We encourage small and rural hospital leaders who haven't yet registered for the annual meeting to join us at an IHA signature event, “Healing Communities: Transforming Rural Healthcare." Sessions will offer strategies for real-world challenges—strengthening finances, staying ahead of federal requirements, delivering needed services, and building and sustaining community trust.

Attending IHA's Small & Rural Hospitals Annual Meeting is both energizing and comforting, said CGH Medical Center President & CEO Paul Steinke, DO, who hasn't missed an in-person meeting in 13 years.

“You're among friends. You'll be surrounded by peers who understand the day-to-day realities of rural healthcare," he said. “You'll walk away with new ideas, practical solutions and a renewed sense of connection. It's a time to learn, reflect and recharge."

Leadership teams will also benefit from low registration fees and a multiple-attendee discount, continuing education credits, and networking with colleagues and IHA Corporate Sponsors. See our program webpage and brochure. Bring your team—register today.

Staff contact: Bridget McCarte

White House Issues Executive Order on Prescription Drug Pricing
On May 12, President Donald Trump signed an Executive Order (EO) directing drug manufacturers to offer U.S. consumers the lowest price charged for the same medication in other developed countries—or face penalties and enforcement actions. The EO instructs the Secretary of the Dept. Health and Human Services (HHS) to develop proposed rules to enforce this pricing model and pursue additional strategies to reduce drug costs. The directive revives and expands on a previous “most favored nation” pricing model, which now applies not only to Medicare drugs but potentially to those covered by Medicaid and private insurance as well.

IHA will monitor the regulatory and legal processes closely and keep members informed of implications for hospitals and patients.

Healing Communities: Endeavor Health Invests in the Next Generation of Caregivers
During National Hospital Week, we celebrate how Illinois hospitals are not only providing exceptional care but also shaping the future of healthcare. Endeavor Health’s Community Investment Fund (CIF) is a prime example. 

In partnership with ASPIRE Lake County, the Evanston-based health system, funded healthcare internships for high school students and community members. Twenty-one paid interns were placed in clinical and non-clinical areas at Endeavor Health Highland Park Hospital, offering opportunities for future healthcare workers to learn firsthand how to coordinate and prioritize care.

“I really think of it as growing the next generation of healthcare workers,” said Magdelena Dudek, clinical nurse manager at the hospital. Click here to read more about how Endeavor Health is training the next generation of caregivers.

Like Endeavor Health, hospitals across Illinois are investing in workforce development to strengthen care and support community well-being. IHA encourages all member hospitals to share your stories of community impact. Your efforts will be featured on IHA’s “Healing Communities” campaign page and across IHA’s communication channels. For more information contact Valerie Culver. 

IDPH Identifies First Mosquito Pool to Test Positive for West Nile Virus
The Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) reported today that the first mosquito pool of the year to test positive for West Nile virus (WNV) was collected on May 9 in Rockford by the Winnebago County Health Dept. The specimen tested positive for WNV on May 12. Last year in Illinois, IDPH reported that 72 counties around the state reported positive tests for WNV in mosquitos, birds, horses or humans. There were 69 confirmed human cases of WNV according to IDPH data and 13 human deaths, the highest number since 17 deaths were recorded in 2018.

Last Chance to Register! Using Z Codes and SDoH Data
This is your last chance to register for a complimentary IHA webinar highlighting the importance of utilizing Z codes to document social drivers of health (SDoH).  This one-hour webinar, “The Role of Z Codes and SDoH Data in Enhancing Health Outcomes,” will take place tomorrow, Wednesday, May 14 at noon CT.  This webinar, featuring Dr. Shawn Rossi, Vice President of Communication and Member Engagement at the Mississippi Hospital Association, will: 

•    Define Z codes and identify how they support SDoH initiatives.
•    Outline CMS and regulatory requirements surrounding SDoH. 
•    Provide an understanding around the role of Z codes in documenting SDoH.
•    Explore the impact of SDoH data on improving healthcare delivery.

Register now for this IHA webinar which is open to all healthcare providers and leaders in your organization. We also invite you to share the registration information with your colleagues from across the organization. Nurse continuing education credits will be offered to those that attend the live event.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to reach out to QualityPatientSafety@team-iha.org. 

FDA, CDC: Pause in Use of Chikungunya Vaccine for Adults 60+
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recently recommended a temporary pause in the use of the chikungunya vaccine Ixchiq for individuals 60 years and older due to reports of serious adverse events, including neurologic and cardiac issues. As of May 7, 17 serious cases—including two deaths—have been reported globally among those who received Ixchiq in this age group, primarily among individuals with underlying health conditions.

While a causal link has not been confirmed, the agencies are conducting an updated benefit-risk assessment for the use of Ixchiq in individuals 60 years of age and older, and will provide updates as more information becomes available.