an EVD outbreak. The document describes operational intent when responding to those under investigation for EVD, as well as suspected or confirmed EVD cases in Illinois, with considerations for emergency medical services, healthcare systems and public health partners. The designated Elite Special Pathogen Treatment Centers for treating potential Ebola cases in Illinois are Rush University Medical Center for adults and Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago for children and teens.
Public health and medical partners can find the plan here and on the IDPH OPR SharePoint Planning Section page located at IDPH OPR Plans Document Library. Those without access to the page can request it using the pop-up feature or by emailing Katie DeJulius at katie.dejulius@illinois.gov. Questions can be directed to Tyler Woodard at tyler.woodard@illinois.gov.
Health Alert: Notice of Recalled Saline Product
A Health Alert was issued today by the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) that Baxter International Inc. is voluntarily recalling two lots of 0.9% Sodium Chloride Injection due to the potential presence of particulate matter identified as fiberglass in the solution. There have not yet been reports of adverse events related to this contamination reported; however, particulate matter may lead to serious injury, including life-threatening blood clots, permanent organ damage, and death. The impacted product was distributed in Illinois and at least 13 other states. The Health Alert said that healthcare facilities and providers should review all supplies for affected stock. At this time, the two lots affected are reported to be Y495523 and Y495523A.
CMS Releases Fact Sheet, FAQs on 340B Claims Data Repository
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has made available a fact sheet and FAQs on the 340B Part D claims data repository that will go live Oct. 1. Data submissions would currently be voluntary for 340B hospitals. However, in the 2027 Medicare Physician Fee Schedule proposed rule, CMS proposed making data submissions mandatory beginning in 2027. The fact sheet and FAQs provide information on the repository, including submission guidance and other key guidance and resources.
Illinois Respiratory Disease Surveillance Data
The Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard from the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) provides the latest data on hospital visits, seasonal trends, lab test positivity and demographic data. IDPH also tracks COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus information through the Illinois Wastewater Surveillance System dashboard.
Briefly Noted
One hundred thirteen Illinois hospitals have been recognized by the American Heart Association for their commitment to improving care for patients with heart disease and stroke through Get With The Guidelines® quality improvement programs. Participation in Get With The Guidelines has been associated with better patient outcomes, fewer readmissions and lower mortality. The program has also been shown to reduce disparities in care for several populations.
Leading the News
Zachary Yoder on expanding rural care, financial sustainability and health system growth
Becker’s Hospital Review
In this episode, Zachary Yoder, MHA, RN, NEA-BC, FACHE, President, St. Mary Medical Center, Holy Family Medical Center and St. Luke Medical Center, OSF HealthCare, discusses expanding access to care in rural communities, investing in robotics and outpatient services, and preparing for Medicaid and reimbursement pressures. He also shares his approach to culture, patient experience and building OSF HealthCare into a regional destination for specialized care.
68 health systems with strong finances
Becker’s Hospital Review
Here are 68 health systems with strong operational metrics and solid financial positions, according to reports from credit rating agencies Fitch Ratings and Moody’s Investors Service released in 2026.
Calcium testing for heart health may have limited value for many, study finds
The Washington Post
It’s important to do certain regular screenings for heart health and talk with your doctor about your risk for heart disease — it remains the number-one killer of both men and women in the United States. But one increasingly popular test, which checks for plaque in the arteries feeding the heart, may not provide much value for many people, new research shows.
