EXTENSION: Rural Health Transformation Program – Hospital Transformation Planning Grant Application
The Illinois Dept. of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has extended the deadline to Friday, June 19, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. CT to submit applications for the HFS Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Year 1 Hospital Transformation Planning Grants under the federal Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Applications can be submitted through the Euna grants portal that can be accessed here. The Euna system automatically closes the application process at the end of the June 19 deadline and will not allow late submissions.
If your hospital has already submitted an application, no further action is required. However, if your hospital would like to revise your application, you must withdraw your current submission and submit a new application before the application deadline. To withdraw your application, please follow these instructions: How to Withdraw Your Application. Please note that when submitting a new application, you may be required to use a different application name.
To assist with the submission process, yesterday HFS posted a recording of the RHTP Hospital Transformation Planning Grant Town Hall and a frequently asked questions (FAQ) document. Year 1 funding is intended to support planning activities, including development of hospital transformation plans, establishment of regional partnerships, engagement with the Office of Medicaid Innovation (OMI), and creation of infrastructure necessary to pursue future implementation funding.
IDPH: Viral Hemorrhagic Fever Healthcare Facility Evaluation of Ill Travelers
The Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) sent a June 16 notice alerting healthcare facilities that they should be prepared to perform routine laboratory and diagnostic tests to evaluate causes of non-Viral Hemorrhagic Fever (VHF) illness in symptomatic returning travelers, including those from VHF-affected areas. IDPH said providers and healthcare facilities should be prepared and familiar with risk assessment, reporting, testing, and public health coordination steps outlined in the alert for ill travelers suspected to have a VHF, such as Ebola. The Department stated healthcare facilities should be prepared to stabilize and care for any ill person suspected of VHF until patient transfer to an appropriate facility, following infection prevention and PPE requirements.
FDA Approves Additional OTC Naloxone Nasal Spray for Overdose
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved another over-the-counter (OTC) intranasal naloxone product, Rextovy, for the emergency treatment of opioid overdose. Consumers may directly purchase this product without a prescription in places such as pharmacies, convenience stores and online. This action aligns with the ongoing federal effort to address the United States’ addiction and substance use disorder crisis and coordinate the government's approach to prevention, treatment, and long-term recovery. The number of overdose deaths has dramatically decreased since the first FDA approval of an OTC naloxone nasal spray in 2023, but drug overdose persists as a major public health issue in the U.S., primarily driven by synthetic opioids like illicit fentanyl.
IHA encourages hospital staff to click here to learn more about the Drug Overdose Prevention Program, facilitated by the Illinois Dept. of Human Services to help hospital emergency departments, inpatient and outpatient staff provide free naloxone kits to at-risk individuals. HB 4039 was introduced in the Illinois General Assembly this spring, seeking to mandate that hospitals dispense naloxone to all at-risk patients for free, alongside several other substance use disorder treatment mandates. The bill did not move forward; however, IHA anticipates continued discussions regarding this proposed mandate.
Disruptions in Availability of Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Needles
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued a June 16 Letter to Health Care Providers to notify providers that it is aware that the United States is experiencing interruptions in the supply of Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Needles because of recent supplier issues. FDA also updated the expected shortage duration for Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Needles on the medical device shortage list (product code KNW). The FDA notice said the disruption in availability of this device is expected to impact patient care and may require adjustments to the clinical management of patients indicated to undergo a breast biopsy. FDA recommended healthcare providers consider strategies to conserve the use of Stereotactic Breast Biopsy Needles when possible.
Digital Equity and Health Virtual Town Hall June 23
Cook County Health is hosting a virtual town hall, “The Future of Health in a Connected Cook County,” on June 23 from noon-1:30 p.m. CT. The interactive discussion will bring together health providers, health IT professionals, community health organizations, and health equity leaders to explore how to can ensure residents have equitable access to care, information, and services in an increasingly digital world. Participants will have the opportunity to discuss digital access, telehealth and information equity, and share insights that will help inform the Cook County Digital Equity Action Plan. Click here to register.
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
According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) Windstone Medical Packaging Inc. has issued a letter to affected customers recommending the Cardinal Health Webcol large alcohol prep pads be removed from certain custom convenience kits. The alcohol prep pads may be contaminated with a bacteria that poses a risk of infection to vulnerable groups. As of June 4, Windstone Medical Packaging has reported no serious injuries or deaths associated with this issue.
Leading the News
Pritzker signs Medicaid omnibus bill expanding hospital oversight, funding, and long-term care investments
WICS
Gov. JB Pritzker on Tuesday signed SB3365 into law, a sweeping Medicaid omnibus bill aimed at strengthening Illinois’ healthcare system, increasing hospital oversight, and expanding long-term care funding ahead of anticipated federal changes to Medicaid.
104 health systems ranked by annual revenue
Becker’s Hospital Review
Revenue growth continued across the hospital industry in 2025, with many of the nation’s largest health systems posting mid- to high-single-digit gains fueled by stronger patient volumes, improved payment rates and the expansion of ambulatory and pharmacy operations.
Hopedale hospital designated Illinois’ shortest ER wait time in new study
WGLT
A Hopedale hospital official likes to believe its state-record low wait times are possible at other, larger facilities. Consumer advocate group Compare the Market recently reviewed the 2024 performance of 2,095 hospitals across the country, including 149 Illinois hospitals.
