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Partners in building a healthier community. The Memorial Hospital Team is committed to professional excellence in providing safe, quality healthcare, compassion and service to patients, the community and each other. About Us Our Mission The Memorial Hospital Team is committed to professional excellence in providing safe, quality healthcare, compassion and service to patients, the community and each other. Memorial Hospital is Dedicated to You Memorial Hospital in Chester is Gold Seal Accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Hospital Organizations (JCAHO) and ranked as a 5-star hospital by our patients. In addition to an active staff of family practice medicine and general surgery, Memorial is proud to feature a wide range of medical specialties. Memorial offers a wide range of surgical procedures, performed on out-patient and in-patient basis, as well as many diagnostic procedures. Memorial Hospital is a 25 bed critical access hospital. All rooms are private. We also have a 2-bed ICU. Visit the National Rural Rating System website. Building for Your Future Needs Memorial Hospital has recently completed a multiphase remodel “Building for your future needs.” These improvements help Memorial continue its efforts in providing the best quality healthcare for the community. As healthcare needs change and technology advances, Memorial continues to improve the critical access of care provided to Randolph County and the surrounding area. Newly renovated areas include the ER, Same Day Surgery, Chemo/Infusion Center, Main Entrance, Medical Surgical Unit, Pharmacy, Cardiopulmonary and Nuclear Medicine Departments, Specialty Clinics, Outpatient Lab and the addition of a new Medical Office building. Renovations were made to improve access to patient services, update equipment, and improve workflow across the continuum of care. Memorial Hospital features all-digital diagnostic imaging, including MRI, CT, Mammography/3DMammography, Ultra Sound, Bone Densitometry and Nuclear Medicine. Our Therapy and Sports Rehab Center features state-of-the-art exercise equipment and an aquatic rehab pool. We have a full service laboratory, cardiopulmonary department, Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center, and sleep studies lab, and provide chemotherapy and infusions for patients. Memorial Hospital is always improving to meet your needs. Rural Life: Photo Contest Winners Selected Dec 24, 2024 Memorial Hospital’s Medical Office Building is Now Open Oct 28, 2024 Capturing the Beauty of Rural Life: A Glimpse into the Photo Contest Winners Jun 24, 2024 Memorial Hosts Ground Breaking Sep 11, 2023 Partners in Building a Healthier Community Message from the CEO, Brett Bollmann As Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hospital, I personally welcome you to explore Memorial Hospital and our community. When you visit our facility, you will find a team of health care professionals who embrace our mission – a commitment to professional excellence in providing safe, high quality health care, compassion and service to patients, the community and to each other. The Memorial Hospital team has achieved award winning accomplishments, growth and outcomes putting us at the top of the health care class in our region. Our dedicated staff are invested in the community and appreciate life within a region filled with a rich history of progress, opportunity, and core values that provides a culture of excellence for the very best patient experience. Thank you for exploring the Memorial Hospital website and we hope you will visit often to learn more about Memorial Hospital and the services we provide. Sincerely, Brett Bollmann, CEO Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) The Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) was performed in support of the mission and genuine desire to provide the best possible health care and contribute to improving the community’s overall health. The process of assessing our community’s health needs has given us an opportunity to learn more about our community through the analysis of various data. Download PDF of CHNA Joint Commission Accredidation Memorial Hospital of Chester, Illinois has achieved accreditation from the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare Organizations and has been awarded the Gold Seal of Approval. Joint Commission Accreditation means that an organization complies with the highest national standards for safety and quality of care. The Joint Commission is an independent,non-for-profit organization established over 50 years ago and is the world leader in evaluating the quality and safety of care delivered in over 17000 healthcare organizations across the country. Memorial Hospital is committed to providing the highest level of quality care to our patients as well as providing a safe environment in which the care is provided. About Chester Chester is located on the bluffs overlooking the Mississippi River in Historic Randolph County. For nearly a century, the late 1600's to 1763, this area was under French occupation thus creating the rich French history found in Chester. For more information visit. www.chesteril.com Notice of Privacy Practices Notice of Privacy Practice Effective 9/9/13 Memorial Hospital, Chester, Illinois This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully. Click here to read Privacy Policy. Board Members Tom Search, Chairman Grant Deterding, Vice Chairman Evelyn Schuwerk, Secretary Dan Colvis, Treasurer Trent Vasquez Casey Parker Mary Brown Mary Sulser Gregory Crain Agenda For the Next Meeting Minutes From the Last Meeting Minutes From One Meeting Previous Next Special Committee Agenda Board Meetings 2025 Location: Memorial Hospital, Chester, IL, Board Room Time: Start time will be 5:30 p.m. 2025 dates will be as follows: Monday, January 6, 2025 Monday, February 3, 2025 Monday, March 3, 2025 Monday, April 7, 2025 Monday, May 5, 2025 Monday, June 2, 2025 Monday, July 7, 2025 Monday, August 4, 2025 Tuesday, September 2, 2025 Monday, October 6, 2025 Monday, November 3, 2025 Monday, December 1, 2025 Special Committee Meetings: Joint Conference Committee – Tuesday, April 15, 2025, starting at 12:00 pm. Finance Committee – Tuesday, May 13, 2025, starting at 12:00 pm. Board Meeting Public Comment Rules As a patient, family member, community representative or employee of Memorial Hospital in Chester, you have the right to notify the Joint Commission regarding any concern about the quality of care provided, or safety of the environment in which care is provided. Anyone believing that he or she has pertinent and valid information about such matters should click here for details. notify: Division of Accreditation Operations online complaint form. For more contact information on the Joint Commission . Anyone wishing to contact the management of Memorial Hospital, in Chester, to report concerns about patient safety and quality of care may contact the hospital (618.826.4581) Chief Executive Officer- Ext. 1298; Chief Nursing Officer – Ext. 1700; or Safety Director – Ext. 1143 The public also has the right to contact the Illinois Department of Public Health at 535 West Jefferson Street, Springfield, Illinois 62761 (Phone 1.800.252.4343).

Memorial Hospital Chester is committed to professional excellence in providing safe, high quality health care, compassion and service to patients, the community and to each other. LOCATIONS CALENDAR OF EVENTS PATIENT PORTAL CAREERS ONLINE BILL PAY Welcome to Memorial Hospital As Chief Executive Officer of Memorial Hospital, I personally welcome you to explore Memorial Hospital and our community. When you visit our facility, you will find a team of health care professionals who embrace our mission – a commitment to professional excellence in providing safe, high quality health care, compassion and service to patients, the community and to each other. The Memorial Hospital team has achieved award winning accomplishments, growth and outcomes putting us at the top of the health care class in our region. Our dedicated staff are invested in the community and appreciate life within a region filled with a rich history of progress, opportunity, and core values that provides a culture of excellence for the very best patient experience. Thank you for exploring the Memorial Hospital website and we hope you will visit often to learn more about Memorial Hospital and the services we provide. Brett Bollmann, CEO OUR CLINICS, LOCATIONS, AND PHARMACY Memorial Hospital Specialty Clinics 618-826-4581 ext. 1366 Fax: 618-826-5152 1900 State Street Chester, IL 62233 Providers Chester Clinic 618-826-2388 Fax: 618-826-5139 Medical Office Building 1900 State Street Chester, IL 62233 Clinic Info Steeleville Family Practice 618-965-3382 Fax: 618-965-2062 602 W. Shawneetown Trail Steeleville, IL 62288 Clinic Info Therapy & Sports Rehab Center 618-826-4588 833 Lehmen Drive Chester, IL 62233 Rehab Center Info Memorial Community Pharmacy 618-826-6134 1900 State Street Chester, IL 62233 Pharmacy Info Locations Lung Screening Cardiac Pulmonary Rehab Center Women's Healthy Physical Therapy Chemotherapy & Infusion Center From inpatient to outpatient care, specialty services to diagnostic imaging, emergency care and community services, Memorial Hospital provides high quality healthcare to our community. View All OUR SERVICES What our patients are saying "I have been a patient at the Clinic for 50 years! All the employees are friendly nice and helpful! Wouldn’t want to go anywhere else!" UPCOMING EVENTS Memorial Hospital offers a variety of classes, programs, and events for the community. View All Events Recent News Check out our blog: TORCH , is your resource for information regarding providers, services, classes and events at Memorial Hospital our rural health clinics and rehab center. You will also find stories on MH and employee honors and awards. Subscribe to Our Quarterly Newsletter The Lamp, is a quarterly newsletter that is sent digitally to our subscribers, patients, and their families. These newsletters provide valuable information on our skilled physicians, variety of programs we offer, and our exceptional care services. Stay informed on how Memorial Hospital is growing to meet your needs, by subscribing to our newsletter below. Chemotherapy and Infusion Care at Memorial Hospital At Memorial Hospital our Chemotherapy and Infusion Center is where clinical expertise meets genuine compassion. From the moment you arrive, our Certified Nursing Staff focuses on your comfort and safety. Hospital News 5 hours ago 2 min read Memorial Hospital Hosts Emergency Decontamination Training to Strengthen Regional Preparedness Memorial Hospital in Chester, hosted a comprehensive Emergency Decontamination Training session, welcoming both its own Decontamination team and three members from Sparta Community Hospital’s Decon team. Hospital News Oct 7 1 min read Breast Cancer Awareness: Your Health, Your Power This week on our social channels, we’ll debunk common myths versus facts like how mammograms detect cancer before symptoms appear and use only minimal radiation exposure. Health Information Oct 3 2 min read Memorial Hospital Earns ISHMPR Merit Award for Community Outreach The Merit Award represents the second highest honor in its category and recognizes the hospital’s innovative campaign introducing the new Cardiac & Pulmonary Rehab Center to area residents Awards Sep 29 2 min read Memorial Hospital Welcomes Beck School of Nursing LPN Students for Fall 2025 Clinical Rotations Memorial Hospital is excited to welcome Licensed Practical Nursing (LPN) students from Beck School of Nursing to its facility for the Fall 2025 semester. Beginning this fall, students will complete clinical rotations every Wednesday, working 12-hour shifts alongside hospital staff to gain hands-on experience in patient care. Hospital News Aug 28 1 min read Welcome New ENT Provider We are pleased to announce Heather Cheaney, APRN, FNP-BC will be joining the team of specialty providers at Memorial Hospital. Heather works with Dr. Samuel Medaris and will offer ENT clinic visits at the specialty clinic starting in September. Hospital News Aug 21 1 min read Memorial Hospital’s Medical Explorers Program: Guiding Students Toward Meaningful Careers in Healthcare Since its launch in September 2019, Memorial Hospital’s Medical Explorers Program has been guiding students toward meaningful careers in healthcare, particularly within rural communities. The program was introduced at Memorial to help high school and college students discover the wide range of professional opportunities available in the healthcare field. Our Community Aug 18 4 min read Burmester Receives Employee of the Quarter Brett Bollmann, CEO at Memorial Hospital named Anna Burmester Employee of the Quarter for the Second Quarter 2025 on July 22, 2025. Hospital News Jul 23 2 min read Summer Safety Spotlight: Your Guide to a Healthy, Happy Season From lakeside adventures to backyard BBQs, summer is a time for fun, family, and fresh air. But with all that sunshine and activity comes a few seasonal risks. Here’s your go-to guide for staying safe, from water and heat to food, sun, and even tick bites. Health Information Jul 7 4 min read Memorial Hosts 3rd Annual Junior Explorers Camp Memorial Hospital hosted its third annual Junior Explorers Camp from June 25–27, welcoming twelve enthusiastic students entering grades 6–8 for a hands-on introduction to the world of healthcare. Hospital News Jun 30 2 min read Newslette Sign up for our newsletter View This Quarter's Newsletter Name Email I agree to receive quarterly newsletters to the email provided. I understand I can unsbuscribe at anytime.. Submit When subscribing to our newsletter, you give Memorial Hospital permission to email you information about events, services, and providers. You can opt out of these emails at anytime. Archived Newsletters: January 2020 April 2020 July 2020 October 2020 January 2021 April 2021 July 2021 October 2021 January 2022 April 2022 July 2022 October 2022 January 2023 April 2023 July 2023 October 2023 January 2024 April 2024 July 2024 October 2024 January 2025 April 2025 July 2025 > Memorial Hospital Hours of Operation HOSPITAL HOURS Main Entrance: Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:00pm (On weekends and after hours please use the ER entrance and registration desk.) Emergency Room : 24 Hours, 7 Days a Week Convenient Care : Sunday-Saturday 8:00am-8:00pm (Including Holidays) Memorial Community Pharmacy : Monday-Friday 7:00am-5:30pm Saturday 9:00am-1:00pm Counter, Drive Thru, & Curbside Pick-Up 24 Hour Pick-Up Locker Located in ER Lobby Laboratory Patient Hours: Monday-Friday 6:00am-6:00pm Saturday-Sunday 6:00am-2:00pm Visiting Hours : Sunday-Saturday 8:00am-8:00pm (Visitor Pass Required After Hours) Specialty Clinics : Monday-Friday Gift Shop Hours: Monday-Friday 10:00am-2:00pm Cafeteria Hours: Breakfast - 7:30am-9:30am Lunch - 11:15am-1:00pm OTHER LOCATION HOURS Therapy & Sports Rehab Center : Monday - Friday 8:00am - 5:00pm AfterCare Hours Monday-Friday 8:00am-3:00pm Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm Closed on Holidays Early Hours at the Chester Clinic ONLY Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays Starting at 7:00am With a Nurse Practitioner or Physician Assistant

Caring is Our Commitment. Providing quality care to Southern Illinois since 1934. At Chester Clinic and Steeleville Family Practice outstanding physicians, and support staff abound. Our healthcare business truly is..."ALL ABOUT YOU!" We come to work each day embracing the goals of medical ethics. Chester Clinic & Steeleville Family Practice Family Clinics Family Providers Services & Fees Accepting New Patient Appointments Dr. Zachary Orme, D.O. Family Medicine Dr. Monica Lukose, M.D. Family Medicine Caring is Our Commitment Providing quality care to Southern Illinois since 1934 At Chester Clinic and Steeleville Family Practice outstanding physicians, and support staff abound. Our healthcare business truly is..."ALL ABOUT YOU!" We come to work each day embracing the goals of medical ethics. To respect people, healthy or ill, regardless of who they are. To support, comfort and care for our patients and their loved ones whenever and wherever we can. To embrace the power of information and communication technologies in order to support our patients with the best available care and information. To promote health as well as treat disease. As always, our goal is to make your healthcare experience a positive one. Providing service to Chester, Illinois and the surrounding communities. Memorial Hospital Medicaid Managed Care Plans Memorial Hospital and it’s providers (this includes both Chester Clinic and Steeleville Family Practice) are currently accepting the following Medicaid Managed Care Plans: Meridian Molina Blue Cross Community Aetna Better Health If you have questions about these plans, please contact the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services at 877-912-8880 or visit their website at https://enrollhfs.illinois.gov/enroll Are you enrolled in both Medicare and Medicaid? Did you know that your insurance could be changing this Fall 2021 to a Managed Medicare/Managed Medicaid Plan – also known as the Medicare-Medicaid Alignment Initiative (MMAI)? Memorial Hospital, Chester Clinic, & Steeleville Family Practice ONLY accept the following Medicare-Medicaid plans: Traditional Medicare/Traditional Medicaid, Blue Cross Community MMAI (Medicare-Medicaid Plan) Molina Healthcare Dual Options Medicare-Medicaid Plan If you were auto-enrolled in a different MMAI plan and wish to continue receiving services at Memorial Hospital, Chester Clinic or Steeleville Family Practice, you will need to opt-out of your current plan and choose a plan as listed above or revert back to Traditional Medicare/Traditional Medicaid. If you need assistance with switching plans, we can help at 618-826-4581, explain you need to speak with someone about MMAI network benefits and you will be transferred appropriately or call the Senior HelpLine and ask for the MMAI Ombudsman at 877-912-8880 Medicaid members! Don’t risk losing your health insurance. Please update your address with Illinois Medicaid. It’s easy, fast, and free: Call 877-805-5312 from 7:45am–4:30pm or visit medicaid.illinois.gov . If you use a TTY, call 1-877-204-1012. Patient Care Hours: Chester Clinic Mondays & Fridays 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm Early Hours - Chester ONLY Tuesdays, Wednesdays, & Thursdays Starting at 7:00am (With a Nurse Practitioner or a Physician Assistant ) To make an appointment: Please call 618-826-2388, Steeleville Family Practice Monday-Friday 8:00am-12:00pm, 1:00pm-5:00pm Closed on Holidays To make an appointment: Please call 618-965-3382 If you are signed up for appointment reminder calls they will be received three days prior to your appointment. To apply for financial assistance at one of the rural health clinics, follow the directions below: Print the Financial Application (Download Here ) View the Sliding Fee Scale Policy Complete and sign the application. Return the application, along with copies of supporting documentation to the Patient Accounts Department. The application may either be delivered in person or sent by mail to: Chester Clinic , Attention: Patient Accounts , 1900 State Street , Chester, IL 62233 To apply for Financial Assistance at Memorial Hospital contact patient accounts at 618-826-4581 ext. 1249. Financial Policy Persons may be eligible for financial assistance with their medical bills under the terms and conditions Chester Clinic/Steeleville Family Practice offers to qualified patients (See our Financial Policy: English , Spanish ). For more information, please contact the Patient Accounts Department at 618-826-2388 ext: 1484. Privacy Policy This Notice of Privacy Practices describes how we may use and disclose your protected health information (PHI) to carry our treatment, payment or health care operations (TPO) and for other purposes that are permitted or required by law. It also describes your rights to access and control your protected health information. (See our Privacy Policy ) Notice to Patients: This practice serves all patients regardless of inability to pay. Discounts for essential services are offered based on family size and income. Thank you. Aviso Para Pacientes: Esta práctica sirve a todos los pacientes, independientemente de la incapacidad de pago. Desuentos para los servicios esenciales son ofrecidos dependiendo de tamaño de la familia y de los ingresos. Usted puede solicitar un descuento en la recepción o visita nuestro sitio web. Gracias. Policy Title: Office of Civil Rights Section 1557-Nondiscrimination Notice Memorial Hospital complies with applicable Federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, age, disability, religion, sexual orientation or sex. Details . See additional languages at bottom of page.. Disclaimer: Nothing on this web site should be considered as medical advice or a recommendation. Neither the author, Memorial Hospital, its affiliates or agents, or any other party involved in the preparation or publication of the works presented are responsible for any errors or omissions in information provided. Readers are encouraged to confirm information with other reliable sources and to direct any questions concerning personal healthcare to licensed physicians or other appropriate healthcare professionals. Only your own physician can help you make decisions about your medical care.

Our Infusion Center is fully functioning and able to provide the latest and most innovative services available. • Blood Transfusions • IV Therapy and Management • Infusions for most medical issues • Port-A-Cath care and lab draws • Wound Care Our staff and administration strive to provide a tranquil and accommodating environment, where one can relax while receiving treatment. CHEMOTHERAPY Chemotherapy is the treatment of cancer with an antineoplastic drug or with a combination of such drugs into a standardized treatment regimen. Certain chemotherapy agents also have a role in the treatment of other conditions, including ankylosing spondylitis, multiple sclerosis, Crohn's disease, psoriasis, psoriatic arthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and scleroderma. The most common chemotherapy agents act by killing cells that divide rapidly, one of the main properties of most cancer cells. This means that chemotherapy also harms cells that OUR SUCCESS STORIES We are proud to provide the community with high quality care close to home. Specialized care with Certified staff are here to care for and educate you, so that you have the greatest chances to succeed. “Everyone is very nice and courteous. I have been having these infusions for almost 15 years, at various different cities, and I would rate this center as one of the best.” -Infusion Patient “Everyone in infusion is so kind and caring. They make the experience so much better. Relationships make this journey better.” - The Hoyles "A year and a half ago Chester Hospital became our second home. Our mom had cancer and our journey began. We could not have done it without the help of so many people. Everyone has been so kind and helpful. There are so many people involved, it's hard to list them all. So when you hear the name Gertrude Kammermann, just know you are on that list. Thank you for your kindness, keeping us positive, making us laugh, and always being there for us. We love each of you and love Chester Hospital" - Family of Gertrude Kammermann "The nurses in the Infusion Department are wonderful! Even when they are really busy, they still make you feel special. On 'bad days,' they keep your spirts up! Thank you to Carla, Carrie Jo, Debbie, Michelle, Amy, Janet, and Dr. Justin Floyd." - Lynn Rickenberg BELL OF HOPE - Donated by the Gielow Family

We’re dedicated to healing wounds, preventing lower limb loss and optimizing outcomes for our patients. If you or a loved one has a wound that is of concern or is not healing properly, we encourage you to visit the wound center for an evaluation. A wound that is not healing properly may be complicated by underlying conditions such as diabetes, circulation problems or previous radiation treatment. Sometimes, the simplest of wounds can turn into a significant problem because the body’s normal healing process is affected. Other types of hard-to-heal wounds result from pressure, trauma or infection. Non-healing wounds can have serious health consequences and may adversely affect your quality of life. Types of Wounds Treated As a comprehensive wound healing center, we specialize in the treatment of all types of non-healing and difficult-to-heal wounds including: • Diabetic foot ulcers • Venous ulcers • Pressure ulcers • Non-healing, surgical wounds • Arterial/ischemic ulcers • Traumatic wounds • Infected wounds • Crush injuries • Compromised flaps or grafts Wound Care Specialist: Dr. Margret DeGuzman Contact Us Please contact Memorial Hospital at 618-826-4583 to learn more about how we can help you or a loved one.

Memorial has an on-call, on-staff, licensed social worker with ComWell, who assists with some support groups and is available to patients when needed. Memorial's social worker is there to improve the quality of life and wellbeing of our patients and their families. Our social worker acts as advocate to help patients and their families, gain access to resources while confronting their personal issues, such as mental illness, addiction, abuse, etc.

Michelle Tripp, RN; Carrie Jo Dierks, Infusion Nursing Assistant; and Deb Stenberg, RN. At Memorial Hospital, our Chemotherapy and Infusion Center is where clinical expertise meets genuine compassion. Whether you need chemotherapy, immunotherapy, blood transfusions, port-a-cath or PICC line care, long-term antibiotic therapy, or injections and infusions for a range of medical needs, our fully equipped center provides thoughtful, personalized care designed to make each visit as comfortable and reassuring as possible.   From the moment you arrive, our Certified Nursing Staff focuses on your comfort and safety. Treatment chairs are heated and massaging, each station has a personal TV and free Wi‑Fi, and our team moves with efficiency, so you spend less time commuting and more time resting with loved ones. The team coordinates closely with family physicians, labs, imaging, and specialty providers so appointments, results, and follow-ups happen smoothly. Dr. Justin Floyd, D.O. Memorial’s Specialty Clinic providers work hand in hand with the Infusion Center to deliver coordinated care close to home. Dr. Justin Floyd, D.O. , leads with both skill and heart. “Helping patients and families daily navigate the cancer journey reminds me why this work matters,” he says. “Catching cancer early typically improves outcomes, and we’re here to listen, answer questions, and build a plan that fits your life.” Michelle McQuillan, DNP, FNP-BC , sees patients alongside Dr. Floyd to support symptom management, education, and continuity of care.   Through Dr. Floyd and the team at Cancer Care Michelle McQuillan, DNP, FNP-BC Specialists of Illinois , patients are offered access to clinical trials. Memorial Hospital also offers nutrition counseling, social work support, and rehabilitation services so care addresses the whole person, not just the diagnosis. Affiliations with regional centers strengthen the care available locally and help chart a path for expanded services in the future.   Patients tell us the difference is the people. “Everyone is very nice and courteous... I would rate this center as one of the Best,” one patient shared. Another family wrote, “Everyone in infusion is so kind and caring. They make the experience so much better.”   If you or a loved one need infusion or oncology care, Memorial Hospital is here to support you every step of the way with expertise, warmth, and care close to home. Call (618) 826-4581 or visit www.mhchester.com/chemotherapy-infusion-center to learn more.

Sparta Community Hospital and Memorial Hospital Decon Teams with BJC EMA instructor. On October 1, 2025, Memorial Hospital in Chester, hosted a comprehensive Emergency Decontamination Training session, welcoming both its own Decontamination team and three members from Sparta Community Hospital’s Decon team. Led by Scott Klosterman of BJC Emergency Management Agency (EMA), the training provided critical education and hands-on experience to enhance regional readiness for hazardous exposure incidents.   Participants engaged in classroom instruction focused on identifying and responding to chemical, biological, liquid, and radiological threats. The curriculum emphasized proper protocols for decontaminating patients exposed to hazardous materials, ensuring staff are equipped with the knowledge and confidence to act swiftly and safely in real-world scenarios.   A key component of the training involved mastering the use of specialized protective suits, including correct procedures for donning and doffing. Staff also practiced patient decontamination techniques using Memorial Hospital’s decontamination tent and equipment, gaining valuable experience in a controlled, realistic setting.   The immersive, hands-on nature of the training was well received by attendees, who appreciated the opportunity to refine their skills and collaborate across institutions. Memorial and Sparta Community Hospital remain committed to fostering preparedness and community resilience through ongoing education and inter-hospital partnerships.

As Breast Cancer Awareness Month unfolds, Memorial Hospital invites every woman to claim her power through prevention, early detection, and compassionate care. While genetics play a role in some cases, most breast cancers develop without a family history. This October, let’s focus on the things we can control, adopting healthy habits, staying vigilant with self-exams, and keeping up with recommended screenings.   Maintaining a balanced lifestyle can help lower your breast cancer risk. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week, prioritize a diet rich in colorful fruits and vegetables, and limit alcohol to one drink per day. If you smoke, seek support to quit, your entire body, including your breasts, will thank you. Small daily choices add up to powerful protection.   While healthy habits strengthen your body, screenings ensure no changes go unnoticed. Monthly breast self-exams help you recognize what’s normal for you, but clinical mammograms are the leading diagnostic approach. This week on our social channels, we’ll debunk common myths versus facts like how mammograms detect cancer before symptoms appear and use only minimal radiation exposure. Follow us on Facebook  and Instagram  to arm yourself with truth and share our carousel.   Mammography Technologists, Heather Williamson, Wesleyan Fadler, & Rhonda Mott Early detection dramatically improves survival outcomes. Women diagnosed at a localized stage have a five-year relative survival rate as high as 99%, and smaller tumors often require less aggressive treatment, lumpectomy instead of mastectomy, for example, so recovery is smoother and side effects fewer. “Catching cancer early gives our patients the best chance at a full recovery,” says Rhonda Mott, Chief Radiologic Technologist. “Our 3D mammography technology captures detailed images that help us spot tiny changes long before they become problems.”   Scheduling your screening is simple. First, ask your physician for a mammogram order, then call Memorial Hospital’s Mammography Department at (618) 826-4581 to book your appointment. Most insurance plans under the Affordable Care Act cover annual or biennial mammograms for women age 40 and older, and Medicare pays for yearly screenings as well. If you’re under 40 but have concerns, speak with your provider about starting earlier.   Your health is your power. By combining healthy habits, self-exams, and state-of-the-art 3D mammograms, you take control of your breast health, and if treatment becomes necessary, our Chemotherapy & Infusion Center  stands ready with personalized care, from chemotherapy and immunotherapy to access to clinical trials through Specialty Clinic Oncologist, Dr. Justin Floyd. Together, we infuse hope at every step. Schedule your screening today, and share this article with the women you love.