Emergency department honored with community project award
December 18, 2023
HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland’s emergency department was recently honored with a 2023 “Community Project” Award from the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) for their work to decrease overdoses and stigma while increasing resources for those struggling with substance use disorder.
The Community Award recognizes ICAHN member hospitals that have implemented a program that strengthened the health and well-being of their communities and have built a partnership with community organizations such as schools, elderly services, children’s groups, prevention groups, or faith-based organizations.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a problem that has far-reaching consequences in the community. Teresa Cornelius, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer, shared, “Part of our HSHS Mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people and that includes all those struggling with substance use disorders. Alongside our community partners, we strive to increase access to help for people of rural eastern Madison County and western Bond County. We are honored to receive this award for our combined efforts.”
St. Joseph’s Hospital’s partners include:
While working to reduce the stigma related to SUDs, St. Joseph’s Hospital also affirms their message that “wanting or needing help is enough.” For those that come to the hospital’s emergency department expressing their need for help, colleagues will actively work to get them the help they need. The hospital also provides free access to Narcan through its emergency department, as well as having a safe drug disposal bin available at the hospital's main entrance 24 hours per day.
Photo Caption: HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland’s emergency department was recently honored with a 2023 “Community Project” Award Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) for their work to decrease overdoses and stigma while increasing resources for those struggling with substance use disorder. Presenting the award is (second from right) Pat Schou, executive director of ICAHN. Accepting the award on behalf of St. Joseph’s Hospital were Teresa Cornelius, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer; Patrick Small, emergency department manager; and Chris Klay, president and CEO.
The Community Award recognizes ICAHN member hospitals that have implemented a program that strengthened the health and well-being of their communities and have built a partnership with community organizations such as schools, elderly services, children’s groups, prevention groups, or faith-based organizations.
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a problem that has far-reaching consequences in the community. Teresa Cornelius, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer, shared, “Part of our HSHS Mission is to reveal and embody Christ’s healing love for all people and that includes all those struggling with substance use disorders. Alongside our community partners, we strive to increase access to help for people of rural eastern Madison County and western Bond County. We are honored to receive this award for our combined efforts.”
St. Joseph’s Hospital’s partners include:
- Chestnut Health Systems, through the Rural Communities Opioid Response Program (RCORP) Grant, for Narcan access and National Drug Take Back Day participation.
- The Partnership for a Drug-Free Community and Metro East and Bond County Recovery Councils for assistance with access to local treatment and recovery support options.
- The Gateway Foundation who can provide a warm hand off for those who come to the hospital for help with SUDs.
While working to reduce the stigma related to SUDs, St. Joseph’s Hospital also affirms their message that “wanting or needing help is enough.” For those that come to the hospital’s emergency department expressing their need for help, colleagues will actively work to get them the help they need. The hospital also provides free access to Narcan through its emergency department, as well as having a safe drug disposal bin available at the hospital's main entrance 24 hours per day.
Photo Caption: HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital Highland’s emergency department was recently honored with a 2023 “Community Project” Award Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN) for their work to decrease overdoses and stigma while increasing resources for those struggling with substance use disorder. Presenting the award is (second from right) Pat Schou, executive director of ICAHN. Accepting the award on behalf of St. Joseph’s Hospital were Teresa Cornelius, chief operating officer and chief nursing officer; Patrick Small, emergency department manager; and Chris Klay, president and CEO.
