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Negotiations Stall Reopening of West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park

Negotiations Stall Reopening of West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park

The reopening of West Suburban Medical Center in Oak Park faces delays as negotiations between the hospital's owners and the landlord continue. The medical center, which serves as a safety net hospital, closed its doors abruptly in March, leaving the community without a critical healthcare facility. The ongoing discussions aim to resolve issues related to the hospital's operations and financial arrangements. The uncertainty surrounding the reopening has raised concerns among local residents and healthcare providers about access to medical services in the area.
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Kansas Faces Mixed Results in Children's Wellness and Economic Security

Kansas Faces Mixed Results in Children's Wellness and Economic Security

Kansas Public Radio reports on the latest findings from the annual Kids Count report, which evaluates states on children's wellness across four areas: economics, health, education, and community. Kansas ranks fifth in the nation for children's economic security, attributed to more parents working full-time and low housing costs. However, the state faces challenges with an increasing number of uninsured children, reaching 51,000 in 2024, the highest in twelve years. The report highlights both strengths and weaknesses in Kansas's approach to children's wellness, emphasizing the need for improved outreach to inform parents about available health insurance options.
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Ascension's Stacy Garrett-Ray Recognized as Influential Clinical Executive

Ascension's Stacy Garrett-Ray Recognized as Influential Clinical Executive

Stacy Garrett-Ray, MD, MPH, MBA, Senior Vice President and Chief Community Impact Officer for Ascension, has been named one of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives for 2026 by Modern Healthcare. This recognition highlights her leadership in improving health outcomes and clinical excellence. Dr. Garrett-Ray's work focuses on addressing social determinants of health and enhancing access to care for vulnerable communities. Under her leadership, Ascension has made significant strides in reducing avoidable emergency department visits and connecting patients with appropriate care.
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Oak Park Hosts Swing Dance Soiree and Jazz Performance in La Grange

Oak Park Hosts Swing Dance Soiree and Jazz Performance in La Grange

Oak Park Hosts Swing Dance Soiree and Jazz Performance in La Grange
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St. Joseph’s Medical Center Nurses File Class Action Lawsuit Over Chronic Understaffing

St. Joseph’s Medical Center Nurses File Class Action Lawsuit Over Chronic Understaffing

Nurses at St. Joseph’s Medical Center have initiated a class action lawsuit against Prime Healthcare and Ascension Healthcare. The lawsuit alleges that the hospital has been chronically understaffed, which the nurses claim has compromised patient care and increased the workload on existing staff. The legal action highlights ongoing concerns about staffing levels in healthcare facilities, which have been exacerbated by the demands of the COVID-19 pandemic. The nurses argue that the understaffing has led to unsafe working conditions and has negatively impacted their ability to provide adequate care to patients.
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Home Instead Survey Reveals Self-Care's Impact on Older Adults' Wellbeing

Home Instead Survey Reveals Self-Care's Impact on Older Adults' Wellbeing

Home Instead Survey Reveals Self-Care's Impact on Older Adults' Wellbeing
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Nancy Holecek Recognized as One of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives in the U.S.

Nancy Holecek Recognized as One of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives in the U.S.

Nancy E. Holecek, Executive Vice President and Chief Nursing Officer of RWJBarnabas Health, has been named one of the 50 Most Influential Clinical Executives in the U.S. by Modern Healthcare for 2026. This marks the third consecutive year that Holecek has received this recognition. The accolade highlights her leadership in driving innovation and improving healthcare outcomes. Holecek has been instrumental in developing RWJBarnabas Health’s School of Nursing and Institute for Nursing Excellence, which serves as a model for nurse education and advancement. Her efforts have focused on empowering nurses to provide high-quality care and integrating evidence-based training across the healthcare continuum. Holecek's leadership extends to over 11,000 nurses, aligning education, research, and clinical excellence to enhance patient outcomes.
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Survey Reveals Self-Care Practices Among Older Americans and Their Impact

Survey Reveals Self-Care Practices Among Older Americans and Their Impact

Survey Reveals Self-Care Practices Among Older Americans and Their Impact
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Cities Sue Trump Administration Over ACA Rule Changes Impacting Coverage

Cities Sue Trump Administration Over ACA Rule Changes Impacting Coverage

A coalition of cities, including Columbus, Ohio; Chicago; Baltimore; and Pima County, Arizona, has filed a lawsuit against the Trump administration to block recent changes to the Affordable Care Act (ACA) marketplaces. The plaintiffs, which also include Doctors for America and the Main Street Alliance, argue that the new rule, finalized in May 2026, could result in 3 million people losing their health coverage. The rule expands access to catastrophic and non-network plans as lower-cost alternatives, which critics say could leave consumers vulnerable to high costs. The lawsuit claims that the rule contradicts the ACA's goal of providing affordable health coverage to all Americans by creating barriers to coverage. The plaintiffs assert that the rule is part of a continued effort by the Trump administration to undermine the ACA.
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Stephen Kleinhans Remembered for His Love of Family and Community

Stephen Kleinhans Remembered for His Love of Family and Community

Stephen Kleinhans Remembered for His Love of Family and Community
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Maui Wildfire Exposure Study Faces Uncertain Future Due to Funding Shortfall

Maui Wildfire Exposure Study Faces Uncertain Future Due to Funding Shortfall

The Maui Wildfire Exposure Study (MauiWES), a critical program launched in December 2023 to address the health impacts of the devastating wildfires in Maui, has been forced to halt operations due to a lack of funding. The study, led by Ruben Juarez and Alika Maunakea, has provided essential health services to over 2,500 residents, including mental and physical health assessments. Despite its success in offering healthcare and tracking long-term health effects, a state bill that would have allocated $3 million to sustain and expand the study failed unexpectedly. This has left the program without the necessary resources to continue, with its last participant seen recently. The study's cessation has raised concerns among community leaders and health professionals, who emphasize the ongoing mental health crisis and the need for continued support for affected residents.
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Rainbow Connection delivers aid and new programs

Rainbow Connection delivers aid and new programs

More than 30 Tuscarawas County families received aid for medical costs as Rainbow Connection expands support and secures new funding.