Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN)

ICAHN advances the strength, sustainability, and transformation of Illinois’ rural hospitals through collaboration, advocacy, and shared solutions.

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

Why do you love rural health?
#SustainableHospitals #StrongCommunities #AHealthierRuralIllinois #BetterTogether

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

For World Alzheimer’s Day, take a moment to think about #brainhealth and the everyday choices that may make a difference.

Research shows that healthy habits—including eating well, staying active and challenging your mind—may help reduce the risk of cognitive decline.

Small steps can support brain health at every age. Explore the Alzheimer’s Association’s (re)think your brain™ resources for practical ways to get started. https://t.co/tvuqpq0jwb

#WorldAlzheimersDay #AlzheimersAwareness #RuralHealth #HealthyAging

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

ICAHN was proud to be part of last week’s @ruralhealth Critical Access Hospital Conference in Kansas City!

Michelle Hansen, director of clinical programs at ICAHN, joined experts from @LaerdalGH and McDonoughDistrict Hospital, an ICAHN member hospital, to present “Advancing Rural Clinical Readiness Through Simulation.”

The session focused specifically on the use of simulation to strengthen #laboranddelivery readiness in rural hospitals—helping clinical teams build skills, practice responses and prepare for situations where readiness can make all the difference.

A few photos from the training and a great opportunity to share the work happening in #ruralIllinois with rural healthcare colleagues from across the country!

#RuralHealth #RuralHealthcare #CriticalAccessHospitals #ClinicalSimulation

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

Registration is OPEN for the 2026 ICAHN Annual Conference! ICAHN member hospitals are at the heart of this event, and we’re excited to welcome colleagues from across #ruralIllinois for a day of learning, connection and ideas focused on strengthening #ruralhealthcare.

This year’s conference will be held Wednesday, November 11, at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign. Pre-conference workshops and the welcome reception, sponsored by Deaconess, will take place on Tuesday, November 10.

Come for nationally recognized speakers, timely breakout sessions, networking, ICAHN awards and recognition, and conversations with people who understand the opportunities and challenges facing rural healthcare.

ICAHN members: Register early and save! The early registration rate is available through Friday, October 16. Plus, register 12 attendees from your hospital and receive the 13th registration FREE.

Register today and make plans to join us in Champaign: https://t.co/OzxiNMyQvG
#RuralHealth #BetterTogether

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

ICAHN continues to move forward with Illinois' Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), and we want to keep eligible #ruralhospitals and interested vendors informed about the latest opportunities and next steps.

-Workforce Investment: The grant application is not yet open in the Euna platform. Once it becomes available, ICAHN will notify all eligible hospitals through email, social media, and our website.

-Disease Prevention & Chronic Disease Programs: The grant application is also not yet open in Euna. Eligible hospitals will be notified as soon as applications can be submitted.

Informational webinars have been held for both grant opportunities; recordings, sample applications, budget worksheets, and other resources are available on our website.

-Technology Innovation: Before the Technology Innovation grant opportunity moves forward, ICAHN is seeking proposals from vendors for a Digital Readiness and Needs Assessment of eligible rural hospitals. Responses to ICAHN’s RFP are due no later than 5 p.m. central time on September 23, 2026.

We know many of you are ready for the next step. No action is needed in Euna yet for the Workforce or Disease Prevention opportunities. We’ll communicate when the application process officially opens.

For the most current RHTP information, deadlines and resources, visit: https://t.co/QJM6iWumG9

#RuralHealthTransformation #RuralHealth #RuralHealthcare #IllinoisHealthcare

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

We’re pleased to welcome Wintergreen as ICAHN’s newest Blue Star Business Partner!

Wintergreen has worked with more than 300 community hospitals and clinics across 40 states, helping #ruralhealthcare organizations turn priorities into practical, actionable solutions.

Their expertise includes performance improvement, revenue cycle, grant stewardship, provider alignment, financial assistance and regional optimization. Wintergreen has also worked directly with the Illinois Medicare Rural Hospital Flexibility (Flex) Program, supporting #CriticalAccessHospitals across Illinois.

We’re pleased to welcome Wintergreen to ICAHN’s network of partners supporting sustainable hospitals and strong rural communities.

Learn more: https://t.co/UHkq8Qjuyo

#RuralHealth #BetterTogether

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

Welcome to Member Mondays! This week, we're spotlighting Memorial Hospital in #CarthageIL!

Memorial Hospital has been a trusted #ruralhealthcare provider for the people of Hancock County and the region for more than 75 years, offering a wide range of services from primary care to specialty care through regional partnerships.

These important services, along with innovative programs like FOCUS Fitness, a fitness center for staff and the community, and Memorial Medical Clinic Mobile, a first-of-its-kind program that brings behavioral health services to students ages 4-18 directly at the schools they attend, have earned Memorial Hospital national recognition as an “Outstanding Rural Health Organization” by the National Rural Health Association. Additionally, the hospital has been recognized by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services as a 5-star hospital in patient satisfaction for six consecutive years, an honor that reflects its deep commitment to exceptional, patient-centered care.

Learn more at https://t.co/jMSuP8vc8A

#SustainableHospitals #AHealthierRuralIllinois #MobileMedicalClinic #HancockCountyIL

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

On World Suicide Prevention Day, ICAHN joins rural hospitals and communities across Illinois in raising awareness, encouraging connection, and reminding everyone that help is always within reach.

In rural communities, where neighbors may live farther apart and resources may be more spread out, staying connected to one another can be especially important. A conversation, a check-in, or simply taking the time to listen can make a difference.

If you or someone you know needs support, go to your nearest emergency room, call or text 988, or visit https://t.co/krQxGNpJ9C to chat with a trained crisis counselor.

Together, we can help make sure people throughout #ruralIllinois know they don’t have to face a difficult moment alone.

#WorldSuicidePreventionDay #SuicidePrevention #988Lifeline #RuralHealth #MentalHealthMatters

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

Meet ICAHN Preferred Business Partner Vizient!

As the nation’s leading #healthcareperformanceimprovement company, Vizient strengthens members’ delivery of high-value care by aligning cost, quality, and market performance.

Vizient’s experts help ICAHN member hospitals’ experts turn data into actionable insights and tangible results for their #ruralhospitals. They deliver integrated cost, quality, and market performance solutions across the care continuum and help member hospitals optimize their supply operation, improve care delivery, evolve strategies to #grow and #compete, and maximize #pharmacyperformance.

Learn more at https://t.co/UCWb4DqbOO.

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

We’re excited to see ICAHN represented at the National Rural Health Association’s Critical Access Hospital Conference in Kansas City! The conference brings together #ruralhospital professionals from across the country to share ideas, learn from experts and explore solutions for strengthening #ruralhealthcare.

Michelle Hansen, ICAHN Director of Clinical Programs, will co-present the breakout session “Advancing Rural Clinical Readiness Through Simulation” with Laerdal Medical and McDonough District Hospital, an ICAHN member hospital.

Michelle’s work with ICAHN helps rural healthcare teams build skills, strengthen clinical readiness and prepare for real-world situations through hands-on simulation. We’re proud to have her sharing that experience with #ruralhealth colleagues on a national stage!

Heading to NRHA’s #CriticalAccessHospital Conference? Be sure to add this session to your schedule! Visit https://t.co/Ywr3VVfrCi

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

A new name. A new look. An even better way to listen, learn and improve. Survey Solutions by ICAHN is now ICAHN Surveys!

We’re excited to introduce our new name and look—and soon, a brand-new, custom-built platform designed to help survey users better understand patient perspectives and turn those insights into better patient experiences.

For our current ICAHN Surveys clients, we look forward to continuing to work with you! We’ll be with you throughout the transition and will share more in the coming weeks and months, including platform demonstrations, virtual trainings and resources to help you get acquainted with the new system.

Not currently an ICAHN Surveys client? We’d love to tell you more about how our #patientexperience survey services can support your organization.

Questions, contact: [email protected]
Learn more: https://t.co/2tptfHXAyF

ICAHN Surveys—an even better way to listen, learn and improve.

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

What does it really take to lead and sustain a rural hospital today? ICAHN Executive Director Tracy Warner recently joined host Mark Craig on The Regional Hospital Voice podcast for a conversation about the realities, challenges and opportunities shaping #ruralhealthcare.

In Part 1 of this two-part conversation, Tracy shares insights from more than 30 years in #ruralhealth, discussing the unique demands facing rural hospitals—from leadership and reimbursement pressures to cybersecurity, governance and long-term sustainability.

She also talks about something we see every day at ICAHN: #ruralhospitals are far more than smaller versions of urban hospitals. They are comprehensive healthcare organizations, major employers and essential anchors for the communities they serve.

The conversation also explores the power of collaboration and shared resources, as well as the opportunities ahead through Illinois’ Rural Health Transformation Program.

Listen to Part 1: https://t.co/yHyHCbT2FM

The episode is also available on Spotify, iHeartRadio, Amazon Music and Pandora. Stay tuned for Part 2!
#HealthcareLeadership #IllinoisHealthcare

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

Applications are now open for the 2026-2027 ICAHN Rural Health Fellowship! Designed specifically for new and emerging C-suite and C-suite track leaders, ICAHN’s six-month Rural Health Fellowship helps participants strengthen their skills, expand their networks and deepen their understanding of what it takes to lead in rural healthcare.

Fellows learn from experts, mentors and one another while exploring four key areas: Hospital Leadership, Hospital Operations, Hospital Finance and Rural Health Advocacy

The 2026-2027 Fellowship begins October 27 in Springfield, Ill. and includes virtual learning, in-person leadership events, #CriticalAccessHospital visits, executive coaching, peer networking and more.

Applications are due October 2, 2026. Participation is limited to 20 Fellows.

Ready to take the next step in your rural #healthcareleadership journey? Apply today: https://t.co/Niisumbsrq

Questions? Contact Kathy Fauble at [email protected]. #RuralHealth #RuralHealthcare #RuralHospitals #HospitalCSuite

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

Welcome to this week’s Member Mondays spotlight: Community Hospital of Staunton in Staunton, Illinois.

For more than 75 years, this 25-bed #CriticalAccessHospital and Anderson Healthcare partner has provided compassionate, high-quality #ruralhealthcare close to home for Macoupin County and the surrounding region.

From 24/7 emergency services and specialty clinics to rehabilitation, oncology, cardiopulmonary care, Swing Bed care, and more, Community Hospital of Staunton helps rural residents access the care they need without traveling far from home.

Read the full profile at https://t.co/YWCXRpBeZF.

#StrongCommunities #AHealthierRuralIllinois #BetterTogether

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

#Grief touches every community—and every person experiences it differently.

In #ruralcommunities, where neighbors, families and healthcare teams are often deeply connected, supporting one another through loss is an important part of caring for the whole community.

Today, we honor every loss, acknowledge every journey through grief and remind those who are grieving that support is available.

Stronger communities care for one another. Better Together.

#GriefAwarenessDay #RuralHealthcare #RuralHealth

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

ICAHN is seeking a qualified vendor to conduct digital readiness and needs assessments for the 78 Illinois hospitals eligible for #RuralHealthTransformationProgram (RHTP) Technology Innovation grant funding.

The assessments will help hospitals evaluate current technology environments, identify opportunities for investment and determine priorities as hospitals prepare to apply for RHTP funding through ICAHN.

Organizations with experience in digital health, healthcare technology, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, interoperability or technology readiness—particularly experience working with rural hospitals—are encouraged to review the RFP and submit a proposal.

Not the right fit? Please share this opportunity with colleagues or organizations that may have the expertise and #ruralhealthcare experience needed for this important work.

RFP: https://t.co/SwpI44FPOo

Download proposal attachments for submission: https://t.co/zy0rbpEYOs

Questions: [email protected]
#HealthcareTechnology #HealthIT #RuralHealth #IllinoisHospitals

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

Building the future of #ruralhealthcare starts with giving the next generation opportunities to learn, grow and gain meaningful hands-on experience.

ICAHN member Iroquois Memorial Hospital in #WatsekaIL is partnering with @KCCedu to provide Certified Nursing Assistant students with real-world clinical experiences at the IMH Resident Home and Progressive Care Unit. Students are working alongside experienced healthcare professionals, building essential skills and confidence while providing compassionate care to residents.

Partnerships like this help strengthen the rural healthcare workforce pipeline and introduce future healthcare professionals to the rewarding opportunities available in rural communities.

Great work investing in the caregivers of tomorrow! #HealthcareWorkforce #RuralHealth #CNA #HealthcareCareers
https://t.co/dMH9Aiehl5

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

Congratulations to ICAHN member McDonough District Hospital (MDH) in #MacombIL on receiving a nearly $4 million grant through @HRSAgov Rural Maternity and Obstetrics Management Strategies (MOMS) program. MDH is the only hospital in Illinois and one of only a few in the Midwest to receive this highly competitive national grant.

The four-year investment will support MDH’s work to improve maternal and infant health and expand access to safe, timely and high-quality maternity care for families throughout the region.

At a time when access to obstetric care remains such an important issue for rural communities, investments like this are especially meaningful. We’re proud to see an ICAHN member leading the way and strengthening care for mothers, babies and families across #ruralIllinois.

Read more from Tri States Public Radio: https://t.co/ksztSUxxHz

#RuralHealth #RuralHealthcare #MaternalHealth #RuralMOMS

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

Small-town hospitals are more than just a place to go when you need care—they’re partners, neighbors and an important part of the communities they serve.

Love seeing ICAHN member Kirby Medical Center supporting the Monticello Community Garden and helping celebrate 10 years of this community-focused project. It’s a great example of how #ruralhospitals can help strengthen the health and vitality of their communities in so many ways.

#RuralHealth #StrongCommunities #BetterTogether #MonticelloIL

Watch here: https://t.co/juwYY38Rg0

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

We’re looking forward to seeing our colleagues in #SpringfieldIL next week for the @ILPublicHealth Association 85th Annual Public Health Workforce Conference!

ICAHN Executive Director Tracy Warner will join other state and regional leaders on the Opening Session Keynote panel, “Rural Health Transformation in Illinois: Advancing the Future Together,” on September 2 from 9:00–10:15 a.m.

The discussion will explore the implementation of #ruralhealthtransformation initiatives, opportunities for cross-sector collaboration, key policy and infrastructure challenges, and strategies to strengthen healthcare access, public health systems, and health outcomes across rural Illinois.

We’re excited for this important conversation and the opportunity to connect with partners working toward a stronger, healthier #ruralIllinois.

For more information on the conference, visit: https://t.co/AtygDwbzwU See you in Springfield! #PublicHealth #IllinoisHealthcare #RuralHealth

[Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) @ICAHNRural]

Workforce housing is becoming an increasingly important piece of the #ruralhealthcare landscape.

ICAHN member Hammond-Henry Hospital in #GeneseoIL is taking a creative approach by constructing two studio apartments to provide temporary housing for medical students and physicians covering shifts. Supported by community donations, the project will help reduce hotel and rental costs while providing convenient housing for healthcare professionals serving the community.

Read the full article: https://t.co/FVYZDOloYL #HealthcareWorkforce #CriticalAccessHospitals #RuralIllinois