Delta Region to add mental health component to school programs Communities and families in Illinois’ southernmost counties will have improved access to programs to combat chronic diseases thanks to a new $2.1 million federal grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA). The funds will support collaborations among health care providers, public health departments, schools and community organizations to use evidence-based models to address diabetes, cardiovascular disease, obesity, stroke and behavioral health. The Illinois CATCH onto Health! Consortium has been assisting

Doubled space, ser vices benefit patients The purple and green walls at the SIU Center for Family Medicine in Springfield speak to the patients with quotes such as “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away” and “Did you know that skin is the largest organ?” Freshly painted walls, more exam rooms, easier access to health care providers and services. These are just some of the benefits patients are enjoying at the SIU Center for Family Medicine, 520 N. Fourth Street in Springfield, which in late August opened a newly-built expansion that doubles its space to total 60,300 sq ft. The space increases

Doubled space, ser vices benefit patients The purple and green walls at the SIU Center for Family Medicine in Springfield speak to the patients with quotes such as “An Apple a Day Keeps the Doctor Away” and “Did you know that skin is the largest organ?” Freshly painted walls, more exam rooms, easier access to health care providers and services. These are just some of the benefits patients are enjoying at the SIU Center for Family Medicine, 520 N. Fourth Street in Springfield, which in late August opened a newly-built expansion that doubles its space to total 60,300 sq ft. The space increases

Family physicians in eight Illinois communities are hosting students from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine September 27 – October 20. 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 an office 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 2018, then pursue advanced training in a specific

Family physicians in eight Illinois communities are hosting students from Southern Illinois University School of Medicine September 27 – October 20. 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 an office 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 2018, then pursue advanced training in a specific

Topics include fitness fads, Zika virus, vaping Southern Illinois University School of Medicine will address the most persistent health trends of 2016 at its 14th Annual Women’s Health Conference. Health care professionals, including primary care physicians and midlevel providers, who have an interest in women’s health are invited to attend the conference from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., Springfield. Topics of the 14th Annual Women’s Health Conference: Trending Headlines in Women’s Health include: •

Topics include fitness fads, Zika virus, vaping Southern Illinois University School of Medicine will address the most persistent health trends of 2016 at its 14th Annual Women’s Health Conference. Health care professionals, including primary care physicians and midlevel providers, who have an interest in women’s health are invited to attend the conference from 7:45 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 5, at the Memorial Center for Learning and Innovation, 228 W. Miller St., Springfield. Topics of the 14th Annual Women’s Health Conference: Trending Headlines in Women’s Health include: •

Studies show that health care professionals affect about 20 percent of health outcomes. The other 80 percent depends mostly on physical and emotional environment and on individual health behaviors. The 2016 County Health Rankings showed that 22 of the 25 counties with the worst health outcomes in Illinois are in the 66-county SIU service region. The new Population Science and Health Program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and SIU HealthCare, launching October 1, will study that 80 percent and link the practice of medicine with the population-based factors that influence

Studies show that health care professionals affect about 20 percent of health outcomes. The other 80 percent depends mostly on physical and emotional environment and on individual health behaviors. The 2016 County Health Rankings showed that 22 of the 25 counties with the worst health outcomes in Illinois are in the 66-county SIU service region. The new Population Science and Health Program at Southern Illinois University School of Medicine and SIU HealthCare, launching October 1, will study that 80 percent and link the practice of medicine with the population-based factors that influence

It’s Prostate Cancer Awareness Month. The Regional Cancer Partnership of Illinois (RCPIL) will provide free prostate cancer screenings from 5 -7 p.m. on Monday, September 26, at the Sangamon County Department of Public Health, 2833 S. Grand Ave. East, Springfield. Appointments for the screening event, which includes a prostate-specific antigen test (PSA), blood test and digital rectal exam by a physician, can be made by calling 217-535-3100, ext. 3744. The event is open to men between the ages of 40 and 70 who are not under the routine care of a urologist, who have no history of prostate