Rebecca Birenbaum was selected following a national search.

“Illinois is facing a significant winter surge in seasonal respiratory illnesses with flu activity at very high levels,” said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. “Vaccinations remain the most effective tool to prevent severe illness from flu, COVID-19, and RSV. "

his change is related to efforts to cap the number of students eligible for federal loans and the amount of money they can borrow.

Get Covered Illinois says consumers need more time to compare plans, costs

Jerry Costello II says latest aid package insufficient; warns of long-term impact

The governor signed the measure Friday. It allows terminally ill individuals to be prescribed a fatal drug.

IDPH will now be able to form guidelines using a combination of the CDC’s guidance, recommendations from the World Health Organization and other medical and scientific disease prevention experts — and require that immunizations recommended by the state be covered by state-regulated insurance plans.

The new law will allow the state to publish guidelines that differ from the CDC

The study found that while sitagliptin does not prevent major heart problems like heart attacks or strokes, it may help limit damage to small blood vessels.

Dr. Wendi El-Amin Associate Dean for Equity, Diversity and Inclusion at SIU School of Medicine explores how inclusive healthcare practices are vital to improving community health outcomes.