One of the trends in the hospital/health care field is changing names these days and that trend has reached Hillsboro. The name Hillsboro Area Hospital and its familiar abbreviation of H-A-H is entering the history books. Hospital officials announced late Monday that the facility has been rebranded to Hillsboro Health. Hospital officials say the rebranding effort underscores a commitment to growth, local access to health care, and additional services to meet the needs of people in the community. Hillsboro Health Chief Executive Officer Michael Alexander says  "This project is the next step in our long-range plan to provide a greater range of health and wellness services to our community,” . As part of the expansion, Hillsboro Health has opened a new primary care clinic. “By opening a primary care clinic and planning upgrades to our outpatient surgery facility, we want to go beyond being just a great hospital. We want people to choose Hillsboro Health the next time they need care," states Alexander. 

Health care providers Michael Koeppen, MD, and Katie Wollerman, FNP-C, are now available to see patients at the Douglas-Telfer Building, located at 1220 E. Tremont St. Anyone interested in scheduling an appointment at Hillsboro Health Primary Care may call 217-532-4351. 

While the rebrand includes a name and logo change, the organization remains a local, independent hospital. These entities are included in the change: 

• Hillsboro Area Hospital, now known as Hillsboro Health 

• Hillsboro Health Primary Care 

• Hillsboro Health Specialty Clinics 

• Hillsboro Health Therapy Services (formerly TeamWork Rehab) 

• Hillsboro Health Assisted Living (formerly Tremont Ridge Assisted Living) 

• Hillsboro Health Fitness & Aquatics (formerly Fusion Fitness & Aquatics) 

• Hillsboro Health Foundation (formerly Hillsboro Area Health Foundation) 

Hillsboro Health, formerly Hillsboro Area Hospital, is a local, independent health care organization comprised of a 25-bed, not-for-profit, critical access hospital that provides inpatient, outpatient, and emergency services. Hillsboro Health also offers primary and specialty care, therapy services, assisted living facilities and a fitness and aquatics center. Hillsboro Health is committed to providing compassionate and quality care in an environment that fosters healing and wellness and follows the highest standards for patient safety. 

The City of Litchfield is preparing for upcoming extremely low temperatures. The
temperatures are expected to be in the single digits with subzero windchills beginning
1/13/24-1/16/24. If you or someone you know needs relief or assistance from the cold call 217-324-5991. Listed below are some recommendations from the National Weather Service to prepare for the upcoming cold weather event.
 Check the Forecast at weather.gov or your favorite weather app, station,
etc.: Make checking the forecast part of your regular routine so you'll know when
to expect cold weather.
 Adjust Your Schedule: If possible, adjust your schedule to avoid being outside
during the coldest part of the day, typically the early morning. Try to find a warm
spot for your children while waiting for the school bus outside.

 Protect Your Pets, Livestock and other Property: If you have pets or farm
animals, make sure they have plenty of food and water, and are not overly
exposed to extreme cold. Take precautions to ensure your water pipes do not
freeze. Know the temperature thresholds of your plants and crops.
? Fill up the tank: Make sure your car or vehicle has at least a half a tank of gas
during extreme cold situations so that you can stay warm if you become
stranded.

Dress for the outdoors even if you don't think you'll be out much.
Update Your Winter Car Survival Kit

As Valentine’s Day approaches, State Senator Steve McClure (R-Springfield) is once again working to make sure that senior citizens aren’t forgotten, with his annual “Valentines for Seniors” card drive. 

“Living in a nursing home or assisted-living facility can be a lonely experience,” said Senator McClure. “We want to make sure that those seniors know that they are an important part of the community and are loved.” 

To help with this goal, McClure is asking students, scout groups, churches, and other groups to consider creating homemade cards that will be delivered to nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and other long-term care facilities throughout the 54th Senate District. 

Cards can be dropped off from now until February 5th at McClure’s Litchfield district office, which is located at 410 N. Monroe Street in Litchfield, or his Effingham district office, at 208 N. 4th Street Suite B, in Effingham. There will be a drop box inside each office during normal business hours, from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. 

As a way to honor area seniors, State Senator Erica Harriss (56^th-Glen Carbon) and Senator Jason Plummer (55-Edwardsville) will host their annual Valentines for Seniors Card Drive through February 5, 2024.

“I often hear of people in the community looking for ways to help others. This is an opportunity people can show our seniors love and support this Valentine’s Day,” said Senator Harriss. “We have several nursing homes and long-term care facilities across the district, and I want to make sure these residents don’t feel unloved or forgotten about on a day focused on love.”

Both Senators are asking students, scout groups, churches, families, and other groups to consider creating homemade cards that will be delivered to nursing homes, assisted-living facilities, and other long-term care facilities throughout each Senate District.

“This is a chance to make sure people know that we care and are thinking about them,” said Senator Plummer. “Every year our communities show these recipients that they are appreciated, and I look forward to another great response in 2024.”

Cards can be dropped off from now until February 5th at Senator Harriss’ District Office at 120 North Main Street, Suite 1B, Edwardsville or at Senator Plummer’s District Office at 310 West Gallatin Street, Vandalia.

There will be a drop box inside both offices during normal business hours, from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. A small mailbox will be located outside the office for after-hour drop-offs.

Heavy hearts in Hillsboro as little Simeon Huber passed away last week after a courageous battle with leukemia.   The three year old touched a lot of hearts in his short time on Earth and the people of Hillsboro and beyond made every one of his precious days on Earth count.   Not only were there a number of fundraisers but  Hillsboro poured their hearts out to Simeon and his parents Seth and Jessie,  rallying around them over the holidays with a  parade past his house with some of his favorite vehicles, ATVs, motorcycles and jeeps. Every entry was decorated for Christmas and a few days later a good number of residents turned up at the Huber home to sing Christmas Carols.  Our thoughts and prayers go out to the Hubers and the entire Hillsboro community.