News From SIH

Unemployment, poverty, food insecurity, access to care issues, transportation and financial barriers are social determinants of health that adversely affect people in our region. Of significant note is poverty. According to the most recent SIH Community Health Needs Assessment, between 14.4 - 23.4% of our population was living at or below the poverty line.

Southern Illinois Healthcare announced last week that SIH Medical Group is now conducting video visits for outpatient visits. Dr. Matt Winkleman, of SIH Primary Care in Harrisburg, explained that government restrictions on telemedicine were recently loosened, which opened different types of platforms for medical visits.

Infectious disease experts say, despite the COVID-19 pandemic, you should leave your gloves at home the next time you run an errand. "We do not recommend the public wears gloves when they're outside--especially in the supermarket or anywhere else," said Doctor Sarah Altamimi with SIH. "Wearing gloves just adds a false security sense that you are not really benefiting from at all."

SIH is requires everyone - employees, patients and visitors - to wear masks while in one of its hospitals or clinics. The new policy comes as Governor Pritzker announces a modified stay at home order that will require people wear a face mask or covering when in public indoor spaces. Francis Murphy, General Manager of the Neighborhood Co-Op Grocery store in Carbondale, says he's seen in increase in customers wearing masks.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has recommended universal mask wearing to help combat the spread of the coronavirus. Dr. Matthew Winkleman, a primary care physician with SIH, said mask wearing is especially critical in situations where social distancing is more difficult.

Gov. J.B. Pritzker on Thursday extended Illinois' stay-at-home order through May 30, with some modifications. One of those modifications includes requiring face coverings for everyone in indoor public places and in places where people can't maintain a 6-foot distance from others.

A relief fund is helping local health care workers and the community they serve. It's called the SIH COVID-19 Relief Fund. Being a health care professional has never been easy. Add a pandemic to the mix, and the stress level increases substantially. Vice President of Community Affairs Woody Thorne with Southern Illinois Healthcare said they're handling it the best they can.

Illinoisans will be required to wear face masks or other face coverings starting May 1 in public places where they cannot maintain social distancing. Southern Illinois doctors hope everyone takes Illinois Gov. J.B Pritzker's new mask requirement seriously. Dr. Matt Winkleman with SIH said there's no need for people to wait until May 1 to start wearing masks. They should start today.

After hearing about the shortage of personal protective equipment to fight COVID-19, Bernie Hennenberger’s best friend, Darren Haney, had an idea to help local hospitals during the pandemic. They could use their 3D printers to make face shields for health care workers.

Social distancing and concerns over COVID-19 are prompting many hospitals to cancel elective procedures, but many patients still need to see their doctors. Doctor Matt Winkleman has been on the front lines for SIH in the fight against the coronavirus. He says in the last week they've made major strides in taking their effort to serve more patients online. Telehealth has become a necessary alternative for patients and local health care providers.