IHA Daily Briefing: November 9

HHS Announces $10 Billion in Second Year of Rural Health Transformation Awards

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, today announced $10 billion in awards to all 50 states for the second year of the Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP). Illinois' federal fiscal year 2027 award is $190,458,454.

With implementation underway in every state, HHS said the second year of funding will help states continue to advance initiatives from their approved state-developed transformation plans. These plans may include efforts to improve prevention and chronic disease management, create sustainable access to care, strengthen the rural health workforce, advance innovative care and payment models, and put modern technology and data to work for rural patients and providers. Click here to access a fact sheet about the RHTP and year two awards, including how annual funding amounts are determined. Click here to access an IHA fact sheet with links to information, resources, and guidance on the RHTP and associated grant funding opportunities.

TOMORROW: IDPH Hosting Infection Prevention and Control Office Hours

The Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) has announced it will host monthly infection prevention and control office hours on the second Tuesday of every month from 1-2 p.m. CT. The first session will take place tomorrow, Nov. 10. Click hereto register for the virtual sessions, which offer a forum to bring questions; receive practice support and resources; and connect with other experienced infection preventionists on ways to prevent healthcare-associated infections, strengthen your infection prevention programs, and address antimicrobial resistance. The office hours are intended for infection preventionists, nurses, administrators, patient safety experts, antimicrobial stewardship specialists and public health professionals. View more information here, including the 2026-2027 infection prevention and control office hours schedule.

HHS Initiative to Update Women's Preventative Care Guidelines

The U.S. Dept. of Health and Human Services (HHS), through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), of Friday announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity for the Women's Initiative for Screening and Health (WISH) program. The program will award up to $1 million in fiscal year 2027 to establish a multidisciplinary coalition of at least 10 experts in women's health, primary care, preventative medicine and other fields charged with updating the HRSA-supported Women's Preventive Services Guidelines. Applications are due Jan. 8.

APPLY: AHA's Carolyn Boone Lewis Award for Improving Health Outcomes

The American Hospital Association (AHA) is accepting applications through Dec. 4 for the new 2027 Carolyn Boone Lewis Award for Improving Health Outcomes, which recognizes hospitals and health systems' achievements in applying data-informed strategies to improve health outcomes for all. Awards will be presented at the 2027 AHA Leadership Summit, July 18-20, in San Diego. Click herefor more information.

Illinois Respiratory Disease Surveillance Data

The Infectious Respiratory Disease Surveillance Dashboard from the Illinois Dept. of Public Health (IDPH) provides the latest data on hospital visits, seasonal trends, lab test positivity and demographic data. IDPH also tracks COVID-19, influenza and respiratory syncytial virus information through the Illinois Wastewater Surveillance System dashboard.

Briefly Noted

Beth Windisch has been appointed by Gov. JB Pritzker to serve as Illinois' Homeland Security Advisor, and in that role will serve as Chair of the Homeland Security Advisory Council; IHA sits on the council as a voting member. Windisch has served as Deputy Directory of Homeland Security at the Illinois Emergency Management Agency and Office of Homeland Security since 2025. She brings over 15 years of homeland security experience at the regional and national level.

Leading the News

Joliet hospital earns awards in 3 categories from Healthgrades

Shaw Local

Saint Joseph Medical Center in Joliet has earned three top honors for clinical quality from Healthgrades, according to a news release from Prime Healthcare. The hospital is a Five-Star Recipient for Hip Fracture Treatment for eight years in a row.

New Illinois laws taking effect in 2027: What residents should know

WTVO

Illinois residents will see new rules affecting rental fees, jury-duty pay, job postings, consumer returns and interactions between law enforcement and drivers with autism beginning in 2027.

92 women hospital and health system CFOs to know | 2026

Becker's Hospital Review

Thanks in part to stronger leadership pipelines, targeted sponsorship initiatives, and employee resource groups built to support advancement, women are rising into hospital and health system CFO roles. Their rise reflects a deliberate effort to open doors and diversify executive leadership teams.

The 5 medications most likely to cause bone thinning

The Washington Post

You may know that your bones can get less dense with age, after menopause or when you don't do enough weight-bearing exercises or resistance training. What might not be so apparent is how the medications you take - for unrelated health conditions - might negatively impact your bone health.