COVID-19 Update: March 18, 2020 This is a daily joint communication from the Sangamon County Department of Public Health (SCDPH) along with Memorial Health System, HSHS St. John’s Hospital, Springfield Clinic and SIU Medicine updating you on the status of coronavirus (COVID-19) in Sangamon County. This communication will come at approximately 6 p.m. each day as necessary. At the time of this press release, the total number of confirmed cases between our five organizations continues to be four. Currently, one of those patients is at Memorial and three of them are now at their homes. Memorial

Graduate students and research staff from the Department of Pharmacology organized Brain Awareness Day at Franklin Middle School on Friday March 6, 2020. During Brain Awareness Day, students and staff delivered a neuroscience presentation to educate Franklin 8 th grade students on basic brain anatomy and physiology. The Dana Alliance for Brain Initiatives supports this outreach event by providing interactive hand-outs, booklets and pencils. The Department of Pharmacology provides sheep brains to enhance the hands-on learning experience for the 8 th grade students. Pictured: Madhusoodhanan

We are committed to making sure that you are receiving timely information as our community deals with the COVID-19 outbreak. The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed that a patient admitted at Memorial Medical Center has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by a member of the coronavirus family. The patient is critically ill and currently in Intensive Care. Our critical care team and other members of the patient’s care team are coordinating with local and state health officials in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Illinois Department

We are committed to making sure that you are receiving timely information as our community deals with the COVID-19 outbreak. The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed that a patient admitted at Memorial Medical Center has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by a member of the coronavirus family. The patient is critically ill and currently in Intensive Care. Our critical care team and other members of the patient’s care team are coordinating with local and state health officials in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Illinois Department

We are committed to making sure that you are receiving timely information as our community deals with the COVID-19 outbreak. The Illinois Department of Public Health has confirmed that a patient admitted at Memorial Medical Center has tested positive for COVID-19, the disease caused by a member of the coronavirus family. The patient is critically ill and currently in Intensive Care. Our critical care team and other members of the patient’s care team are coordinating with local and state health officials in accordance with guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Illinois Department

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a type of lung disease that results in scarring (fibrosis) of the lungs for an unknown reason. Over time, the scarring gets worse and it becomes harder to take deep breaths. The lungs become unable to take in enough oxygen. Dr. Rajagopal Sreedhar is recruiting participants for a clinical trial to see if pulmonary rehabilitation treatments improve the quality of life for patients with IPF. The study will compare standard of care treatment to exercise and education. The goal is test how well the combination of exercise and medication benefits the patient

Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and the Illinois Department of Corrections (IDOC) are partnering to provide health care for individuals at state correctional facilities. “We are eager to offer a new approach to care for our corrections population,” said Rob Jeffreys, acting director of Corrections. “SIU School of Medicine has a reputation for quality medical care and innovation. This new partnership gives us the opportunity to explore a different health care model, one that’s more patient-centered and outcome-based.” SIU’s Office of Correctional Medicine will initially focus on

Family physicians in several Illinois communities are hosting students from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine throughout February. The students are participating in the school’s Family Medicine Preceptorship Program. The experience provides an opportunity for students to use their medical knowledge in a clinic setting under the supervision of an experienced physician. The students choose from more than 160 family practice physicians in Illinois for their preceptorship experience. They will graduate from medical school in May 2021, then pursue advanced training in a specific area

February 4, 2020 WTAX, Erin Hascup, Ph.D., Director Center for Alzheimer's Disease and Related Disorders. Ask the Experts with Memorial Health Systems, Topic: Alzheimer's Disease. https://wtax.com/podcasts/ask-the-expert-with-memorial-health-system-2-…

Area cancer survivor models how life after breast cancer can look