CARBONDALE, IL ─ Even if traditional “back to school” rituals present new questions for parents, public health officials and providers are reminding families that required physicials and immunizations should still be scheduled. Making those appointments now avoids the high demand period in August. “Due to the coronavirus, this year’s physicals will be handled differently. Since patients and their families will have fewer options for free clinical services, we are urging parents and our patients to schedule appointments now before the new school year begins,” said Dr. Max Crouse, chief resident

The SIU Centers for Family Medicine, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Public Health, is expanding access to COVID-19 testing to everyone. Previously, testing was limited to those meeting certain screening criteria. Now, anyone can be tested, including individuals who have no symptoms. As restrictions on gatherings change and more businesses open, the testing expansion will give community administrators and public health professionals the opportunity to monitor infection rates and keep infection rates low. Carbondale’s testing site is located at the SIU Center for Family Medicine

The SIU Centers for Family Medicine, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Public Health, is expanding access to COVID-19 testing to everyone. Previously, testing was limited to those meeting certain screening criteria. Now, anyone can be tested, including individuals who have no symptoms. As restrictions on gatherings change and more businesses open, the testing expansion will give community administrators and public health professionals the opportunity to monitor infection rates and keep infection rates low. Carbondale’s testing site is located at the SIU Center for Family Medicine

The SIU Centers for Family Medicine, in coordination with the Illinois Department of Public Health, is expanding access to COVID-19 testing to everyone. Previously, testing was limited to those meeting certain screening criteria. Now, anyone can be tested, including individuals who have no symptoms. As restrictions on gatherings change and more businesses open, the testing expansion will give community administrators and public health professionals the opportunity to monitor infection rates and keep infection rates low. Carbondale’s testing site is located at the SIU Center for Family Medicine

Police brutality illuminates a dark history in our society. There is no single universally agreed upon definition or guideline for when to use force. However, we know it when we see it. Police brutality was clearly on display when adults, children and our community witnessed George screaming he couldn’t breathe, crying out for his mother, and passing away as a knee was placed on his neck for eight minutes and 46 seconds. We saw a profound, inconceivable tragedy. As physicians, we take a Hippocratic Oath. Witnessing this brutality without taking action violates our oath. Our collective response

Charlyn Ware, registered dietician in the Department of Internal Medicine, shares her 5 secrets to making the most of what’s in your freezer and pantry, plus her recipe for healthy and flavorful Thai Chicken.

On April 6, 2020, my message to SIU Medicine employees focused on racial inequities in the delivery of health care, racial disparities in health care outcomes, and the overt and implicit systemic racism that lies at the root of these inequities and disparities for African Americans. On that day, using concepts articulated by Anthony Fauci, I wrote: “[The COVID-19 pandemic] has shined a light brightly and directly on America’s greatest shame – the inequities that African Americans have suffered and endured for centuries... Inequities have always existed for African Americans. Over four

On April 6, 2020, my message to SIU Medicine employees focused on racial inequities in the delivery of health care, racial disparities in health care outcomes, and the overt and implicit systemic racism that lies at the root of these inequities and disparities for African Americans. On that day, using concepts articulated by Anthony Fauci, I wrote: “[The COVID-19 pandemic] has shined a light brightly and directly on America’s greatest shame – the inequities that African Americans have suffered and endured for centuries... Inequities have always existed for African Americans. Over four

May 8, 2020 Beginning May 11, the Governor’s “Restore Illinois” plan allows elective procedures and surgeries to once again be performed. SIU Medicine providers will be performing procedures and surgeries at a variety of hospitals. Each hospital has slightly different restrictions, processes and prioritization criteria. Patients will be tested for COVID-19 prior to surgery to ensure the safety of the patient and the medical team. Each hospital will work with you to coordinate the required testing prior to your surgery or procedure. Emergent surgeries will be done without testing as we are

Central Illinois health-care providers promote correct mask use to reduce spread of COVID-19 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 8, 2020 CONTACT: Dean Olsen, Memorial Health System 217-836-1068 | olsen.dean@mhsil.com Erica Johnson, HSHS St. John’s Hospital 217-303-6344 | erica.johnson@hshs.org Guidance On Correct Use Of Masks Promoted by HSHS Illinois, Memorial Health System, SIU Medicine, Springfield Clinic SPRINGFIELD — Masks worn in public to prevent the spread of COVID-19 should cover the bridge of the nose, mouth and chin to be most effective, local health-care providers say. The advice comes in