News From SIH

November marks Lung Cancer Awareness Month. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), smoking cigarettes contributes to 80%-90% of all lung cancer deaths. The lung cancer mortality rate in Southern Illinois (66.4 people per 100,000) is almost twice the national mortality rate of 39.1 people. One guaranteed way to help prevent lung cancer is by taking the crucial step of quitting.

The radiation oncology department at the SIH Cancer Institute is among only 250 programs nationally to receive Apex Accreditation Program for Excellence ©, a gold standard in patient safety, from the American Society for Radiation Oncology (ASTRO). The achievement followed a rigorous internal process.

"I feel like within this community, we're here to support each other no matter what you believe, no matter what you follow, no matter your religious beliefs, we're here to support you."

Hispanic Heritage Month serves as a reminder to all people in all countries through the Americas about not only the history, but also the current challenges and conditions Indigenous people face to this day.

"I've been able to walk maybe 20 feet or so, with crutches, and that's a wonderful start. I haven't been able to do that in over a year or so, I'm tickled to death...tickled to death."

Jonatan Hornik, MD, a neurologist in the SIH Brain and Spine Institute, spoke to members of SIH Second Act to help them understand neurological emergencies.

"We have treatment for it," Jason West, MD, said during a radio interview on July 14. He highlighted medical assisted recovery efforts at SIH. 

Beginning Saturday, July 1, 2023, SIH will no longer require COVID vaccination as a condition of employment. The decision comes with the official end of the public health emergency and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) reversal of the vaccination requirement. SIH will also cease asymptomatic pre-admission COVID testing on July 1.