Hospital, Health Department Partnering on Health Screenings

Beginning in January, HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is partnering with the Effingham County Health Department to offer low-cost health screenings to the community. Called “Working Together for Health”, this service is available to anyone in the community, especially for those with high-deductible insurance plans.

These health screenings will be conducted the first Tuesday of each month, beginning with January 3, and will be held from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Effingham County Health Department at 901 West Virginia Avenue in Effingham. The low-cost health screenings that will be offered are:

• Cholesterol and Triglycerides – Cost: $20

An important measure of heart health, a cholesterol and triglyceride blood test measures the total amount of fatty substances (cholesterol and triglycerides) in the blood. This test requires drawing a blood sample from the vein. Prior to the test, fasting for 10 hours is required.

• Blood Sugar – Cost: $20

A screening for prediabetes and diabetes, this blood test is used to determine the amount of glucose in the blood. This test requires drawing a blood sample from the vein. Prior to the test, fasting for 10 hours is required.

• Hemoglobin A1C – Cost: $20

An A1C test measures your average blood glucose for the past two to three months. This test is used to diagnose type 1 and type 2 diabetes, and to gauge how well a person’s diabetes is being managed. People who have diabetes need this test regularly to see if their levels are staying within range. This test requires drawing a blood sample from the vein. No fasting is required prior to the test.

No appointments are necessary and walk-ins are welcome.  Cash payment (cash, credit card, debit card or HSA card) for tests is required at the time of the screening. Insurance plans or medical cards will not be billed.

Screenings participants will be mailed the test results. The participant is responsible for follow-up with their physician to review the screening results and obtain medical advice and treatment.

Mike Janis, St. Anthony’s Executive Director of Imaging and Outreach, explained why the hospital wanted to partner with the Effingham County Health Department to offer these screenings. “At St. Anthony’s, we realize that promotion of good health occurs outside the walls of the hospital.  We want to offer our community members with an opportunity to monitor their health at a low-cost so that they can stay on top of any health issues they may have,” he said.  “As a leader in community health, partnering with the Effingham County Health Department was a logical choice to offer these screenings to area residents.”

In addition to the Working Together for Health service, the Effingham County Health Department continues to offer additional low-cost, physician-ordered, diagnostic testing during regular business hours throughout the month. Please call the Health Department at (217) 347-9237 for details about this service.

For more information about “Working Together for Health” low-cost screenings, contact the Effingham County Health Department at (217) 347-9237. For more information about the Effingham County Health Department, visit their web site at effcohealth.org. For more information about HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital, visit St. Anthony’s web site at stanthonyshospital.org.

HSHS St. Anthony’s Memorial Hospital is part of the Southern Illinois Division of Hospital Sisters Health System, which also includes HSHS St. Elizabeth’s Hospital in Belleville, HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Breese, HSHS Holy Family Hospital in Greenville, and HSHS St. Joseph’s Hospital in Highland.