The Latest News

FHN, Freeport Public Library Team Up for Holiday Family Fun

November 20, 2024 – FHN's Community Festival of Trees is on display at Freeport Public Library Nov. 25 through Dec. 30, and FHN and the library have some free fun in store for visiting families. FHN Frosty Family Fun Night is 5:30 - 7 p.m. Monday, Dec. 2 at the library, 100 E. Douglas Street in Freeport. Families are invited for an evening including slime-making, bingo playing, and holiday treats. Grown-ups who bring kids to this event can also enter to win a $50 or $100 gift card. Santa and Mrs. Claus will visit the library twice this year for Holiday Storytelling at 6:30 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 5 and again at 2 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 14. Listen to a holiday story or two in Santa's visiting area. FHN is again collecting Letters to Santa from area youngsters. Forms are available at the library and FHN's Freeport locations or online at fhn.org/festivaloftrees.

FHN Community Festival of Trees Begins Nov. 25

November 19, 2024 – The public is invited to take some time this holiday season to view the FHN Community Festival of Trees entrants at the Freeport Public Library, and vote for People's Choice favorite through Saturday, Dec. 14.

The FHN Community Festival of Trees brings organizations from across the area to decorate holiday trees, with cash prizes awarded by a panel of judges and the public. This year's FHN Festival of Trees theme is from the 2003 movie Elf: "The best way to spread holiday cheer is singing loud for all to hear!"

The Community Festival of Trees is on display free at the Freeport Public Library from Monday, Nov. 25 through Monday, Dec. 30. The Freeport Public Library is located at 100 E. Douglas Street in Freeport.

The public is encouraged to vote for the People's Choice Award winner through Saturday, Dec. 14. The top vote-getter for People's Choice will take home $500. The second-place award for People's Choice is $200 and the third-place People's Choice award is $100. Ballots are available at the library and votes will be taken through the end of the library's operating hours (10 a.m. - 3 p.m.) on Saturday, Dec. 14.

The formal panel of judges will award three prizes, as well: First prize is $500, second prize is $300 and third prize is $150.

For more information on the Community Festival of Trees or any of the FHN Festival of Trees events, visit www.fhn.org/festivaloftrees.

FHN Offering Free Diabetes Wellness Day Nov. 21

November 13, 2024 – Millions of Americans considered at risk of developing diabetes could prevent or delay the disease by changing their lifestyle. FHN is offering a free workshop to educate the public about those healthy choices.

The FHN Diabetes Wellness Day will be held 2 - 5 p.m. Thursday, Nov. 21 at the Freeport Public Library (conference room), 100 E. Douglas Street in Freeport. No registration is required, and the event is free and open to the public.

The event will include healthy eating and exercise tips, information from FHN's diabetes educators, podiatry and cardiology teams, stroke and sepsis teams, and the Center for Wound Healing at FHN Memorial Hospital. A variety of other services will present information, as well.

Free non-fasting glucose, blood pressure and BMI screens will be available, and a representative from FHN Audiology will offer free hearing screenings. FHN and the Stephenson County Farm Bureau will offer free fresh produce to attendees while supplies last.

Flu shots also will be available for adults – visit www.fhn.org/flu2024 for more information and pricing.

FHN Community Holiday Tree Lighting is Nov. 17

November 4, 2024 – Join FHN Sunday, Nov. 17 to kick off the holiday season with festive music and fun.

We'll gather 'round the big tree in front of FHN Memorial Hospital, 1045 W. Stephenson Street in Freeport at 5 p.m. for a performance by the Highland Youth Choir and a holiday message from FHN President and CEO Mark Gridley.

Children can visit with Santa, and after the tree is lit, all are welcome to join in a candlelight walk to the Healing Garden of the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital for cookies and hot chocolate and a special light display.

No registration is necessary for this free event.

For more information on FHN's Festival of Trees events, visit www.fhn.org/festivaloftrees.

Surviving the Holidays Grief Workshop is Nov. 11

October 28, 2024 – The holiday season can be especially difficult for those mourning a loss. FHN is offering a free workshop to help.

"It's OK to feel joy and sorrow at the same time," said FHN Spiritual Care Coordinator Sean Huguenin. "This workshop is designed to help and support those who have suffered a loss as they navigate the holidays."

Reservations are open for the workshop, which will begin at 6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 11 at FHN Memorial Hospital, 1045 W. Stephenson Street in Freeport.

The workshop will offer:
• Practical tips for managing grief during the holidays
• Reflexive exercises to honor lost loved ones
• Take-home tools to help manage grief during the holiday season
• Connection with others going through the same thing

The event is free, but reservations are requested. Visit www.fhn.org/griefworkshop or call Sean Huguenin at 815-599-6160 to register.

Free Pre-Diabetes Program 'Small Steps. Big Rewards.' is Nov. 5

October 24, 2024 – Diabetes is a serious disease with complications that can include disability and even death. Millions of Americans considered at risk of developing diabetes could prevent or delay the disease by changing their lifestyle.

Learn how you could prevent or delay some types of diabetes at Small Steps. Big Rewards., a free diabetes education program presented by FHN. This workshop focusing on the importance of regular exercise and a healthy diet will begin at 5:30 p.m. Tuesday, Nov. 5 in the lower level conference room at the FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive in Freeport.

Free non-fasting glucose screenings will be available before the program (5-5:30 p.m.) for attendees.

Registration is required for this program, and seating is limited. Register online at www.fhn.org/smallsteps.

Enjoy 'All That Jazz' at 2024 Festival of Trees Gala

October 24, 2024 – FHN's popular Festival of Trees Gala event is back this year and tickets are available now.

The "All That Jazz" Gala will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at the Masonic Temple Ballroom, 305 W. Stephenson in Freeport. Tickets are $75, (multi-ticket discounts are available) and are available at www.fhn.org/gala2024.

This year's Gala will feature the announcement of the FHN Physician of the Year Award and the FHN Advanced Practice Professional of the Year Award, and popular area jazz group The Groove Hotel will provide music to dine by and groove to.

Guests will enjoy delicious hors d'oeuvres, custom cocktails and luscious desserts, and a wide array of silent auction packages will be available to bid on and take home that evening for holiday gifting.

Proceeds from this year's Gala will benefit the FHN Foundation's campaign to raise funds for a new linear accelerator that will enhance capabilities at the Leonard C. Ferguson Cancer Center at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport.

No tickets will be sold at the door the night of the event - tickets can be purchased online at www.fhn.org/gala2024 or by contacting the FHN Foundation office at FHN Memorial Hospital in Freeport (1045 W. Stephenson Street) or by calling 815-599-6900 by Friday, Nov. 8.

More information about the Gala is available at www.fhn.org/gala2024.

FHN Sports Physicals Return $1,000 to Orangeville High School FHN Sports Physicals Return $1,000 to Orangeville High School

October 24, 2024 – FHN's series of sports physical clinics, held throughout the spring and summer, helped save time and hassle for many area parents, and raised more than $16,000 for area schools. All proceeds from the $25 physicals are donated back to the schools by FHN. 40 students got their sports physicals at a clinic held at Orangeville High School, returning $1,000 to the school. A total of 14 sports physical clinics were held at FHN offices across northwest Illinois this summer, providing 661 physicals and raising $16,525 to donate back to 11 area schools.

FHN Announces Finalists for Provider of the Year Awards

October 16, 2024 – FHN is proud to announce the finalists for this year's FHN Physician of the Year and the FHN Advanced Practice Professional of the Year awards.

These finalists were chosen from nominations submitted by patients, families, caregivers, and FHN team members throughout northwest Illinois.

The FHN Physician of the Year and the FHN Advanced Practice Professional of the Year will be announced at the FHN Festival of Trees Gala on Friday, Nov. 15.

The FHN Physician of the Year finalists (in alphabetical order) are:
• Family Medicine Physician Brian Bennett, MD, who sees patients at the FHN Family Healthcare Center - Highland View Drive in Freeport
• Nephrologist Farhan Khan, MD, who sees patients at FHN Specialty Care - Stephenson Street and FHN Memorial Hospital, both in Freeport
• Family Medicine Physician Rebecca Pedersen MD, CPE, FAAFP, who sees patients at the FHN Family Healthcare Center - Highland View Drive in Freeport

The FHN Advanced Practice Professional of the Year finalists (in alphabetical order) are:
• Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Tamisha Bonvillain FNP-BC, IBCLC, who sees patients at the FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills in Freeport
• Family Medicine Nurse Practitioner Tiffany Kuhlmeyer FNP-BC, who sees patients at the FHN Family Healthcare Center - Highland View Drive in Freeport
• Women's Health Nurse Practitioner Danielle Siedschlag WHNP-BC, who sees patients at the FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills in Freeport

Information packets have been compiled for each of the nominees and the Provider Development Committee of the FHN Board of Trustees will meet to make the decision as to who wins each award. Learn more about each provider - and see some of their nominations - at www.fhn.org.

The public is invited to the award presentation at the 2024 FHN Festival of Trees Gala - All That Jazz. This year's Gala will begin at 7 p.m. Friday, Nov. 15 at the Masonic Temple Ballroom, 305 W. Stephenson Street in Freeport.

Tickets are available online at www.fhn.org/gala2024 or at the FHN Foundation office through Friday, Nov. 8. No tickets will be sold at the door.

Drug Take-Back Day is Oct. 26

October 10, 2024 – FHN and the Freeport Police Department are partnering with the State of Illinois and local and national law enforcement agencies to give the public a chance to help prevent pill abuse and theft by ridding their homes of potentially dangerous expired, unused, and unwanted prescription drugs.

Bring pills for disposal between 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 26 to the Freeport Police Department, 320 W. Exchange Street in Freeport. (The site cannot accept liquids or needles/sharps, only pills or patches.) The service is free and anonymous, no questions asked.

Unused prescription medications thrown in the trash can be retrieved and abused or illegally sold. Dumping or flushing unused medications down the drain or toilet can contaminate the groundwater supply. The best way to dispose of old medications is to bring them to a take-back event.

For more information on National Drug Take Back Day, including safe disposal instructions, year-round sites and resources to prevent prescription medication misuse, visit www.fhn.org/sup.

FHN Sports Physicals Return $1,850 to Pecatonica High School

October 10, 2024 – FHN's series of sports physical clinics, held throughout the spring and summer, helped save time and hassle for many area parents, and raised more than $16,000 for area schools. All proceeds from the $25 physicals are donated back to the schools by FHN.

74 students got their sports physicals at two clinics held at Pecatonica High School, returning $1,850 to the school.

A total of 14 sports physical clinics were held at FHN offices across northwest Illinois this summer, providing 661 physicals and raising $16,525 to donate back to 11 area schools.

Learn About Stroke at Free FHN Program

October 9, 2024 – Every 40 seconds, another American has a stroke. The public is invited to learn about stroke at a special FHN Speaker Series event Oct. 16.

FHN Stroke Program Coordinator Tracy Love, MSN, RN, CNL, will talk about the risk factors for stroke, signs and symptoms, treatment options, and how to help prevent a stroke from occurring at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16 at the FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills, 1010 W. Fairway Drive in Freeport.

FHN Memorial Hospital has been rated by the Illinois Department of Public Health as an Acute Stroke Ready Hospital, and Tracy will discuss FHN's teleneurology capabilities connecting the FHN Stroke Team to a Regional Comprehensive Stroke Center partner for collaboration on care of stroke patients, including advanced treatment options.

The program is free to attend, but registration is required. Visit www.fhn.org/stroke for more information and to register, or call toll-free 1-877-600-0346, ext. 901.

Walk-Up Flu Shot Clinics Scheduled for Fall 2024

October 8, 2024 – FHN is offering a full schedule of walk-up flu shot clinics at locations throughout northwest Illinois.

All events are open to the public. Adults under 65 years of age will get a trivalent vaccine that protects against 3 strains of influenza for $35. Adults 65 and over will receive a high-dose version of the vaccine ($85). There is no out-of-pocket expense for those covered by Medicare Part B (please present Medicare card) or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN (list available at each location - covered persons MUST present the Medicare HMO card instead of the Medicare card for the billing process).

Immunizations may be paid for by cash or check payable to FHN (no credit or debit cards will be accepted). Please note that these prices are only available at these flu shot clinics; other rates may apply in FHN offices. No other insurance coverage can be accepted at these flu shot clinics, and per government regulations, no Medicaid cards can be accepted at these locations.

Because of federal guidelines to prevent identity theft, everyone must present a photo ID to receive an immunization. For their own safety, children should be immunized at their regular healthcare provider's office. Persons with allergy to eggs or the flu vaccine, those with an illness accompanied by a fever or depressed immune system should not receive the flu immunization at these locations. For more information, call FHN Community Services at 815-599-7437.

This year's clinics include:
October 10 • 1 - 3 p.m. at Mest Manor, 525 Third Street, Savanna
October 11 • 9 a.m. - noon at Carroll County Senior Center, 17612 Benton Street, Mount Carroll (free blood pressure screening also available to the public)
October 13 • 10 a.m. - noon at First Lutheran Church, 301 S. Clay, Mount Carroll
October 17 • 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Liberty Village Estates, 2080 Navajo Drive, Freeport (free blood pressure screening also available to the public)
October 20 • 8:30 - 10:30 a.m. at Faith United Methodist Church, 1440 S. Walnut Avenue, Freeport
October 22 • 10 a.m. - noon at Bethel United Methodist Church, 217 S. Hickory Street, Shannon
October 25 • 10 a.m. - 1 p.m. at Golden Meals, 524 W. Stephenson St. (lower level) Freeport (free blood pressure screening also available to the public)
October 25 • 3 - 5:30 p.m. at State Bank of Pearl City, 215 S. Main Street, Pearl City
October 28 • 8:30 - 11:30 a.m. at Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois, 2998 W. Pearl City Road, Freeport
November 1 • 1 - 3 p.m. at Sullivan's Foods, 201 Dodds Drive, Lena
November 1 • 4 - 6 p.m. at Sullivan's Foods, 103 W. North Avenue, Stockton
November 2 • 9 a.m. - noon at Sullivan's Foods, 217 Chicago Avenue, Savanna
November 3 • 10 a.m. - noon at St. John's Lutheran Church, 229 S. First Street, Pearl City
November 5 • 9 a.m. - noon at St. John's Lutheran Church, 625 Country Lane, Lena (free blood pressure screening also available to the public)
November 6 • 9 - 11:30 a.m. at Lake Summerset Office, 1202 Lake Summerset Road, Davis (free blood pressure screening also available to the public)
November 7 • 3 - 6 p.m. at Sullivan's Foods, 2002 W. Galena Avenue, Freeport
November 8 • 9 a.m. - noon at Carroll County Senior Center, 17612 Benton Street, Mount Carroll (free blood pressure screening also available to the public)
November 11 • 1 - 3 p.m. at Sullivan's Foods, 101 E. IL Route 64, Mount Morris
November 13 • 9 a.m. - noon at Fitness Lifestyles, 641 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport

Visit www.FHN.org/flu2024 for the most up-to-date information on flu shot clinics and drive-through flu shot clinics.

FHN Offering Two Drive-Through Flu Shot Clinics

October 2, 2024 – FHN is offering two easy, convenient drive-through seasonal flu shot clinics in October.

"If your last flu shot was before June 1, 2024, you need a new one for the coming season," said FHN Infection Preventionist Margie Kochsmier, MSN, RN, CMSRN, CIC.

This year's public drive-through flu shot clinics are:

Oct. 9, 3 - 6 p.m.; FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills Oct. 12, 8 - 10 a.m.; FHN Family Healthcare Center - Burchard Hills

At this year's public flu shot clinics, adults under 65 years of age will get a trivalent vaccine that protects against three strains of influenza for $35.

Persons 65 and over will receive a high-dose version of the three-strain vaccine ($85).

Immunizations may be paid for by cash, credit card, or check payable to FHN. Per government regulations, no Medicaid cards can be accepted at these events. Receipts will be available to submit to individuals' healthcare insurance provider for reimbursement.

There will be no out-of-pocket expense if you are covered by Medicare Part B (please present Medicare card) or a Medicare HMO accepted by FHN (list available at each location - covered persons MUST present the Medicare HMO card instead of the Medicare card for the billing process).

Please note that these prices are only available at these flu shot clinics; other rates may apply in FHN offices.

Children cannot receive their flu shot at any of the drive-through clinics, but FHN provider offices will have appropriate dosages for pediatric patients as well as for adults.

Because of federal guidelines to prevent identity theft, everyone must present a photo ID to receive an immunization. Participants are asked to wear a shirt or top that makes their upper arm easily accessible.

Persons with allergy to eggs or the flu vaccine, those with an illness accompanied by a fever or depressed immune system should not receive the flu immunization at these locations. For more information, call FHN Community Services at 815-599-7437.

For more information on FHN's flu shot clinics and how you can avoid the flu, visit www.fhn.org/flu2024.

FHN Specialists Share 'Slice of Time - and Pizza'

September 30, 2024 – FHN's popular "A Slice of Time - and Pizza - Just for You" event will return with another free event for women in October.

From 5:30 - 7:30 p.m., Monday, Oct. 14 at Cannova's Italian Cuisine, 1101 W. Empire Street in Freeport, women from across northwest Illinois are invited to enjoy some pizza and conversation about health with FHN team members.

FHN Otolaryngologist Terry Donat, MD, FACS, FICS will discuss the modern understanding of hygiene goals for the nose, paranasal sinuses, and external ear canals and ENT capabilities at FHN.

New FHN Podiatrist Sherjeel Hassan, DPM, will talk about current trends in podiatry and services available at FHN.

New FHN Breast Health Nurse Navigator Krystle Lang, BSN, RN is the special guest of the evening, and will share insights into her role at FHN and its impact on breast health.

Members of the FHN team will be on hand to answer questions, and each attendee will receive a special goodie bag. The event is free to attend, but registration is required, and the limited number of seats fill up fast.

For more information or to register, visit www.fhn.org/sliceoftime.