Mercyhealth WI and IL

📢 Wheels vs. Rotors Blood Drive invites the community to give the gift of life in honor of REACT helicopter transport program’s 40th anniversary Mercyhealth, in partnership with the Rock River Valley Blood Center and the REACT flight crew, will host a Wheels vs. Rotors EMS Blood Drive. Participants can show their support for the Ground Transport Team (Wheels) or the REACT helicopter crew (Rotors) by selecting their team when registering. 📆 December 8, 2026 🕚 3-7 pm 📍 Javon Bea Hospital–Riverside, 8201 E. Riverside Blvd., Rockford ➡️ More info and to register: bit.ly/48V3nkx

Let’s give a round of applause 👏 to Brandi Haller and Haylee Petska for receiving a Shield of Excellence Award! Brandi and Haylee went above and beyond when working on the inpatient unit recently. They added a special touch to one of the rooms by creating an adorable character out of towels for a new admission. Small gestures like this help create a warm, welcoming environment for our patients and families. Brandi and Haylee, the inpatient unit looks fantastic thanks to you two!

In honor of World Pneumonia Day, Mercyhealth wants to remind everyone that a lung infection can affect anyone, but it can be especially serious for young children, older adults and people with certain health conditions. Talk with your health care provider about ways to protect your lung health and whether the pneumonia vaccine is right for you. This World Pneumonia Day, we’re proud to recognize a decade of achievement: Javon Bea Hospital is a Healthgrades Five-Star Recipient for Treatment of Pneumonia for 10 years in a row. Thank you to our dedicated care teams for caring for our patients, supporting their families and serving our communities.

Thank you to all veterans who have selflessly served and continue to serve our nation. We honor your courage, dedication, and sacrifice. Happy Veterans Day! ❤️💙

➡️ Mercyhealth Volunteer Association presents donations for Mercyhealth cancer patients ⬅️ The Mercyhealth Volunteer Association presented donations to support Mercyhealth cancer patients in northern Illinois. The value of the donations is $3,000. The volunteer association also provides the Wigs for Patients program, providing eligible patients with a $200 stipend toward the purchase of a wig from one of Mercyhealth’s approved salons. Read more: bit.ly/3Vilrly

House of Mercy Charity Ball surpasses $345,000; announces winners The 2026 House of Mercy Homeless Center Charity Ball, held October 10 at the Holiday Inn Express in Janesville, brought together 325 guests and raised more than $348,000 to benefit the center and its residents. The evening featured a fundraising appeal to renovate the kitchen at the House of Mercy Homeless Center, which is housed in a building dating back to the 1950s. The improvements will provide needed updates and create more space for families to share meals. Read More: bit.ly/4iwZTdT

On this episode of What's Up Doc?, Rachana Patel, FNP-BC, discusses stress, anxiety, depression and mental health and the effects these conditions can have on your health. 🎙️ Listen on Spotify now: bit.ly/4ijP1hZ

Congratulations 🎉 to Lana Dodge and Patricia Carlson on receiving a Shield of Excellence Award! Lana and Patricia have been tirelessly supporting the Food Service Project Search interns. Through their patience, mentorship, and encouragement, the two of them have created a positive learning environment that fosters growth, confidence, and success. Lana and Patricia consistently go above and beyond to provide meaningful training opportunities, promote inclusion, and help participants develop the skills needed for future employment. Their dedication has had a lasting impact on the individuals they support and their team. Thank you Lana and Patricia!

Tune into another episode of What's Up, Doc? where Belinda Wellnitz, Manager of Behavioral Health at Mercyhealth, discusses the updated views and understanding around Autism. 🎙️ Listen on Spotify now: bit.ly/4yKojFm

Congratulations to Molly Rose on receiving a Shield of Excellence Award! 🏆 Molly was in her office when she heard a child outside calling for help. She immediately responded, finding an injured and visibly upset child who had come to the EMS Education office for assistance. Molly provided comfort and reassurance while contacting the appropriate emergency assistance agencies. Her paramedic instincts kicked in, and she remained with the child, helping them feel safe until additional help arrived. Thank you, Molly, for your quick thinking, compassion and commitment to caring for others when they needed it most. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition!

Announcing Mercyhealth Foundation sonography and radiography scholarships 🎓 Mercyhealth Foundation is pleased to award scholarships to three deserving individuals to help offset tuition costs for these students, who are enrolled in the Mercyhealth School of Sonography and Mercyhealth School of Radiography. Congratulations to Mercyhealth School of Sonography scholarship recipients: • Kendra Schreck, Roscoe, IL • Hailey Zillmer, Janesville, WI Congratulations to Mercyhealth School of Radiography scholarship recipient is: • JoAnn Cuevas, Rockford, IL The scholarships were awarded to current students based on criteria including the content of an essay, outside awards and activities, potential for future employment with Mercyhealth and financial need. More information about the scholarships: bit.ly/4c4VD0J

There’s still time to make your breast health a priority. 💗 If you’re due for a mammogram, now is a great time to schedule your breast cancer screening. Regular mammograms can help detect breast cancer early, sometimes before symptoms appear. During Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we’re reminding women to know their breast cancer risk, stay current with recommended mammograms and talk with their health care provider about any breast changes or concerns. And if you need more than a screening, our breast cancer care team is here to provide expert care close to home – from diagnosis and breast surgery to medical oncology, radiation oncology and ongoing support. October may be ending, but your breast health matters all year long. 💗 It’s Mammogram Time. bit.ly/3XN0PAl

Mercyhealth Foundation is now accepting grant applications for its 2026 Autism Support Fund fourth-quarter grant cycle. The fund offers financial assistance for families who live with or care for children with autism. Learn more 👉 bit.ly/4h11Dte

Breast cancer does not always cause noticeable symptoms in its early stages. That’s why regular mammograms are so important for early detection. It’s also important to know how your breasts normally look and feel. If you notice a new lump, change in breast size or shape, skin or nipple changes, nipple discharge or another change that’s unusual for you, talk with your health care provider. If you’re due for a mammogram, make time for your breast health. It’s mammogram time. 💗 bit.ly/3XN0PAl

Mercyhealth Hospital and Trauma Center–Janesville is advancing innovative neurosurgical care with Brandyn Castro, MD, neurosurgeon, who performed the hospital’s first VIVISTIM surgical procedure, offering new hope for patients working to regain movement and independence following a stroke. Learn more here: bit.ly/4hZfC3M

Mercyhealth has received approval to build a new 30,000-square-foot emergency department and multi-specialty clinic near the intersection of Racine Street and Pitzner Parkway in the City of Jefferson. Learn more here: mercyhealthsystem.org/news/r…

Mercyhealth Plastic Surgery, Skin and Laser Center is excited to launch its new name and brand identity: Pristine Skin and Laser by Mercyhealth Plastic Surgery. An open house is scheduled for October 22, from 4:30-7 pm at 510 N. Terrace St. in Janesville.

At Mercyhealth, you don't have to navigate breast cancer treatment alone. Our comprehensive breast cancer care team includes Rebecca Uhlmann, MD, breast surgical oncologist, who works alongside medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and plastic surgeons to create a personalized treatment plan. From an abnormal mammogram and breast cancer diagnosis to breast cancer surgery, radiation, chemotherapy and reconstruction, our team is here to provide expert care and compassionate support throughout your journey. You are more than a diagnosis. You're a person who deserves a team that sees you, listens to you and cares for you. Learn more about breast cancer care at Mercyhealth. bit.ly/4pTHhXk

It’s time to put your breast health on the calendar. 💗 Breast Cancer Awareness Month is a reminder to know your risk, stay up to date with recommended screenings and pay attention to changes in your breasts. Whether you’re due for a mammogram, have questions about your breast health or need answers after an abnormal screening, our breast care team is here to help. It’s mammogram time. Make time for your health. Make time for you. bit.ly/3XN0PAl

Mercyhealth is pleased to welcome Danny Cho, DO, cardiologist, to Mercyhealth Heart and Vascular Center–Crystal Lake, 875 S. Route 31, Crystal Lake, and Mercyhealth Heart and Vascular Center–Harvard, 1001 Grant St., Harvard. bit.ly/4n2zLqk