Christine Herman
More People Are Dying During The Pandemic — And Not Just From COVID, U Of I Researchers Find
URBANA – During the first three months of the pandemic, the number of U.S. adults dying increased compared to previous years, according to a recent
Illinois Hospitals Face Ethical Questions: ‘If Everybody’s At Capacity, What Do You Do Then?’
URBANA – Across Illinois’ Region 6, which includes 21 counties in east-central Illinois, hospitals have less than 30% capacity remaining in their medical-surgical and intensive
What The University Of Illinois Learned From Reopening Amid The Pandemic
When University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign officials decided to reopen in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic, they launched an ambitious plan to…
Central Illinois Hospitals Seeing Steady Increase In COVID-19 Patients
URBANA – Three large hospital systems in central Illinois — Carle Health, Memorial Health System and OSF HealthCare — are seeing more COVID-19 patients than
U Of I Researchers: Coronavirus Mutations Are Important To Track As Pandemic Continues
URBANA – As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, it will be important for scientists to track how the novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV2, is mutating, say researchers at
‘This Is Our Surge’: Hospital System Data Suggests Coronavirus Is Taking Off In Central Illinois
DECATUR – Since March, 700 people in central Illinois have been hospitalized for COVID-19 across Memorial Health System’s five hospitals. Of those patients, 124 have
Some Health Officials Find Their Hands Tied On COVID-19 Restrictions
ROCKFORD – Sandra Martell is in a tough spot. As public health administrator in northern Illinois’ Winnebago County, Martell was threatened with lawsuits from several
Tips For A Spooky — And Safe — Halloween
CHAMPAIGN – Halloween is just around the corner, and public health officials are encouraging everyone to celebrate safely. The biggest advice is the same we’ve
How Addiction Treatment Prepared One Woman To ‘Face The Pandemic Head On’
SPRINGFIELD – When the COVID-19 pandemic hit, Barbara Allen’s life became more complicated overnight. Allen, 39, lives in Springfield, Illinois, where she cares for people
As COVID-19 Cases Rise In Macon County, Officials Urge Residents To Take Precautions
DECATUR – Half all Illinois counties are now considered at a warning level for the coronavirus, according to the state’s public health department. Macon County,
‘A High Degree Of Suffering In Silence’: Opioid Overdoses On The Rise In Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – Opioid overdoses are on the rise in Illinois, according to state health officials. The year 2019 saw a 22% increase in opioid-related emergency
Well-Fitted, Layered Cloth Masks Rival Surgical Masks, Research Suggests
URBANA – When choosing a mask or face covering to wear during the pandemic, research from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign suggests that a
Monticello Father Hopes To Raise Awareness About Deaths From Medical Errors
MONTICELLO – A group of advocates for patient safety from across the U.S. will gather in Washington D.C. this week to raise awareness about medical
1 Of 3 Champaign County Residents Still Haven’t Participated In The 2020 Census, Officials Say
CHAMPAIGN – The 2020 census will determine how much funding and political representation communities across the U.S. receive. But so far, about a third of
Mental Health Providers Take Steps To Meet Growing Need During The Pandemic
PAXTON, IL – Since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are reporting symptoms of depression, according to a recent study in the journal JAMA
Migrant Clinics Offering COVID-19 Testing To Farmworkers Face Challenges
CHICAGO – The U.S. food supply depends on millions of migrant and seasonal farmworkers, who are particularly vulnerable to COVID-19 because of circumstances in which
Checking In With The Shield Team: How’s The U Of I Doing Handling COVID-19?
URBANA – Since Aug. 16, when twice-a-week COVID-19 testing was made mandatory for students arriving back to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, 679 positive
Greenville Officials Hopeful U Of I’s COVID-19 Tests Will Help Their Campus Stay Open
GREENVILLE – A private college in southern Illinois is working with the University of Illinois to evaluate the effectiveness of the U of I’s COVID-19
U Of I Launches COVID-19 Database, Reports More Than 300 Positive Cases In Past Week
URBANA – The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign launched a public database Monday, which reports how many saliva-based COVID-19 tests are being performed on the
U Of I Officials: ‘Bump’ In COVID-19 Cases Expected As Semester Kicks Off
EDITOR’S NOTE, Sept. 29: This story is no longer up-to-date, as University of Illinois officials claimed the campus’ saliva-based test had received FDA emergency use
U Of I’s Saliva-Based COVID-19 Test Receives FDA Emergency Authorization
EDITOR’S NOTE, Sept. 29: This story is no longer up-to-date, as University of Illinois officials claimed the campus’ saliva-based test had received FDA emergency use
U Of I Officials Urge Students, Employees To Use COVID-19 ‘Safer Illinois’ App
CHAMPAIGN – Twice-a-week COVID-19 testing is mandatory for all students, faculty and staff at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign who intend to participate in
State Officials: Mask Mandate Enforcement Necessary To Curb Uptick In COVID-19 Cases
CHICAGO – As the number of COVID-19 cases trends upwards in Illinois, state officials want to see better enforcement of mask-wearing and other public health
U Of I Scientists Use COVID-19 Data To Make Predictions, Inform Action For Campus, State
CHAMPAIGN – Researchers at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign have been analyzing COVID-19 data to help the state — and campus — make decisions
COVID-19 Patient Who Received Double-Lung Transplant Faces Long Road To Recovery
CHICAGO – Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, 28-year-old Mayra Ramirez was working as a paralegal for an immigration law firm in Chicago. She enjoyed walking
With Hopes Of Safe Reopening, Some Schools Launch Widespread COVID-19 Testing
URBANA – As universities prepare to welcome students back to campus for the fall semester, some are counting on widespread COVID-19 testing to help clamp
Illinois To Fund Summer Jobs For Low-Income Youth And Young Adults
URBANA – A new statewide effort aims to provide vulnerable young people in Illinois with summer jobs. The COVID-19 Summer Youth Employment Program provides $9.3
At Least 100 Migrant Farmworkers In Illinois Have Tested Positive For COVID-19, Clinic Director Says
CHICAGO – Thousands of workers travel to Illinois each year to work on farms, with the largest influx to central Illinois in the summer and
Due To COVID-19, Organizations Providing Services To Migrant Workers Taking Precautions
RANTOUL – As hundreds of migrant farmworkers arrive in central Illinois to work on detasseling — a process needed to create hybrid seed corn —
Amid COVID-19 Concerns, Clinics Step Up Testing For Migrant Farmworkers
CHAMPAIGN – Maricel Mendoza is familiar with the work migrant and seasonal farmworkers do. Growing up, her family traveled from Texas to central Illinois every
Affordable Child Care Critical To Recovery, Women’s Economic Prospects, Says U Of I Economist
CHAMPAIGN – The child care industry, like many others, has been hurt by the COVID-19 pandemic, as many day care centers and home-based child care
Un sobrino recuerda el amor y la generosidad de la víctima de COVID-19 más joven de Champaign
CHAMPAIGN – Durante el fin de semana, la familia y los amigos de Joel Quintas se reunieron al aire libre en Champaign para recordarlo y para dar gracias a Dios por su vida.
Nephew Recounts Love And Generosity Of Champaign’s Youngest COVID-19 Victim
CHAMPAIGN – Over the weekend, family and friends of Joel Quintas gathered outside in Champaign to remember him and thank God for his life.
Local Nurses Plan Demonstration To Address Issues Of Racism In Health Care
URBANA – A group of local nurses is organizing an event Sunday aimed at raising awareness about how racism is a public health issue. The
UPDATE: Champaign COVID-19 Testing Site To Remain Open With New Contractor
UPDATED June 25, 2020: C-U Public Health Administrator Julie Pryde says the Trump administration’s move to withdraw federal funding from some COVID-19 testing sites will
U Of I Officials Share Plans To Prevent, And Prepare For, Possible COVID-19 Spread
URBANA – Despite the precautions that will be taken when the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign reopens this fall, campus officials acknowledge outbreaks could still
U Of I, Carle Work To Meet Demand For Protective Gear During Pandemic
CHAMPAIGN – At the start of the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign began meeting daily with health care professionals from
Local United Way Partnering With Groups To Meet Needs During Pandemic
CHAMPAIGN – The United Way of Champaign County, a local funder, is stepping up its efforts to provide grant funding and support to organizations across
Double Lung Transplant For COVID-19 Patient In Chicago Is First In U.S., Doctors Say
Doctors at Northwestern Memorial Hospital in Chicago announced Thursday they’ve performed the first successful double-lung transplant on a COVID-19 patient in the United States. The
Resiliency Matters: How Trauma Affects Children, Families And Communities
URBANA – Exposure to severe, chronic stress affects children’s growth and development. But while some children seem to be damaged by early adversity, others are
Child Advocates Concerned About Decrease In Calls To Child Abuse Hotline
SPRINGFIELD – In the months after the COVID-19 pandemic forced schools in Illinois to be closed, calls to the state’s child abuse and neglect hotline
Illinois Health Officials: Protesters Should Get Tested For COVID-19
CHAMPAIGN – Health officials say anyone who’s been out to a rally, protest or other mass gathering should get tested for COVID-19. Champaign-Urbana Public Health
Community Organizer: Unrest Over Police Brutality Will Lead To Lasting Change
CHAMPAIGN – The head of a county-wide effort to improve police-community relations says he’s hopeful recent protests in response to the killing of George Floyd
As Dentists Reopen, COVID-19 Uncertainties Have Some Workers Worried
Even without a global pandemic, dentistry is inherently riskier than many other medical professions. That’s because dentists and hygienists spend a lot of time inches
Why Playgrounds In Illinois Are Not Reopening During ‘Phase Three’
CHAMPAIGN – Park district walking paths and trails have remained open through Illinois’ stay-at-home order, and some have reopened pavilions for rentals and outdoor tennis
As Illinois Enters ‘Phase Three,’ C-U Officials Expect More Outbreaks Will Occur
CHAMPAIGN – As certain businesses reopen and people begin socializing in small groups during Phase Three of Gov. J.B. Pritzker’s Restore Illinois plan, local public
Why Are Locations Of 22 COVID-19 Outbreaks Not Disclosed In Champaign County?
CHAMPAIGN – When pressed by reporters during a news briefing earlier this month, Governor J.B. Pritzker said he thinks local public health departments should inform
New Site Provides Local Businesses Guidance On How To Safely Reopen
CHAMPAIGN – A group of local organizations and municipalities has launched a new online resource — www.ChampaignCountySafe.org — to help Champaign County businesses as they
Ask The Newsroom: Preguntas y Respuestas Sobre La COVID-19 Con Médicos y Representantes Locales De Salud Pública
This story was originally published in English and was translated by Marcela Renna through a partnership with America Amplified. If you have any questions or concerns
Ask The Newsroom: COVID-19 Q&A With Local Public Health Officials And Medical Doctors
A Spanish translation of this story is available here. WILL and Illinois Newsroom hosted a “COVID-19 Q&A” Facebook Live discussion on Thursday, May 14, which
U Of I Report: COVID-19 Has Created Challenges, Highlighted Inequities Within Health Care System
A new report from the University of Illinois’ Institute for Government and Public Affairs identifies several ways the COVID-19 pandemic is creating challenges for health
Health Care Providers Take Precautions As Non-Emergency Care Resumes
While emergency medical procedures have continued throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, non-emergency or “elective” surgeries and medical procedures have been put on hold. But starting Monday,
Due To Outbreak, All Rantoul Foods Employees To Be Tested For COVID-19
RANTOUL – The Champaign-Urbana Public Health District is responding to the recent outbreak at Rantoul Foods, a meat processing plant located in Rantoul. Administrator Julie
States Look To University Labs To Help Increase COVID-19 Testing Capacity
As states move toward reopening their economies, officials are emphasizing the need to expand their capacity to test for COVID-19. But many say their…
Champaign County Planning To Offer COVID-19 Testing To All Nursing Home Residents
URBANA – All nursing home employees can now get tested for COVID-19, even if they’re not showing symptoms, thanks to the state loosening testing criteria
CU Health Care Providers Sanitizing, Reusing Masks To Conserve Supplies
URBANA – In an effort to conserve supplies during the COVID-19 pandemic, some central Illinois health care providers say they are following guidance from the
Hospitals Experiencing Issues Transferring COVID-19 Patients To Nursing Homes
URBANA – Health care providers in central Illinois say they have run into issues with nursing homes not wanting to accept residents back after they’ve
Carle Hospital Plans To Launch COVID-19 Antibody Testing In Upcoming Weeks
URBANA – Carle Foundation Hospital is preparing to launch antibody testing for COVID-19. The tests could be available to patients within the next two weeks,
Champaign County Loosens COVID-19 Testing Criteria
Criteria for COVID-19 testing in Champaign County have expanded to include anyone experiencing symptoms consistent with the disease. Awais Vaid, epidemiologist at the Champaign-Urbana Public
‘Little Free Libraries’ Provide Books To Kids While Schools And Libraries Are Closed
With schools and public libraries closed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, communities are finding creative ways to provide children access to books and reading materials.
Health Care Workers Face Tough Parenting Choices Due To COVID-19
This is part of Essential Voices, a series of interviews with people confronting COVID-19. Health care workers and first responders face serious risks…
COVID-19 Has Not Affected Nursing Homes In Champaign County, Officials Say
URBANA – Of the 91 confirmed COVID-19 cases in Champaign County as of Thursday, roughly a third are still active cases. Four people have died,
Champaign County Jail Reduces Population To Decrease Risk Of COVID-19 Spread
URBANA – None of Champaign County’s 91 COVID-19 cases reported as of Thursday have involved staff or inmates at the County jail, according to Champaign
‘A Whole Different Level Of Frustration’: Public Health Districts Face Unexpected Obstacles Fighting COVID-19
CHAMPAIGN – Since the start of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District has been working with the local health care system to mitigate
How COVID-19 Affects Services For Adults With Disabilities
Agencies that provide services to adults with disabilities have had to change the way they operate during the COVID-19 pandemic. Because of Illinois’ shelter-in-place order,
CU Faith Communities Explore How To Support One Another Through COVID-19
URBANA – With Passover starting Wednesday night, many in the Jewish community are having to adapt their usual customs due to the COVID-19 pandemic. “This
Despite Hardships, Americans See COVID-19 Bringing Communities Together, Survey Shows
A majority of Americans believe that while their communities will suffer in the short term from the COVID-19 pandemic, they will eventually recover. And…
‘It’s Extremely Frustrating’: More Illinois Hospitals Testing On Site, But Tests Still Limited
URBANA – Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana has joined a growing number of Illinois hospitals doing on-site testing for COVID-19. But testing at Carle, like
YMCA, Other Child Care Providers Re-Open For Health Staff, ‘Essential Workers’
UPDATE on April 8, 2020: Child care at the Stephens Family YMCA will be expanded to all essential workers identified by the state. To register and
‘We Have To Be Ready At Any Time’: Illinois ER Doctors Brace For Onslaught Of COVID-19
Emergency physicians across Illinois are bracing for an onslaught of patients sick with the coronavirus disease COVID-19. Dr. Ernest Wang, president of the Illinois College
East-Central Illinois Health Care Providers Now Accepting Cloth Mask Donations
UPDATE on Wednesday, March 25, 2020: Carle says it can now provide sewing materials thanks to a generous donation. Email makeamask@carle.com with questions, or to arrange
‘It’s A Really Scary Time:’ Urbana Schools Employee On Supporting Latino Students
URBANA – With schools closed due to the coronavirus pandemic, the Urbana School District is working to get information and resources to students in need.
Health Providers Launch COVID-19 Hotlines, Digital Screenings, Drive-Up Sample Collection
Hospitals and clinics across east-central Illinois are seeing an uptick in calls from people concerned about the coronavirus. In response, many are developing online tools to
UI Professor: Census Participation ‘Crucial’ To Ensure Funding, Representation
Millions of American households this month will receive an invitation from the U.S. Census Bureau to participate in the 2020 census. Julie Dowling, chair of
No Known COVID-19 Cases In Champaign County; 11 Tests Pending
CHAMPAIGN – There are currently no known cases of COVID-19 in Champaign County, but tests are pending for 11 people, according to Julie Pryde, Administrator
Carle Chief Nursing Officer Shares Advice On Travel, Staying Healthy As Coronavirus Spreads
URBANA – The chief nursing officer of the Carle Health System says Carle is receiving many questions about the novel coronavirus. People want to know
How Coronavirus Is Affecting Local Public Health Workers
As the number of coronavirus cases continues to tick up nationwide, local public health workers are faced with the challenging task of ensuring those at…
How Health Care Providers In Champaign-Urbana Are Preparing For Coronavirus
URBANA – Health care providers in east-central Illinois say they’re prepared for the possibility of coronavirus coming to central Illinois. If someone’s sick enough —
Carle Hospital In Urbana To Participate In Statewide Coronavirus Surveillance Program
URBANA – Starting this week, some patients who present to the emergency department at Carle Foundation Hospital in Urbana with flu-like symptoms will be tested
Rocky Rollout Of Health Insurance Worries Foster Families
After Rebecca and Bruce Austin gave birth to their daughter, they struggled to get pregnant again. So they signed up to become foster parents. “I wouldn…
CU Public Health Says People Should Prepare For Possible Coronavirus Epidemic
The coronavirus has not reached epidemic proportions in U.S. communities. But some public health officials are calling for federal funding immediately to help public health
Illinois Public Health Officials Taking Steps To Limit Coronavirus Spread
SPRINGFIELD — With evidence that the coronavirus disease COVID-19 is spreading in several countries around the world, the Illinois Department of Public Health said it’s
How The ‘She Said’ Project Aims To Empower Women And Teens In C-U And Beyond
CHAMPAIGN — “That’s What She Said” will be taking the stage for its sixth installment this Saturday night at the Virginia Theatre in Champaign. Ten
How Lasers, Microscopes And Machine-Learning Could Help Improve Cancer Treatment
URBANA – Researchers at the Cancer Center at Illinois have developed a new technique aimed at improving the way cancer diagnoses are performed. The approach
Illinois To Conduct In-State Testing For 2019 Novel Coronavirus
State public health officials announced Tuesday that Illinois has become the first to conduct in-state testing for the 2019 novel coronavirus. Since mid-January, travelers coming
Student Survey: 1 In 5 U Of I Women Experience Sexual Assault, Most Tell No One
A new University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign survey finds most students who experience sexual misconduct don’t tell anyone. Campus officials say the findings of the
Survey: Americans Agree Health Care System Needs Fixing
Americans are divided on lots of issues. But a new national survey finds that people across the political spectrum agree on at least one thing:
In ‘State Of The University’ Address, Chancellor Jones Discussed U Of I’s Most Critical Challenges
In his annual “State of the University” address Friday, University of Illinois Chancellor Robert Jones applauded the Illinois government for a recent revenue increase, discussed
O’Hare Airport Will Begin Screening Travelers From Wuhan, China, After First U.S. Coronavirus Case Confirmed
The first case of a new deadly strain of coronavirus has been confirmed in the U.S. in the state of Washington. The announcement was made
C-U Public Health Administrator To Serve On State Board Of Health
Champaign-Urbana Public Health Administrator Julie Pryde is among seven people appointed by Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker to serve on the state’s Board of Public Health.
First Day Of Legal Recreational Cannabis In Illinois Draws Hundreds To CU Dispensaries
CHAMPAIGN – Wednesday marked the first day of legal recreational cannabis in Illinois. Hundreds of people from Champaign-Urbana and across central Illinois flocked to two
U of I Law Professor Remains On Leave Instead Of Returning
A University of Illinois law professor accused of sexual misconduct had been slated to return to teach in January. But he will instead be placed
When Teens Abuse Parents, Shame and Secrecy Make It Hard to Seek Help
Most people think domestic violence involves an adult abusing an intimate partner or a child, but children can also threaten, bully and attack family members. Some abused parents are speaking out. 🔊
Why A Father Worries His Son’s Mental Illness Could Get Him Deported
When José moved his family to the U.S. from Mexico nearly two decades ago, he had hopes of giving his children a better life. But
Illinois lawmakers may regulate midwives in home births
A small but growing number of U.S. women are choosing to have their babies at home. In more than 30 states, including most of the Midwest, it’s
How One Illinois Nonprofit Supports New Mothers, Promotes Safe Sleep
Across much of the Midwest, maternal and infant death rates are high—especially among African-Americans. So doctors, public health agencies and non…
Illinois Bill Aims To Help Children Get Mental Health Services
An Illinois Senate bill aims to help children who are at risk of entering state custody because of issues caused by untreated mental illness. The…
How Measles Outbreak Threatens A Young Cancer Patient
Measles is a potentially deadly illness that is spreading in many parts of the world. Thanks to vaccines, the disease was eliminated from the U.S….
Illinois Prison Monitor ‘Absolutely Convinced’ Mentally Ill Inmates Abused
The Illinois Department of Corrections continues to flounder in its efforts to care for inmates with mental illness, according to a new report authored…
Illinois Tightens Flu Shot Requirements For Health Workers. But Who’s Enforcing It?
A new Illinois statute aims to boost flu shot rates among healthcare workers by making it harder for employees to decline the vaccine. Lawmakers say…