ICAHN - Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network

08/26/2026

Congratulations to ICAHN member McDonough District Hospital (MDH) in on receiving a nearly $4 million grant through Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA)'s 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 .

MDH said it is the only hospital in Illinois to receive the grant, which it called a highly competitive national grant.

08/25/2026

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 can help strengthen the health and vitality of their communities in so many ways.

The garden is a partnership between the University of Illinois, Kirby Medical Center and the City of Monticello.

08/24/2026

We’re looking forward to seeing our colleagues in next week for the Illinois Public Health 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 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 .

For more information on the conference, visit: https://ipha.com/ipha-annual-conference/2026-ipha-conference/main-page See you in Springfield!

08/21/2026

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

ICAHN member Hammond-Henry Hospital in 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 below.

Health systems alter approaches to workforce housing in 2026, shifting from direct capital projects to partnerships and philanthropy to aid recruitment.

08/20/2026

For survivors of sexual assault, access to the right care at the right time can make all the difference. are often the first place patients turn to in a crisis, making strong connections between local hospitals and specialty providers essential.

Deaconess Illinois Medical Center in Marion, Ill., is expanding access to sexual assault exams as a designated Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) treatment facility. ICAHN member hospitals Deaconess Illinois Crossroads and Deaconess Illinois Union County Hospital will serve as transfer sites, helping survivors receive prompt evaluation and connect with the appropriate level of care.

It’s another example of how rural hospitals and regional healthcare partners can work together to strengthen access to critical services for the communities they serve.

Sexual assault survivors in Southern Illinois may have quicker access to specialized, trauma-informed medical care and forensic exams.

08/19/2026

Meet ICAHN Preferred Business Partner NextEra Advisors, formerly Usource! New name. Expanded capabilities. Same trusted team.

Usource has always been dedicated to helping organizations make smarter, more confident energy decisions. This year, they are elevating that mission even further as they transition to NextEra Advisors. Backed by the unmatched scale, innovation and financial strength of NextEra Energy, NextEra Advisors represents a bold new era for , procurement and planning.

While the name has changed, the commitment hasn’t. The team ICAHN member hospitals know and trust remains focused on providing clear, personalized guidance. Learn more: https://www.nexteraadvisors.com/

08/18/2026

Investing in means investing in the health of rural communities. ICAHN member Lawrence County Memorial Hospital in received a $450,000 USDA Rural Development grant that will support important technology and equipment upgrades—from ultrasound technology to medication dispensing and anesthesia equipment.

We’re thrilled to see resources supporting the continued strength of in Illinois.

The U.S. Department of Agriculture awarded a grant to Lawrence County Memorial Hospital.

08/17/2026

We’re excited to share that ICAHN member Crawford Memorial Hospital in has been named to the inaugural Forbes Top Hospitals by State 2026 list!

Crawford Memorial also earned an impressive five-star overall hospital quality rating from Forbes, placing it among just 259 hospitals nationwide to achieve the highest rating.

Forbes evaluated nearly 2,600 eligible hospitals using 56 quality measures from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), assessing patient outcomes, best practices, value and patient experience.

With just 10 earning a place on this year’s state list, this recognition is a tremendous testament to Crawford Memorial’s commitment to delivering high-quality care to the community it serves.

Congratulations to the entire Crawford Memorial Hospital team on this outstanding achievement! Read the article here: https://www.forbes.com/lists/top-hospitals-by-state/

The 2026 list of Forbes Top Hospitals by State rates the nation's best hospitals in each state. Discover the top-quality healthcare institutions in your state.

08/17/2026

The Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network secured more than $50m in grant funding to modernize technology and support the workforce.

08/14/2026

A well-deserved spotlight on rural healthcare partnership! ICAHN member Taylorville Memorial Hospital has been named the recipient of the 2026 Community Partner Award from University of Illinois Extension in Christian County.

For the past decade, Taylorville Memorial Hospital has partnered with Illinois Extension to advance health and wellness in its community—from nutrition education and chronic disease prevention to hands-on programs that bring residents together.

This recognition is a great example of what can happen when and community organizations work together to improve the health and well-being of the people they serve. Read more: https://www.breezecourier.com/local-news/taylorville-memorial-hospital-receives-2026-community-partner-award-from-university-of-illinois-extension-7c352bd2