REGISTER: Free IHA Webinar Series on SDOH Screening in June
Social drivers of health (SDOH) are a major factor in the health of communities and life expectancy. Hospitals and health systems can help mitigate the risk of poor health outcomes through sustainable SDOH screening processes and strong partnerships with community-based organizations.

A complimentary IHA webinar series, “Cultivating Community Connections and Addressing Social Drivers of Health,” will guide hospital leaders and staff in adopting durable screening processes and fortifying connections with community partners.

The two-part series will be held from noon-1 p.m. CT on the following dates:

• June 24: “Integrating Social Care into Your Medical Practice,” covering best practices for screening processes that foster trust between patients and clinicians; and
• June 26: “Addressing Social Needs at the Individual and Community Level,” focusing on systems for a sustainable and measurable impact on health.

Expert presenter Natalie Graves, MPH, with Convergence Health, will lead the sessions. Graves has over a decade of experience leading programs to transform healthcare by leveraging quality improvement strategies and promoting peer-to-peer learning.

There is no fee to attend. Funding was provided by the IDPH Improving the Health of Illinoisans Through Chronic Disease Prevention grant. Registrants will receive a link to the webinar recording after each session. Register today.

Staff contact: Abby Radcliffe

IHA Healthcare Workforce Bill Scheduled to Be Heard Tomorrow Morning
Tomorrow, Wednesday, May 21 at 8 a.m. CT the Illinois House Human Services Committee is scheduled to consider IHA’s legislation (SB 593) creating a statewide Healthcare Workforce Task Force. This is an important step forward in advancing collaborative solutions to key workforce challenges—including staffing shortages, workplace violence and funding for the healthcare pipeline. Click here to access an IHA fact sheet on SB 593. You can submit an electronic witness slip to the committee in support of SB 593 by clicking here. When you fill out the form, be sure to mark the “Proponent” circle in Section III, and the “Record of Appearance Only” box in Section IV. This will indicate to the committee that you do not intend to provide oral or written testimony.

ADVOCACY ALERT: Ask Your State Senator to Vote ‘YES’ on 340B Legislation
The Illinois State Senate is expected to vote this week on IHA’s Illinois Patient Access to 340B Pharmacy Protection Act (SB 2385) to safeguard the 340B drug discount program. We urge you and your team to immediately contact your State Senators and ask them to support and vote “YES” on this critical legislation. Contact your Senate legislator TODAY and urge them to support and vote yes on IHA’s 340B protection legislation. Click here to access IHA’s digital messaging platform to send a pre-populated message directly to your State Senator to ask for their support of this legislation. Your engagement is essential to demonstrate strong support for this vital policy and help ensure its passage.

New Guidance on Pain Management During In-Office Gynecologic Procedures
New clinical guidance has been issued by the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in response to growing recognition that pain during in-office gynecologic procedures is often underestimated and undertreated. The guidance emphasizes the need for healthcare professionals to better understand and address patients’ pain, account for individual risk factors—including histories of trauma or chronic pain—and actively involve patients in choosing pain-control options. It also highlights the influence of systemic bias on pain assessment and calls for more inclusive research to improve equitable care and outcomes.

FDA Approves Novavax COVID-19 Vaccine for High-Risk Groups
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved the Novavax COVID-19 vaccine for individuals 65 and older and those 12 and up with underlying health conditions that increase their risk of severe illness. The protein-based vaccine—an alternative to mRNA options—had previously been authorized under emergency use. As part of the approval, Novavax must conduct postmarketing studies on risk of myocarditis and pericarditis—inflammation of the heart muscle and membrane surrounding the heart—in people who receive the vaccine.