Patients in Illinois’ most vulnerable communities have benefited greatly from the federal 340B program. The program has been key to expanding access to essential healthcare services and lifesaving medications. Yet recent pharmaceutical company restrictions prevent hospitals from best serving their patients. House Bill 2371 protects 340B and its positive impact on individual lives. With federal Medicaid cuts looming, passing HB 2371 is needed now more than ever.

Effective response to a mass casualty incident (MCI) is a cornerstone of hospital emergency preparedness. IHA’s Emergency Preparedness Exercise on Nov. 5 will focus on MCI response to a commercial aircraft emergency landing. Offered in webinar format from 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m. CT, the exercise is designed for hospital and health system staff organization-wide. New this year, IHA has reduced registration fees to ensure all members can participate in this critical training opportunity.

Illinois’ 86 small and rural hospitals account for 38% of all hospitals in the state and contribute $16 million annually to the economy. With distinct characteristics from their urban counterparts, small and rural hospitals ensure access to high-quality care to 1.6 million residents in rural areas. Nearly 98% of these hospitals have fewer than 150 beds and 64% are Critical Access Hospitals.