Shawnee Health Service to partner with State of Illinois to expand COVID-19 testing
Shawnee Health Service, in coordination with the State of Illinois and the Illinois Primary Health Care Association, will expand access to COVID-19 testing for high-risk Illinoisans with COVID-19 symptoms. The expansion of testing will help reduce the transmission of the disease and improve health outcomes.
In an update on statewide efforts to expand testing, Governor JB Pritzker announced, “We are utilizing our incredible statewide network of Federally Qualified Health Centers to launch new testing locations in communities across Illinois. These new sites will feed specimens to our network of expanded laboratory capacity.”
Shawnee Health Service will test individuals with COVID-19 symptoms. Symptoms include fever, cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, and new loss of taste or smell, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
Shawnee Health Service especially encourages symptomatic patients who have been exposed to an individual who has tested positive for COVID-19, who are over 60 years of age, who have a chronic health condition, who work in an essential community service, such as a grocery store or childcare facility, or who reside in temporary shelter, such as a homeless shelter, to seek testing.
If an individual is experiencing symptoms of COVID-19, he or she should call (618) 519-9200. Individuals will be screened via phone. If deemed necessary, an appointment will be made for testing at Shawnee Health Care in Carbondale, Carterville, or Murphysboro. Testing is open to all southern Illinoisans, regardless of whether or not they are a patient or client of Shawnee Health Service.
Shawnee Health Service is continuing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of our commitment to our patients and clients who count on us for their safety and wellbeing.
Shawnee Health Service COVID-19 Operations Update
Shawnee Health Service is committed to continuing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic as part of our commitment to our patients and clients who count on us for their safety and wellbeing. We aren’t going anywhere. We are committed to serving you and our community.
We hope that you and your family are staying safe and well. We hope that you are following the CDC recommended guidelines for protecting yourself from coronavirus and getting your coronavirus information from reliable sources, like the CDC. Maybe most importantly, we hope that you are taking care of your mental and emotional health.
We wanted to reach out to provide some information about what we are doing and what you can do to protect the health of our friends and neighbors in southern Illinois.
What is Shawnee Health Care doing?
Keeping Our Patients Safe – We are asking that our patients call before their appointments. Your Shawnee Health Care clinician will determine the best, safest way to care for you. That may be by phone, by video visit, or at a face-to-face appointment. All employees, patients, and visitors of Shawnee Health Care are required to wear a mask. Only one additional person is allowed to accompany a patient into a visit.
Video Visits – Shawnee Health Care is now offering Video Visits, through Zoom (a free app), for patient appointments. For step by step instructions, visit www.shawneehealth.com/video-visits. Call (618) 519-9200 to get started.
Face-to-Face Visits – Shawnee Health Care clinicians are still seeing patients at Shawnee Health Care in Carbondale, Carterville, and Murphysboro, and at Shawnee Health Care, OB/GYN. Shawnee Health Care in Marion, Marion Wellness, and Terrier Care remain closed at this time. If you are experiencing a dental emergency (severe pain, loose tooth, chipped or cracked tooth, swelling or knots in gums, etc.), please call (618) 519-9200. We are still doing our best to practice social distancing guidelines in our waiting rooms and with sick patients. You will be screened for symptoms of coronavirus upon arrival at the health center.
Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)
Shawnee Health Service is actively looking for resources and communicating with our distributors regarding availability and ordering of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks. We are currently accepting donations of homemade fabric masks, commercially manufactured masks, goggles which provide full eye protection (front and sides), and clear plastic face shields. Donations will be accepted at the Shawnee Health Service Administrative Office at 109 California Street, Carterville, IL 62918 between 8:30 am and 5:00 pm.
Protecting Our Employees
Shawnee Health Service is still practicing social distancing guidelines to the best of our ability. We are offering paid leave and work modifications for some employees, as well as federally mandated leave related to coronavirus. All Shawnee Health Service employees are required to wear masks while working.
What can you do to protect yourself?
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, or if soap and water are not readily available, use a hand sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth with unwashed hands.
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick, and put distance between yourself and other people if COVID-19 is spreading in your community.
What can you do to protect others?
- Stay home if you’re sick
- Cover coughs and sneezes with a tissue when you cough or sneeze or use the inside of your elbow. Throw used tissues in the trash, and immediately clean your hands after.
- Wear a face mask if you are sick. If you are NOT sick, you do not need to wear a face mask unless you are caring for someone who is sick (and they are not able to wear a face mask). Face masks may be in short supply and they should be saved for caregivers.
- Clean AND disinfect frequently touched surfaces daily. This includes tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, and sinks.
What should you do if you feel sick?
If you are experiencing the symptoms of coronavirus, which are fever, cough, and shortness of breath, contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will discuss your symptoms, travel history, and any known exposure to a person who has tested positive for the virus.
Your health care provider may run a rapid flu test or respiratory viral panel. Those tests help rule out anything more common. Based upon that test, your health care provider will decide whether or not to request COVID-19 testing (per Jackson County Health Department).
Shawnee Health Service understands this is a difficult and stressful time for its employees and the community. To prevent the spread of misinformation related to workplace changes prompted by COVID-19, we want to explain what we’re doing to help our employees whose work schedules and locations are affected by the Governor’s order to shelter in place until April 7, 2020.
Because health care is an essential service, Shawnee Health Service will remain open in a limited capacity. Our OB/GYN clinic remains open, but all other services have been moved to our Carbondale campus. Shawnee Health Service has not implemented a layoff of employees at this time. We are making arrangements for employees who are able to work or telework wherever possible. Some employees will have reduced schedules because of the changes. We’re creating staffing rotations to ensure our employees who are able to continue working are scheduled to work some hours during this time. Insurance benefits will not be affected and employees are not losing their benefits, including paid leave balances.
For affected employees, Shawnee Health Service is providing up to 80 hours of paid leave to cover the hours employees are no longer scheduled to work because of the reduction in services and locations. These hours are paid at the employee’s regular rate of pay. This paid leave is separate from the employee’s regular paid leave balance. Employees are not required to use their paid leave before using the provided 80 hours. During the 80 paid leave hours, Shawnee Health Service will cover the employee’s entire health and dental insurance premiums meaning employees are not required to pay their share like normal.
It’s our hope that these benefits will relieve some stress and anxiety for our employees. The situation is constantly changing based on federal and state guidance and orders. We will keep all employees informed of future changes.
If employees have any questions, they should contact their supervisor or a member of management. We appreciate, and are proud of, all of our employees’ commitment to our patients and we’re always here to help.
– Shawnee Health Service
Shawnee Alliance receives COVID-19 grant for older adults 60+ with unmet needs
Shawnee Alliance, the social services division of Shawnee Health Service, has received an Emergency Assistance Services grant from Illinois Department on Aging in response to COVID-19. These funds will be used to assist older adults 60+ with unmet needs related to COVID-19 and isolation. Older adults 60+ in Shawnee Alliance’s 18-county service area are eligible for this assistance.
These unmet needs may include, but are not limited to:
- Nutritional needs
- Personal care and sanitation needs
- Personal medical care needs
- Transportation services
Counties in Shawnee Alliance’s service area which are eligible for assistance include: Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White, and Williamson.
Shawnee Alliance can submit requests to use funds for needs other than these pre-approved areas.
If you would like to request assistance, please call Shawnee Alliance at (618) 985-8322 or toll free at 1-800-642-7773. Requests can be submitted by phone only.
Click here for more information about older adults and COVID-19.
Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19)
March 27, 2020
Shawnee Health Service is now offering Video Visits, through Zoom (a free app), for patient appointments with our providers.
Call (618) 519-9200 to get started.
March 18, 2020
Due to the current COVID-19 precautions, Shawnee Health Service will close MOST health centers until further notice. The following facilities will be OPEN from 8 am to 5 pm, Monday through Friday:
Shawnee Health Care, Medical – 400 S Lewis Ln, Carbondale
Shawnee Health Care, Dental – 402 S Lewis Ln, Carbondale
Shawnee Health Care, OB/GYN – 101 S Wall St, Carbondale
Shawnee Health Care, Pharmacy (DRIVE THRU ONLY) – 7 S Hospital Dr, Murphysboro
Shawnee Health Care, Medical – 400 S Lewis Ln, Carbondale – will also be open on the following days:
Saturday, March 28 from 8 am – 5 pm
Sunday, March 29 from 11 am – 2 pm
Saturday, April 4 from 9 am – 2 pm
Sunday, April 5 from 11 am – 2 pm
March 18, 2020
Shawnee Alliance, the social services division of Shawnee Health Service, has received an Emergency Assistance Services grant from Illinois Department on Aging in response to COVID-19. These funds will be used to assist older adults 60+ with unmet needs related to COVID-19 and isolation. Older adults 60+ in Shawnee Alliance’s 18-county service area are eligible for this assistance.
These unmet needs may include, but are not limited to:
- Nutritional needs
- Personal care and sanitation needs
- Personal medical care needs
- Transportation services
Counties in Shawnee Alliance’s service area which are eligible for assistance include: Alexander, Edwards, Franklin, Gallatin, Hamilton, Hardin, Jackson, Johnson, Massac, Perry, Pope, Pulaski, Saline, Union, Wabash, Wayne, White, and Williamson.
Shawnee Alliance can submit requests to use funds for needs other than these pre-approved areas.
If you would like to request assistance, please call Shawnee Alliance at (618) 985-8322 or toll free at 1-800-642-7773. Requests can be submitted by phone only.
Click here for more information about older adults and COVID-19.
March 17, 2020
If you have symptoms of COVID-19, here’s what to do:
Contact your health care provider. Your health care provider will discuss symptoms with a patient, travel history and any known exposure to a person who has tested positive for the virus.
Your health care provider may run a rapid flu test or respiratory viral panel. Those tests help rule out anything more common. Based upon that test, your health care provider will decide whether or not to request COVID-19 testing (per Jackson County Health Department).
Symptoms of COVID-19 can include:
1) Cough
2) Fever
3) Shortness of breath
Seek medical advice if you develop symptoms, and have been in close contact with a person known to have COVID-19 or if you live in or have recently been in an area with ongoing spread of COVID-19. Symptoms may appear 2-14 days after exposure.
March 10, 2020
We know that you likely have questions about coronavirus, or COVID-19. Shawnee Health Care wants to keep you and your family informed, healthy, and safe.
Shawnee Health Service is actively monitoring the fast-moving developments with the coronavirus.
When looking for information on the Coronavirus, we recommend you use the Center for Disease Control (CDC) website (www.cdc.gov). This website contains the most accurate and up-to-date information. The CDC Facebook page (www.facebook.com/cdc) and YouTube page (www.youtube.com/CDCStreamingHealth) are also great resources with videos discussing common coronavirus-related questions and concerns.
Shawnee Health Service is taking steps to protect our patients and employees. A few examples of how we are doing this include:
- Our Contact Center is currently asking screening questions prior to scheduling appointments. If the screening questions are positive, then a patient case is generated for further action.
- We have placed signs in each of our health centers advising patients to put on a mask if they have flu-like symptoms.
- We are actively looking for resources and communicating with our distributors regarding availability and ordering of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE), such as masks.
- We remain in contact with our local health departments, and we are constantly monitoring the CDC website. We are also participating in online trainings and updates when available.
What should you do to protect yourself from COVID-19? CDC recommends that you avoid being exposed to the virus and use everyday prevention action to prevent the spread of respiratory virus:
1) Cover your cough,
2) Wash your hands,
3) Stay home when sick.
We will keep you posted on the latest developments.
March is National Nutrition Month.
National Nutrition Month occurs every March as a campaign by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics. The goal of National Nutrition Month is to encourage Americans to improve their personal health through diet and the power of food.
The month is divided into four weeks. Each week emphasizes a certain topic based on healthy eating:
Week One: Eat a variety of nutritious foods every day!
Eat the rainbow! No, we don’t mean Skittles. Eat the rainbow just means to try a lot of different colorful fruits and vegetables. Bonus points if you try foods you have never had before, or that you do not eat often! You can also learn how to read nutrition labels, get plenty of water, control your portions, and eat slowly to savor the flavor.
Week Two: Plan your meals each week.
This one is pretty straightforward. Before the start of the week, try to plan out as many of your meals as you can. Use these planned meals to make your grocery list. If possible, look up meal options at your school or work for the week ahead. Try to make your meals away from home healthy, or prepare meals at home to take with you if no healthy options are available. Tip: look up restaurant menus ahead of time, and decide what you will order before you arrive.
Week Three: Learn skills to create tasty meals!
Try cooking! Many of us may be a bit uneasy in the kitchen. Cooking is like anything else–you have to practice to get better! No one is born a professional chef. Take this week to have fun with cooking healthy meals. Look up some healthy recipes for dishes you enjoy, or find recipes for new dishes to try. New foods can be more interesting when you have prepared them yourself. Another tip: Use the recipes you find to make your weekly grocery list. Remember to keep any uneaten food as leftovers to reduce food waste.
Week Four: See a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN).
Ask your doctor for a referral to see an RDN. Registered Dietitians are healthcare professionals who specialize in helping patients make the best food choices. Dietitians can help you make your diet extra healthy, while still including some of your favorite foods. Dietitians can also help treat various health conditions like obesity, diabetes, and many others.
Shawnee Health Care offers some programs that can be helpful to you, both during National Nutrition Month and year-round:
• Shawnee has two full-time dietitians, Gail Peterman and Marie Funk. Gail and Marie can help with all of your diet-related needs. Gail Peterman is also a Certified Diabetes Educator. This means she can help with all aspects of managing diabetes, including insulin. Marie Funk also has a Master’s Degree in Exercise Science. She can help you plan the perfect exercise routine. Click here to learn more about Nutrition Services at Shawnee Health Care.
• Lose to Gain is a comprehensive weight loss program offered at Shawnee. This program helps you make lasting healthy lifestyle changes, lose weight, and manage weight-related health problems. It involves a care team, which includes a Board-Certified Obesity Medicine Specialist, a dietitian, and Behavioral Health Specialist. Click here to learn more about Lose to Gain.
• Exercise Essentials is another program offered by Shawnee. As the name suggests, Exercise Essentials teaches you all of the basics of planning a personalized exercise routine that will optimize your results. This program is led by Marie Funk. This class meets Tuesday afternoons and Friday mornings at the John A. Logan Fitness Center.
Sources:
https://www.eatright.org/food/resources/national-nutrition-month
Contributed by Gage McCollum Fink, BS, MAcc,
Master of Science Graduate Student & Dietetic Intern – Southern Illinois University
Shawnee Health Service receives $50,000 child health grant
Shawnee Health Service was awarded a $50,000 grant from U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration’s (HRSA) Healthy Tomorrows Partnership for Children Program, a grant program which supports community-based partnerships and collaborations aimed at improving the health status of disadvantaged children, youth, and families.
In his announcement of the grant award, U.S. Representative Mike Bost (IL-12) said, “Community-based partnerships, like the Shawnee Health Service and Development Corporation, play a critical role in ensuring disadvantaged families are able to provide their children with the care they need. This grant will help local providers continue serving the individual and unique needs of families in Southern Illinois.”
Shawnee Health Service will use this grant funding to continue its highly successful Mind, Exercise, Nutrition, Do It! (MEND) Program, a healthy lifestyle program for families that empowers them to become healthier and more physically fit. Shawnee Health Service launched the MEND program in June 2018. Two groups of families have completed the program. The program is completely free and is open to all families with children in the 7-13 age range.
Shawnee Health Service awarded $300,000 to expand access to oral health care
Shawnee Health Service received a $300,000 award from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ (HHS), Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) to “expand oral health service capacity through new infrastructure enhancements.”
Shawnee Health Service plans to add two dental operatories to its Shawnee Health Care, Murphysboro and Marion Wellness School Health Center locations. Shawnee will use remaining funds for equipment upgrades.
The expansion will help Shawnee Health Service continue to provide needed dental services to poor and underserved residents of Jackson and Williamson Counties. In 2018, Shawnee Health Service provided care to over 15,000 patients with Medicaid, over 4,000 patients with Medicare, and almost 3,000 patients who had no insurance.
Shawnee Health Care, Dental is one of few dental providers in southern Illinois which accepts Medicaid and has a sliding fee scale for patients without insurance.
HRSA-funded health centers, like Shawnee Health Service, provide affordable, accessible, quality, and cost-effective primary health care services to their patients. According to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, health centers consistently deliver “high-quality primary care at a significantly lower cost than their peers and above-average results in controlling chronic conditions.”
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health Service has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. Shawnee Health Service believes that quality health care is a right, and continuously strives to ensure that patients receive the highest quality health care without regard to age, race, religion, sex, financial status, or where they live.
Shawnee Health Service receives National Quality Leader designation, $144,005 award from Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)
Shawnee Health Service received the National Quality Leader designation from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). National Quality Leader designation is given to health centers that rank in the top 1 to 2% of health centers nationwide in one or more key areas: behavioral health, diabetes prevention and management, and heart health. Shawnee Health Service was one of five health centers in Illinois which received this distinction.
The National Quality Leader designation is a category of Quality Improvement Award from HRSA. For its designation as a National Quality Leader, Shawnee Health Service received a $144,005 Quality Improvement Award. These Quality Improvement Awards are given to the highest performing health centers nationwide.
HRSA-funded health centers, like Shawnee Health Service, provide affordable, accessible, quality, and cost-effective primary health care services to their patients. According to Health and Human Services (HHS) Secretary Alex Azar, health centers consistently deliver “high-quality primary care at a significantly lower cost than their peers and above-average results in controlling chronic conditions.”
Since its inception in 1971, Shawnee Health Service has worked to improve the health and welfare of southern Illinois residents through the promotion, development and administration of quality, comprehensive health and social services. Shawnee Health Service believes that quality health care is a right, and continuously strives to ensure that patients receive the highest quality health care without regard to age, race, religion, sex, financial status, or where they live.
Contact:
Emma Kelley
Marketing, Outreach, & Recruitment Coordinator
Shawnee Health Service
(618) 519-9200, ext. 9570
Shawnee Health Care is teaming up with IlliniCare and First Southern Bank to offer you a day to get all of your child’s school exams and immunizations taken care of in one location.
We are offering this for children in grades K, 2, 6, and 9. You do not need to be a patient of Shawnee Health Care to take advantage of this opportunity.
Carbondale
When: July 16 starting at 7:30 am
Where: Campus at 400 S. Lewis Lane, Carbondale, IL
Services:
• physical – $25
• physical and dental exam – $35
• vision screening available
• required immunizations – insurance will be billed or if you do not have
insurance we will provide information on how to obtain them at low cost
Marion
When: July 18 starting at 7:30 am
Where: 1506 Sioux Drive, Marion, IL
Services:
• physical – $25
• physical and dental exam – $35
• required immunizations – insurance will be billed or if you do not have
insurance we will provide information on how to obtain them at low cost
There will be FREE backpacks and school supplies to give you a good start for a great school year! Inflatables and a Mobile Market will be available in Carbondale.
Your child will get to spin the prize wheel after his/her exams are completed to receive a prize!