Save the Date: IHA, Medical Solutions Leadership Forum Aug. 27
As staffing pressures, burnout, rising labor costs, and changing consumer expectations remain top issues for hospital leaders, an Aug. 27 educational event will spotlight the role of workforce strategy in better supporting people, operations, and organizational performance. Save the date for the in-person event, from 9 a.m.-4 pm. CT, at Northern Illinois University in Naperville.

IHA, Medical Solutions—an IHA Strategic Partner since 2018—and Exigent Medical Education will jointly offer the event, “Shaping the Future Healthcare Workforce: A Leadership Forum,” designed for hospital and health system C-Suite executives, human resources leaders, physician and medical staff leaders, nursing leaders, and operations leaders. 

There is no fee to attend. Breakfast and lunch will be included and continuing education credits will be available. Mark your calendar and plan to join us Aug. 27.

Staff contact: Patrick Sonin

CDC Raises Ebola Response to Highest Level
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) last Friday raised its Ebola response to its highest response level, a Level One activation, which represents the highest level of response at the CDC. A CDC official said, “Elevating the response level reflects the urgency, scale and complexity of the outbreak and allows CDC to bring additional resources to support the coordination and operational needs of our response.” The Democratic Republic ‌of Congo confirmed Ebola cases have reached 1,274, including ⁠360 deaths. No cases of Ebola have been confirmed in the U.S. as a result of this outbreak. Click here for more CDC information and resources, including guidance for healthcare providers.

AHA Names Steve Walsh President and CEO
The American Hospital Association (AHA) today announced the appointment of Steve Walsh as its next President and Chief Executive Officer. Walsh, who has served as President and CEO of the Massachusetts Health & Hospital Association since 2017, will assume leadership of the nation’s largest hospital and healthcare system membership organization, representing nearly 5,000 member hospitals, health systems, networks and other providers of care. Walsh will assume leadership of AHA this fall.

IDPH: Protecting Illinoisans During Heat Emergencies 
With dangerously high levels of heat forecasted across Illinois this week, including heat index above 100 degrees, the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) is warning Illinoisans to take preventive actions to avoid heat-related illnesses. IDPH has provided recommendations for clinicians, including: 

• Local health departments (LHDs) and community health workers should check on the well-being of people who are vulnerable to heat injury due to underlying medical conditions, including those who live alone or do not have access to air conditioning. 

• Clinicians should screen patients for risk of heat-related illness and conduct a medication review and provide guidance on prevention and preparedness. 

• LHDs and healthcare workers should share information widely on the location of cooling centers (Keep Cool Illinois) for those who may need them. Access to air conditioning during heat waves can save lives, particularly for frail older adults and those with debilitating chronic conditions.