Christine Herman
Pro-vaccine messages touting safety & scary COVID stats can backfire, new study suggests
CHICAGO — The messages that worked to persuade unvaccinated people to roll up their sleeves this spring may not work anymore. That’s according to new
Champaign County Launching COVID Booster Clinics And Preparing To Vaccinate Kids
CHAMPAIGN — Champaign-area residents who received the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine and qualify for a booster have many options for getting the shot locally. Awais Vaid, deputy
How Being A Chaplain Gave One Pastor A Sense Of Urgency In The COVID Fight
CHAMPAIGN — Keith Thomas wears many hats in the Champaign-Urbana community. He’s a full-time pastor at Mount Olive Missionary Baptist Church. And he’s also been
How Some Schools Are Using Weekly Testing To Keep Kids In Class — And COVID Out
On a recent Monday morning, a group of preschoolers filed into the gymnasium at Hillside School in the west Chicago suburbs. These 4- and 5-year
‘Welcoming Plan’ Aims To Make Champaign County More Immigrant-Inclusive
CHAMPAIGN – Immigrants make up about 12% of Champaign County’s total population and have contributed to the county’s economic growth in recent years, contributing tens
Danville VA Accepting Non-Veterans To Help Relieve Strain On Nearby Hospitals
DANVILLE – The VA hospital in Danville, Ill., has begun accepting non-Veteran patients who need inpatient care. The goal is to relieve some of the
‘Everybody Is Working Tirelessly’: Central Illinois ICUs Again Operating Near Capacity
URBANA – In some parts of Illinois, the percentage of available intensive care beds has dropped below 20% as the number of COVID hospitalizations has
The Delta Variant Is Dominating Illinois’ Latest COVID Surge. Here’s What You Need To Know
SPRINGFIELD – COVID-19 cases are rising once again in Illinois — and most of the U.S. — with the more contagious delta variant now making
As Trusted Voices, Farmers Could Be Key To Boosting Rural Vaccination Rates
When he first became eligible for the coronavirus vaccine in Illinois, Tom Arnold, 68, says he didn’t need any convincing. He raises cattle, hogs and
C-U Health Officials Have This Advice For Navigating The Current COVID Surge
URBANA – With COVID-19 cases once again surging — and with the new CDC guidance for mask-wearing announced days ago — how might life change
The CDC Updated Its COVID-19 Guidance. Here’s What You Need To Know
UPDATED on Thursday, July 28, 2021 — Illinois Newsroom’s Christine Herman spoke with Champaign-Urbana Public Health Administrator Julie Pryde about what changes people can expect
Economists Ask: Do Paperwork Hassles For Doctors Worsen Health Care Disparities?
CHICAGO – Medicaid is a critical part of the U.S. social safety net, with more than 75 million people enrolled nationwide. The federal-state program provides
New Nonprofit Aims To Support Central Illinois Families With Babies In The NICU
CHAMPAIGN – It can be challenging for parents to bond with their new baby when the child ends up hospitalized following the birth. Champaign resident
You Asked: Will The Pandemic Have Lasting Effects On Child Development?
The COVID-19 pandemic has been stressful for many families — and that stress can affect a child’s development, including their language and social skills. Side
Deaths From Overdose And Homicide Rising In Champaign County — And Illinois
CHAMPAIGN — Following state and national trends, Champaign County is seeing an uptick in drug overdose deaths and homicides. Over the past five years, the
How A Hospital And A School District Teamed Up To Help Kids In Emotional Crisis
Updated June 11, 2021 at 11:30 PM ET In 2019, the Rockville Centre school district in Long Island, N.Y., was shaken by a string of
U Of I Police Department Hiring Social Workers To Handle Mental Health Crisis Calls
URBANA – The University of Illinois Police Department is planning to increase the number of mental health professionals on staff to help officers respond to
New Illinois Initiative Aims To Reduce Racial Disparities, Improve Childbirth Outcomes
SPRINGFIELD – As racial disparities in maternal and child health outcomes persist in the U.S., a new statewide initiative aims to promote equity in maternal
With Black Women At Highest Risk of Maternal Death, Some States Extending Medicaid
When a woman dies during pregnancy or within a year of childbirth in Illinois, that’s considered a maternal death. Karen Tabb Dina reviews cases like
Because of COVID-19: AAPI Community Sees Rise In Violence
Since the COVID-19 pandemic began, Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders in the U.S. have reported an increase in their experiences of racism, hostility and outright
Thinking About Summer Camp? Here’s Some Advice From An Infectious Disease Expert
URBANA – With summer camps on the horizon, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention issued updated guidance and recommendations on April 24 for
Mental Health A Leading Cause Of Maternal Death In Illinois, New Report Finds
SPRINGFIELD – Each year, 75 Illinois women die while pregnant or within 12 months of pregnancy, according to a report released Thursday by the Illinois
Illinois Schools Partnering With Children’s Hospital To Support Student Mental Health
CHICAGO — The Center for Childhood Resilience at the Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago is partnering with the Illinois State Board
How Schools Can Help Kids Heal After A Year Of ‘Crisis And Uncertainty’
Kai Humphrey, 9, has been learning from home for more than a year. He badly misses his Washington, D.C., elementary school, along with his friends
What Can Be Done To Keep New Mothers From Dying?
URBANA – The U.S. is the only industrialized nation where the rate of pregnancy-related deaths is on the rise. About 700 U.S. women die each
‘Peer Support’ Organizations Aim To Help Kids By Supporting Parents
RANTOUL – The pandemic has led to an increased need for mental health support for children. In working to meet this need, one central Illinois
“Estamos Muy Agradecidos”: Por Unos Campesinos, Visas Americanas Ofrecen La Opción De Vacunarse
Read this article in English here . Un sábado reciente, unas camionetas blancas trasladaron a grupos pequeños de campesinos migrantes del huerto donde…
Organizations Working To Raise Awareness About Gambling Addiction In Illinois
SPRINGFIELD – An estimated 2% of Illinois adults have a gambling problem, according to the National Council on Problem Gambling. But it’s unclear which populations
U Of I Saliva Test Coming To Two Champaign-Urbana Schools, With Hopes To Expand
URBANA – OSF HealthCare announced a new partnership with the University of Illinois Tuesday that will expand the U of I’s saliva-based COVID-19 test into
How Anti-Asian Hate Is Affecting Central Illinois’ Asian American Communities
URBANA – Anti-Asian hate appears to have worsened during the pandemic. A recent study from California State University finds anti-Asian hate crimes reported to police
Some Illinois Clinics Serving Vulnerable Communities Still Waiting On COVID Vaccines
MURPHYSBORO – Some who work for clinics targeting vulnerable, hard-to-reach populations say they would like to play a bigger role in the rollout of COVID-19
‘Happy To Be Alive’ After Surviving COVID And A Double-Lung Transplant
BRIDGEVIEW – In the early months of the COVID-19 pandemic, Mayra Ramirez contracted the virus and ended up in the ICU on life support. She
Tips For Choosing A Health Plan In Illinois During This ‘Special Enrollment’ Period
CHAMPAIGN – Anyone who lacks health insurance — or wants to change their marketplace coverage — has through May 15 to sign up for options
Carle Adds Addiction Treatment To Mobile Clinic, But Syringe Exchange Not Included
URBANA – Carle has begun offering addiction recovery services through its mobile health clinic. Since 2018, the mobile clinic has traveled to neighborhoods in Champaign-Urbana
Lipid Molecules Target Pain Pathways In Mouse Neurons, U Of I Study Shows
URBANA – Because opioid pain medications can be so addictive, there’s an urgent need for scientists to develop alternatives for treating pain. One of the researchers
U Of I: Fewer COVID-19 Cases Compared To The Fall, But Officials Advise Vigilance
URBANA – Within three weeks of having tens of thousands of students return to the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign for the spring semester, the
Gov. J.B. Pritzker Tours Champaign Vaccination Site, Praises Local Partnerships
CHAMPAIGN – Illinois Gov. J.B. Pritzker visited the vaccination site located at the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign on Wednesday. During a press
Cómo Eliminar Las Barreras A Las Pruebas De COVID Para Trabajadores Agrícolas
Durante más de una década, Saraí ha sido una trabajadora agrícola que ha cultivado maíz y soya en los campos del centro de Illinois. Se mudó de México a…
‘I’ve Tried Everything’: Pandemic Worsens Child Mental Health Crisis
When schools closed last spring, children with severe mental illnesses were cut off from the services they’d come to rely on. Many have since spiraled into emergency rooms and even police custody.
Health Make-A-Thon Supports Illinois Residents With Ideas For Improving Health Care
URBANA – People who have navigated tough situations in health care often have the best ideas for how to improve the system. The goal of
Q&A: How To Clear Your Cannabis Arrest Record Without Waiting For Automatic Expungement
Nearly half a million cannabis arrest records were expunged in the first year of recreational cannabis legalization in Illinois. Ten counties, including Peoria and Knox,
‘C-U At Austin’s Place’ Emergency Women’s Shelter Moves To New Permanent Home
CHAMPAIGN – An emergency women’s shelter in Champaign, “C-U at Austin’s Place,” is now operating out of a new permanent location. Starting 13 years ago
Slow Coronavirus Vaccine Rollout Continues In Illinois, As More Become Eligible
URBANA – Supply chain issues and logistical challenges are causing the rollout of the coronavirus vaccine in Illinois to move slower than expected. But the
We Know How To Increase Access to HIV/AIDS Testing. Can Those Strategies Work For COVID-19?
URBANA – The COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on long-standing racial disparities, when it comes to access to health care and other resources. People
New Central Illinois Clinic Aims To Reduce ER Visits For Patients In Mental Health Crisis
SPRINGFIELD – A central Illinois hospital system recently launched a new mental health crisis clinic, which aims to meet the growing need for services amidst
ER Staff Among The First To Get The Coronavirus Vaccine In Champaign County
URBANA – The process of vaccinating the first few hundred hospital workers in Champaign County began Thursday. In the first shipment, Carle Foundation Hospital in
Central Illinois Hospitals Gearing Up For The Arrival Of The Coronavirus Vaccine
When Gov. JB Pritzker observes COVID-19 vaccines administered at a Peoria hospital on Tuesday morning, he’ll be witnessing among the first COVID-19…
United Way: There’s No Shortage Of Ways To Give Back In Champaign County
CHAMPAIGN – The United Way of Champaign County hopes residents who are able to give back to the community will consider doing so this holiday
Kirby Medical Center Among Rural Hospitals Facing COVID-19 Challenges
MONTICELLO – Rural hospitals in Illinois face unique challenges as COVID-19 continues to surge across the state. Many don’t have an intensive care unit, so patients
‘A Lot Of Us Are Tired’: Illinois Hospitals Bracing For An Even Worse Second Wave
EVANSTON – Across Illinois, more than 80% of all ICU beds are now occupied, according to data from the state’s department of public health. The
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
