Illinois Flex Program Details
Location: Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN), which is a non-profit entity located in Princeton, IL
Number of CAHs: 51
Web site: http://www.icahn.org
State Rural Health Plan
Rural Assistance Center State Resources
Illinois Top Three Flex Activities in 2009
- Refinement of statewide CAH database
- White Paper on Rural Hospitalist Programs for CAHs (resources and business models)
- Marketing Video on Rural Hospitals/CAHs
Illinois Flex Program Success Story
Illinois provides over $400,000 to its hospitals through a variety of small grant projects ($3,000-$5,000/each). These projects have stimulated new programs and services within the CAHs. CAHs did not have funds prior to do these community and education programs. The hospitals are appreciative of this mini grant program. Current mini grant categories are: board education; recruitment and retention; EMS education and equipment; information technology; men’s health; community development and special innovative programs ($20,000 each x3).
Illinois Most Significant Flex Achievement
The development of 12 department level user CAH groups where information can be shared and best practices identified through ICAHN. These user groups meet at least quarterly throughout the year. The CAHs at all levels now have easy access to peers and resources.