Nelson
Nelson, IL · Health
The Journal Standard
Rural Freeport ambulance rates increase July 1
The Freeport Rural Fire Protection District increased its ambulance service rates on July 1, 2026. The new rates will be $250 for public assist, $2,100 for BLS and $2,400 for ALS, according to a community announcement. The increase reflects the rising costs of providing emergency medical services, including ambulance maintenance, medical equipment, training, staffing and other resources, according to the announcement. Rising costs impact rates The district said it remains committed to delivering prompt, professional and compassionate emergency medical services to the community. It also said it understands that changes in service fees impact residents and patients, and it has worked to ensure rates remain aligned with the costs of providing quality ambulance services. “We appreciate your understanding and continued support as we work to provide the best possible emergency response and patient care,” the announcement said. This story was created by reporter Nida Tazeen, NTazeen@usatodayco.com , with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the information gathering, review, editing and publishing process. Learn more at cm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct . This article originally appeared on Journal Standard: Rural Freeport ambulance rates increase July 1
WIFR
Crusader Community Health opens sixth Rockford area location
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) — Crusader Community Health is preparing to open its sixth clinic location in the Rockford area, a 28,390-square-foot facility at the intersection of South Alpine and Linden Road on the city’s south side. A ribbon cutting is scheduled for Wednesday, July 1, at 2 p.m.,...
beckersspine.com
Illinois surgeon performs world’s 1st ASC hip replacement with new technology
Kenneth Chakour, MD, of Geneva, Ill.-based Fox Valley Orthopedics became the first surgeon in the world to perform a total hip replacement at an ASC using the latest generation of Velys hip navigation technology, according to a June 29 news release shared with Becker’s. Dr. Chakour performed the procedure...
WIFR
Freeport Rural Fire Protection District raises ambulance service rates
FREEPORT, Ill. (WIFR) — The Freeport Rural Fire Protection District has increased its ambulance service rates for the first time in several years as it works to keep up with the rising cost of emergency medical services. The increase took effect July 1 and is meant to help cover...
beckersspine.com
Former OSF leaders sue hospital over neurosurgery safety concerns
Three former surgical services leaders at OSF Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, Ill., have filed a whistleblower lawsuit alleging patient safety violations within the hospital’s neurosurgery service line and retaliation for reporting concerns, according to a June 23 report by CBS affiliate WIFR. The lawsuit was filed by...
osfhealthcare.org
Caitlin Ehlers, APRN, expands family medicine services in Sterling
OSF HealthCare Saint Katharine Medical Center is pleased to announce that Caitlin Ehlers, APRN, is transitioning from Internal Medicine to Family Medicine while remaining at Town Square Centre in a new suite location. In addition to her expanded role, Ehlers will begin seeing patients at the OSF Saint Katharine Center for Health – Sterling, further increasing access to primary care in the region.
northwestquarterly.com
Meet the Hospital President: Alec Grabowski, OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony
In April 2025, Alec Grabowski was named president of OSF HealthCare Saint Anthony Medical Center in Rockford. As an experienced executive leader, he brought years of experience in health system operations and a passion for sharing his Catholic faith. Just a few months after his arrival, he received national recognition...
hoodline.com
Northwestern Drops $58M To Snag Oak Brook Medical Hub
Northwestern Medicine has shelled out $58 million for a four-story medical office building in Oak Brook, upgrading its role from tenant to landlord in a move that could reshape how it controls outpatient care in the western suburbs. The deal is part of a growing wave of suburban plays where big health systems decide they would rather own the clinics where their doctors practice than keep cutting rent checks.
stoughtonnews.com
First in the state for Stoughton Health
Stoughton Health OrthoTeam Clinic is proud to announce the introduction of the Mako robotic-arm assisted shoulder replacement surgery, performed by Dr. Ashish M. Rawal, a board-certified, fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon. According to a Stoughton Health news release, Rawal is the first in Wisconsin to offer this advanced procedure. Mako robotic-arm technology...
MyStateline.com
Freeport City Council to consider raising ambulance service rates
FREEPORT, Ill. (WTVO) — The Freeport City Council is scheduled to discuss a proposal tonight that could raise ambulance service rates. The proposed changes would impact both residents and non-residents, as well as associated mileage fees. Currently, residents in Freeport are billed a flat rate of $1,200 for ambulance...
WIFR
UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital honors workers for outstanding quality care
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - On its 115th anniversary, UW Health SwedishAmerican Hospital praises its employees for their integrity and commitment to excellence. The health system hosted its annual Founder’s Day employee picnic on June 3 and presented its 2026 Anderson Quality Awards to one individual and one medical team.
WIFR
Rockford hospital enrolls first U.S. patient in stroke prevention trial
ROCKFORD, Ill. (WIFR) - MercyHealth’s Javon Bea Hospital announced Friday the enrollment of the first U.S. patient for the “INTERCEPT” trial, a clinical trial sponsored by Javelin Medical. The INTERCEPT trial addresses what leaders describe as a critical, unmet need in stroke prevention, focusing on patients with...
hoodline.com
Chicago Swimmers Warned: One Gulp Of Lake Michigan Can Wreck Your Weekend
As Lake Michigan beaches open for the 2026 summer season across Chicago and the North Shore, state and county health officials are reminding swimmers that swallowing even a small mouthful of lake water can lead to recreational water illnesses, most commonly diarrhea, and in rare cases, more serious infections. Routine testing and advisory flags are already in place, but officials say simple habits such as not swallowing water and showering after a dip are still the easiest way to cut your risk. With warm weather finally arriving, public-health agencies are repeating a familiar warning: one careless gulp in the water can make you sick.
WIFR
Nearly $250K state grant to fund street improvements near Belvidere schools
BELVIDERE, Ill. (WIFR) - Street upgrades designed to keep students safe will soon be coming to Belvidere thanks to a state grant. State Rep. Dave Vella announced $249,346 will be appropriated to the City of Belvidere to fund Safe Routes to School projects through the Illinois Department of Transportation. IDOT’s...