Illinois needs to provide better funding for providers and services in areas such as mental health, substance abuse, home health and the care of elderly adults and children, experts told the Illinois House Appropriations-Human Service Committee. Illinois Association for Behavioral Health CEO Sara Howe said 85 of 102 Illinois counties have been designated as health professional shortage areas.

A coalition that included the Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Nursing honored 11 southern Illinois nurses chosen by the "Nurses: The Heart of Health Care" program for their outstanding care. More than 70 people submitted nomination letters telling how a nurse had helped them, their family or their community.

The 2019 winners have been announced. Please join us in celebrating their achievements. Awards will be presented on Sept. 12 at the DoubleTree by Hilton in Lisle/Naperville. Learn more about the event.

Staffing continues to be a challenge for our profession. Get an update on the various proposals considered during the general assembly this year. We will review the current challenges faced in Illinois and how we begin to address this issue by empowering nurses to have a true voice in a committee that is responsible for developing, evaluating and changing the staffing plan. Join us for an update and discussion of the current status of legislation in Illinois. Register now.