Rural Asthma Initiative Hillsboro Health
When nurse leaders at Hillsboro Health in Hillsboro, IL saw data showing an increase in the number of people presenting with asthma in the emergency department, they knew it was time to take action. An opportunity from ICAHN gave them the support to make it happen.
In 2024, ICAHN received the IDPH Asthma Quality Improvement in Critical Access Hospitals grant. Funding from this grant allowed ICAHN to support Hillsboro Health, as well as Red Bud Regional Hospital, Horizon Health, and Midwest Medical Center, in developing projects to improve the quality of life of patients with asthma and reduce the number of patients coming to the ED with asthma or asthma–like symptoms.
For Hillsboro Health, this meant creating education kits for patients presenting with asthma or asthma-like symptoms in the hospital’s emergency department, med-surg unit, pulmonary clinic or primary care clinics. Kits included a peak flow meter, a one-way valve device (spacer) for inhalers, an asthma action plan magnet and an education card with a QR code leading to online resources to learn more about asthma. Patients who received a kit also received a follow-up call to check on their progress and to inform them about upcoming asthma education and awareness events.
Hillsboro’s project also focused on educating hospital and clinic staff. Respiratory therapy team members, along with several patient-facing nurses and providers, completed the American Lung Association Asthma Educator Institute Course which prepares providers to deliver asthma guideline-based care to patients and their families.
Going forward, Hillsboro Health plans to host two public education programs a year where they can distribute asthma kits to those who need them. “Asthma is a topic that is undereducated unless you have it … our goal is to make our community aware of asthma, its triggers, and educate on the treatment plans for those who have asthma. We want our community to be aware of what asthma is and how they can assist others who may have it,” said Angela Boide, Hillsboro Health Quality Manager.
ICAHN is pleased that funding from IDPH for the asthma projects will continue into the next fiscal year. This support will allow participating hospitals to expand the reach of their projects and help even more patients and families.
Impact Awards
Horizon Health in Paris, IL
A team at Horizon Health in Paris, IL, wanted to improve patient care for specific conditions such as Sepsis, Stroke, Heart Failure, and CAD NSTEMI/STEMI, and achieve high scores in the AHA Get With The Guidelines (GWTG) and CMS Core Measures to exceed state and national benchmarks and earn GWTG recognition for the hospital.
The project started with chart reviews and implementing real-time changes in treatment. Key strategies included:
- Using overhead pages for Code Stroke and Code Sepsis
- Creating text groups for timely reviews
- Developing guidance sheets for nursing staff
- Holding educational meetings
The project also involved updating documentation sheets, electronic health records, and provider order sets, rewarding staff for their input, and adding specific measures to daily quality huddles.
The project produced significant improvements in health outcomes, with incremental increases in composite scores for Stroke, Heart Failure, CAD STEMI, and CAD NSTEMI from 2022 to 2025.
Employee engagement also improved, and the hospital received multiple GWTG awards in 2024. Overall, the project integrated with the hospital's mission, vision, and values, and became an ongoing part of the organization's strategic operations plan.
The Safety and Emergency Management Program at Horizon Health in Paris, Ill., was designed to enhance the safety and preparedness of the hospital, its staff, and the community. Over the past year, Horizon Health has implemented several initiatives to create a safer environment. Key initiatives include:
- Daily Leadership Safety Huddles: Structured safety huddles every morning to identify and address safety concerns, reinforce accountability, and foster communication across departments.
- Executive Leadership Engagement: Active involvement of the leadership team in emergency preparedness, elevating the visibility and execution of safety initiatives.
- Emergency Preparedness Committee: Regular meetings to assess hazard vulnerabilities, plan and review emergency exercises, and ensure alignment with regulatory standards and community needs.
- Robust Education & Training: Ongoing education through TEEX (Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service) trainings, offering hands-on, scenario-based learning.
- Engaging Staff Through Innovative Ideas: Creative training methods like emergency preparedness scavenger hunts and interactive simulations to enhance staff participation.
- Centralized Online Emergency Resource Hub: An internal hub on the Intranet housing all emergency policies, procedures, and critical resources.
- Community Collaboration: Strong partnerships with local emergency management agencies, law enforcement, fire departments, and EMS for coordinated efforts in planning for events with large crowds.
These initiatives have led to measurable improvements in organizational readiness, staff engagement, and cross-sector collaboration. The program also has resulted in increased employee engagement scores in the Safety in the Workplace category, from less than 50% to greater than 85%.
Horizon Health in Paris, Illinois, in an effort to provide patients with top-notch care, monitors many performance metrics not required for critical access hospitals. The information is plugged into an dashboard to provide real-time data on various quality and patient safety measures, enabling leadership, medical staff, and the board to track progress and make informed decisions.
Initially designed for leadership to access real-time performance data, this project has seen the dashboards grow from 1 to 4 pages and evolve to include medical staff, board members, and employees. This evolution fosters a sense of connection to community healthcare outcomes.
The impact and benefits of the dashboards are significant. They have driven continuous quality improvement, accountability, and transparency.
The project has put Horizon Health into the top ten percentile scores for Sepsis nationally, and the organization received multiple GWTG awards for 2024 including:
- AHA Commitment to Quality Award
- AHA GWTG Rural Heart Failure Rural CAD NSTE-ACS Sliver Award (you can only achieve Silver on your first year not gold)
- AHA GWTG Rural CAD STEMI Silver Award (again can only receive silver on your first year)
- AHA GWTG Rural CAD STEMI Referring Bronze Plus Award (for a referring center that refers patients to a hospital who completes PCI interventions)
- AHA GWTG Rural Stroke Gold Award
- AHA GWTG Stroke Silver Plus (among all hospitals not rural only)
Memorial Hospital in Chester, IL
Memorial Hospital in Chester initiated a Child Life Services program designed to support pediatric patients and their families within a rural healthcare setting. The program aimed to mitigate fear and anxiety during medical visits, enhance communication between healthcare providers and patients, and provide developmentally appropriate preparation for medical procedures, as well as offering professional child life support at no cost, thereby improving the overall patient and family experience.
The target audience for this program includes children aged 0–21 and their families across various hospital settings. The program aims to enhance emotional and psychological support, leading to increased cooperation and trust in local healthcare services.
As a rural critical access hospital, the Memorial team recognized a significant gap in supportive services for pediatric patients. Families in the community previously had to travel long distances to access child life services, often adding financial and emotional strain. Children frequently experienced heightened fear during emergency, outpatient, or surgical visits, which created barriers to care and placed additional stress on staff and parents.
The need for a structured child life program was clear to help children feel safe, understood, and engaged in their own care. By offering this service at no cost to families — and through the expertise of a Certified Child Life Specialist — Memorial has removed another barrier to care, creating equitable access to professional child life support for all children in our region.
The impact and benefits of the program have been significant. It has led to improved patient satisfaction, reduced fear during medical procedures, alleviated staff workload, increased family trust and loyalty, and bolstered the hospital’s reputation as an innovative provider of rural healthcare.
Fairfield Memorial Hospital in Fairfield, IL
The Youth Wellness Community Outreach project at Fairfield Memorial Hospital was created to increase communication and engagement with younger residents in the area.
Initiated in 2016 and in partnership with Village InCK (the Egyptian Health Department’s Integrated Care for Kids program), the program provides school and sports physicals to children from pre-kindergarten through college at no out-of-pocket cost.
The partnership with Village InCK has enabled Fairfield providers to screen and identify children who may benefit from the program, and has resulted an increase in the number of physicals conducted annually, fewer injuries, and more patients establishing relationships with primary care physicians.
St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, IL
St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro developed an educational program aimed at addressing the growing health concern of teen vaping, as identified in its Community Health Needs Assessment. This initiative provides students interactive and evidence-based education on the risks and consequences associated with vaping.
The program was developed through a collaboration between nurses and Murphysboro High School, integrating a vaping prevention and cessation curriculum into the freshman health classes. The curriculum includes formal education on the chemicals involved, the health risks, and relevant laws, along with hands-on demonstrations and interactive activities designed to engage students effectively.
What began as a one-time classroom presentation has grown into a regional prevention initiative. By the 2024 school year, the nurses were invited to present at four additional schools, with some requesting sessions for all grade levels, not just freshmen. For the 2025 school year, the program expanded further, reaching six rural high schools and middle schools across Southern Illinois.
The impact has included:
- Student engagement: Teens report sharing handouts with friends and family and asking questions such as whether quitting now will allow their lungs to heal—demonstrating both personal connection and behavior change.
- Teacher feedback: Educators have shared that they learned new information themselves, leaving them better prepared to guide student conversations about vaping.
- Community reach: What started as a single-class initiative has evolved into a community-wide prevention effort, with ripple effects extending beyond school walls. Looking ahead, this project is building the foundation for long-term health improvement by encouraging early prevention, reducing future chronic disease burden, and strengthening partnerships between schools and healthcare providers.
Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital in Sandwich, IL
The NARCAN Vending Kiosk Initiative from Northwestern Medicine Valley West Hospital in Sandwich is a public health project aimed at reducing opioid-related deaths by providing free and anonymous access to naloxone (NARCAN) on a hospital campus. The goals of the project include increasing community access to life-saving overdose reversal medication, addressing mental health and substance abuse priorities, and reducing stigma and barriers to obtaining NARCAN.
The hospital serves a rural community significantly impacted by opioid misuse and overdose. Despite the availability of NARCAN through pharmacies and clinics, stigma, cost, and lack of awareness remain major barriers. The kiosk offers an anonymous, no-cost solution to meet community needs.
The target audience includes hospital staff, patients, visitors, and community members who may not otherwise have access to NARCAN. The project empowers individuals to act in emergency situations, potentially saving lives without judgment or delay.
Since its implementation in April 2025, the kiosk has distributed more than190 units of NARCAN, increased awareness and education around opioid overdose prevention, strengthened community trust in the hospital, and engaged staff through education and outreach efforts. The project aligns with the State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan and promotes social equity, prevention, and harm reduction 14.
Key benefits include improved health outcomes, reduced stigma around substance abuse and mental health, increased community engagement, and empowerment of staff and community members. The initiative exemplifies innovation, compassion, and responsiveness to community needs, making a measurable difference in the lives of those served.
Memorial Hospital & Clinics in Hancock County, IL
Memorial Hospital and Clinics have launched the Memorial Medical Clinic Mobile, a behavioral health mobile unit staffed by licensed behavioral health professionals from Memorial Medical Clinics, including Licensed Clinical Social Workers, to provide mental health services directly to children in Hancock County, Illinois. This initiative addresses the barriers to accessing mental health care in rural areas by delivering services on school campuses and at community events.
The primary objective of the mobile clinic is to expand access to behavioral health services for rural youth who face geographical, transportation, or scheduling challenges. The clinic promotes early intervention for issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
This initiative addresses community disparities by responding to the higher rates of mental distress, poverty, suicide, and transportation challenges in Hancock County. By embedding stigma-free and accessible care within schools, the project aims to improve mental health outcomes for children.
The program offers numerous benefits to the community including:
- Improved student mental health and coping skills
- Reduced stigma around mental health
- Increased attendance and performance in schools
- Deeper family and school engagement in the care process
- Expanded community outreach through events and partnerships
- Wraparound support — the mobile unit also provides children with essential resources such as hygiene products, school supplies, and food, helping meet basic needs that directly affect their mental health and learning
- Elevated employee morale and organizational pride
The mobile unit has demonstrated significant impact and growth, completing more than 700 counseling appointments with improved attendance rates (84%-89% compared to 62% in traditional settings). The unit has reached more patients than other providers and extended its outreach during the summer months to 212 children.
Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney, IL
The Healthfest event at Carle Richland Memorial Hospital in Olney is a cornerstone of the organization’s commitment to the community. The Healthfest Reimagined team has transformed the event through the integration of Discount Lab services into the Epic system. This modernization effort replaces outdated manual processes with digital workflows, thereby enhancing patient care and operational efficiency. The initiative enables real-time registration, order placement, and expedited delivery of lab results, ultimately improving the overall healthcare experience for both the community and staff.
Embedding Healthfest’s discount lab services workflows into the Epic system integration facilitates real-time registration and order placement, effectively removing barriers to care and reducing inefficiencies. The previous paper-based system caused delays in results, increased staff workload, and led to billing errors. A digital transformation was necessary to align with patient-centered care and efficiency goals.
The target audience for this project includes community members attending Healthfest, who benefit from timely lab results, and staff members, who are empowered through streamlined workflows and accurate billing. This fosters a more compassionate care environment.
Health improvements are evident as patients now receive lab results within hours via MyCarle, enabling quicker health decisions and earlier interventions, which can reduce complications in preventive care.
Cost savings have been realized through the transition to an integrated Epic workflow, which eliminated printing and postage costs, reduced overtime and administrative hours, and minimized billing errors. These savings allow for the reallocation of resources to patient services.
Employee engagement has been enhanced through cross-departmental collaboration, which improved staff efficiency and morale by simplifying workflows and reducing post-event stress. This highlights the importance of teamwork and innovation.
Finally, the project has strengthened community trust and enhanced Carle Richland’s reputation by demonstrating a commitment to accessible, high-quality care through a modernized, patient-centered Healthfest experience.
Community Awards
Rochelle Community Hospital in Rochelle, IL
Rochelle Community Hospital (RCH) worked with Sinnissippi Centers, a local behavioral health organization which has partnered with RCH for crisis management of emergency outpatients and collaborated on referrals to RCH to minimize the wait time for follow-up mental health services. Along with Sinnissippi, partners from Rochelle police, fire and clergy worked with the RCH workgroup to aid in the identification and immediate intervention of known community members who require behavioral health services.
The Rochelle Community Health (RCH) Behavioral Health Clinic is an outpatient service dedicated to providing local behavioral health counseling and medication management to clients aged 12 and older. The clinic aims to address the scarcity of mental health services in rural areas by offering compassionate, comprehensive care and collaborating with community partners to improve accessibility and reduce wait times.
The clinic's community partners collaborate to manage crisis situations, facilitate referrals, and provide immediate intervention for community members requiring behavioral health services. The clinic employs an Advanced Practice Nurse Practitioner, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, and a medical assistant to deliver counseling and medication management, working closely with providers and partners to serve both those seeking help and those in need.
The project was undertaken in response to the significant shortage of mental health resources in the community, particularly in rural settings where cost, transportation, and long wait times limit access to care. Since its inception, client visits have increased by 50%, with positive feedback on reduced appointment wait times and local service availability. The clinic has enhanced care convenience, shortened follow-up intervals, and strengthened safety nets through improved communication among partners.
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital in Jacksonville, IL
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital partnered with Prairieland United Way, Salvation Army, Spirit of Faith Soup Kitchen, and the Jacksonville Area Chamber of Commerce on the Summerfest event, held each June at Community Park in Jacksonville, Illinois. The event is designed to support school-age children and families during the summer months.
Initially created to distribute food to families struggling with food insecurity when school lunches are unavailable, Summerfest has expanded to include clothing distribution, a bike rodeo, a wellness fair, and more.
The event addresses the high levels of food insecurity in Morgan County, where 11 percent of households experience food insecurity, and nearly 50 percent of respondents to a Community Health Needs Assessment reported challenges in accessing healthy food.
The Summerfest partnership connects families with resources and support to live healthier lives. The event also has incorporated wellness screenings to address community health priorities like cancer and heart disease. Since its inception, Summerfest has provided food for approximately 740 families and includes demonstrations by a registered dietitian to promote healthy eating. The event not only promotes health and connects people with resources but also fosters community connections, making it a valuable and accessible event for families in Jacksonville and Morgan County.
Jacksonville Memorial Hospital worked with all of the social service agencies in the area to create Healthy Jacksonville, a community health initiative with the objective of improving access to healthcare and addressing broader social determinants of health in the Morgan County area. The program collaborates with local agencies to support vulnerable populations and tackle issues such as food insecurity and mental health.
The primary goals of Healthy Jacksonville include providing personalized assistance to enhance health and well-being through a community health worker model and the Healthy Communities Collaborative. This collaborative effort connects various agencies and focuses on critical areas such as transportation and nutrition. The program addresses access to care challenges identified in Community Health Needs Assessments, serving a diverse client base, including many individuals on Medicaid and Medicare. Notably, referrals are often received from the Jacksonville Police Department.
Healthy Jacksonville has had a positive impact on individuals facing complex health and social issues. For example, the program has supported a mother in overcoming substance abuse and assisted a senior woman in improving her living conditions and health through coordinated care. The initiative also provides community-wide benefits by reducing strain on emergency services, partnering with law enforcement through the LEARN network to assist individuals in crisis, and supporting food security through programs like LINK matching at the local farmers market, which benefits both families and local producers.
Northwestern Medicine Valley West in Sandwich, IL
Northwestern Medicine Valley West in Sandwich partnered with the Sandwich Park District for a community health initiative to enhance the response to opioid overdoses by providing access to naloxone and related training.
The project involves equipping Sandwich Park District staff and facilities with NARCAN boxes and harm reduction kits, along with comprehensive training to ensure prompt and informed responses to opioid emergencies. This project addresses the critical need for readiness in public spaces, such as parks, where opioid emergencies may occur, thereby increasing safety and early intervention capabilities.
The program has successfully raised awareness about naloxone access and usage, reduced the stigma associated with its use, and fostered discussions about obtaining naloxone. These efforts have collectively contributed to improving overall safety for both staff and visitors.
St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, IL
St. Joseph Memorial Hospital in Murphysboro, in cooperation with Murphysboro High School, developed a comprehensive vaping prevention and cessation program specifically targeting freshmen at Murphysboro High School. This initiative was launched in response to the increasing rates of teen vaping identified in a Community Health Needs Assessment. The program uses interactive educational methods to inform students about the risks associated with vaping, with the ultimate goal of mitigating long-term health issues related to nicotine addiction.
The program's development involved collaboration between nurses and the high school to create an engaging curriculum including formal education on the chemicals and risks associated with vaping, hands-on demonstrations, and interactive activities designed to dispel myths and empower students.
The initiative addresses a critical community health need, focusing on vaping as part of broader chronic disease prevention efforts. This is particularly pertinent given local statistics indicating a rise in youth e-cigarette use and the community's high rates of respiratory illness.
Initially, the program targeted high school freshmen, but due to positive feedback and growing demand, it has expanded to include middle and high school students across multiple schools.
The program has had a significant impact, increasing student engagement, enhancing teacher knowledge, strengthening community partnerships, and contributing to early prevention efforts that may reduce the future burden of chronic diseases.
Lawrence Memorial Hospital in Lawrenceviile, IL
Lawrence County Memorial Hospital in Lawrenceville worked with the local health department, local schools and businesses to establish the Lawrence County Memorial Hospital Pediatric Clinic to restore pediatric healthcare access after more than 30 years without a local pediatrician. The clinic aims to improve specialized care availability, preventive health, and family support for children in Lawrence County and nearby rural areas.
The clinic brought back local pediatric care, led by Dr. Saachi Nangia and Nurse Practitioner Tanna McCullough, to remove barriers caused by long-distance travel for families needing specialized child healthcare. The clinic serves children and families in Lawrence County and surrounding rural communities, providing timely treatment, preventive services like immunizations and physicals, and convenience through same-day sick appointments.
Since its July 2024 opening, the clinic has enhanced child health outcomes, increased preventive care participation, and expanded outreach via collaborations with local schools, the health department, and businesses offering health education and free sports physicals. Families benefit from reduced travel, healthier children through preventive care, convenient appointments, educational resources, community engagement events, and positive economic effects. The clinic also serves neighboring rural counties, broadening its impact.
Lincoln Memorial Hospital in Lincoln, IL
Lincoln Memorial Hospital worked with Lincoln Community High School to create the "Railer Reach Out" text campaign to enhance mental health among students at Lincoln Community High School. This initiative provides monthly text messages on pertinent topics and resources, aiming to reduce the stigma associated with seeking help.
The campaign's primary objective is to deliver two monthly text messages addressing issues such as healthy relationships, sleep, study habits, peer pressure, mental health, and substance use. This method offers private and accessible support through texting, ensuring that students receive the necessary information discreetly.
The need for this initiative was identified through local health assessments and data from the Illinois Youth Survey, which highlighted the exacerbation of youth mental health concerns post-pandemic. Texting was chosen as the most effective outreach method for high school students, allowing them to access resources privately. The program serves all grade levels at Lincoln Community High School.
Since its launch in August 2024, initially targeting freshmen, the program has expanded to include all students. It has achieved high subscription rates and sustained engagement, with approximately 12-20% of students clicking for more information on the resources provided.
The program has been well-received, with surveys indicating that students find the texts useful. School administrators have praised the initiative for supporting students' social-emotional needs. Inspired by its success, similar programs are being launched in other local schools, with plans to scale the initiative countywide.
Taylorville Memorial Hospital in Taylorville, IL
Taylorville Memorial Hospital collaborated with the Christian County YMCA on the “Stride to Thrive" initiative, a biannual community walking challenge aimed at promoting fitness and physical activity. Participants can use the YMCA facility for free during the challenge, track their miles electronically, and receive T-shirts upon completion.
The program addresses heart disease and stroke, identified as priority health concerns in the 2024 Community Health Needs Assessment. Walking was chosen for its accessibility and mental health benefits. The initiative targets all community members, providing a safe indoor environment for walking during the challenge months of January and May.
With around 200 participants in each challenge, the program has received high satisfaction rates, increased motivation, and accountability. It has also provided mental health benefits and fostered community connections. The introduction of the Pacer app has further encouraged friendly competition and accountability.
Boyd Memorial Hospital in Carrollton, IL
Boyd Memorial Hospital in Carrollton worked with local schools and experts to create The Brighter Connections program, which offers a non-medical, brain-based approach to support children and adults with neurodevelopmental challenges, focusing on improving brain symmetry and connectivity to enhance cognitive, emotional, and physical development.
The program employs the Melillo Method to enhance communication between brain hemispheres, aiming to improve brain functionality, emotional regulation, physical coordination, and family education. Nutritional support is also integrated into the program. This initiative addresses the lack of local neurodevelopmental resources in rural Carrollton, and surrounding areas, where there is a rising prevalence of neurodivergence, such as ADHD and autism, and limited access to non-medical interventions.
The primary beneficiaries of the program are children with ADHD, autism spectrum disorders, sensory processing issues, learning disabilities, emotional regulation difficulties, and poor coordination, as well as their families and caregivers seeking holistic, brain-based solutions. Brighter Connections fills a critical service gap by providing accessible, non-invasive therapies locally, reducing travel burdens, offering hope and practical tools to families, and improving children's emotional, cognitive, and physical outcomes.
Participants have demonstrated measurable improvements in emotional regulation, timing, coordination, muscle tone, and cognitive function, while families report increased hope, reduced stress, and greater confidence in supporting their children. The program has enhanced the availability of brain-based therapies in rural Illinois, making early intervention more accessible and affordable, and eliminating the need for long-distance travel.
Brighter Connections contributes to better educational outcomes, stronger family dynamics, and community resilience, while creating local employment and fostering collaboration with schools and health providers. Co-developer Allison Vandersand, motivated by personal experience and professional expertise, leads the program with empathy and dedication, making Brighter Connections a trusted, community-rooted initiative that transforms lives.
Boyd Memorial Hospital in Carrollton collaborated with multiple elderly service organizations including local nursing homes and the Senior Citizen Center to establish the Senior Life Solutions program, dedicated to addressing the mental health needs of older adults in rural communities.
The initiative focuses on challenges such as depression, anxiety, grief, and social isolation, with the objective of enhancing seniors' emotional well-being and independence through personalized and group therapeutic support within a community-based setting. It addresses the critical need for mental health services in rural areas served by Boyd Memorial Hospital, where a growing elderly population faces barriers such as geographic isolation, transportation difficulties, and limited access to behavioral health services, leading to underdiagnosed mental health issues.
The program targets adults aged 65 and older who are experiencing emotional or behavioral challenges, offering accessible care that combats isolation, improves quality of life, enables early intervention, and provides holistic support through individual and group therapy. Since its inception, eight patients have received personalized care, with the first patient graduation in August, 2025, demonstrating positive outcomes and community trust in the program.
The program enhances access to care by removing traditional barriers, strengthens social connections through group therapy, supports early mental health intervention, aids families and caregivers, and contributes economically by helping seniors remain active. Combining clinical expertise with compassionate, community-focused care, Senior Life Solutions exemplifies how rural healthcare systems can proactively address the mental health needs of aging populations.
