Yednock Commends OSF Healthcare’s New Pandemic Health Worker Program in LaSalle County

OTTAWA, IL – State Rep. Lance Yednock, D-Ottawa, is applauding OSF Healthcare and the Illinois Department of Public Healthcare for bringing a new, virtual healthcare solution to help the Illinois Valley deal with the COVID-19 outbreak. This program will allow Pandemic Health Workers (PHW) to digitally connect with referred clients experiencing covid-19 symptoms and digitally monitor them from home, limiting the spread of the virus and improving healthcare access throughout the region.

“We need to protect our essential and frontline health care workers as they battle this pandemic by helping prevent community spread of the disease,” said Yednock. “As we see cases rise across the country and state, we must continue to prepare locally to tackle the virus in the Illinois Valley. I commend OSF and their staffs in Ottawa, Streator, and Mendota for collaborating together to help during this crisis.”

The PHW method will help prevent hospitals from being overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients and limit the possibility of infection, while maintaining access to quality healthcare. This will give COVID-19 patients with more mild symptoms the ability to receive additional support while quarantining in their home. Teams of pandemic health workers will be stationed all throughout Illinois, with groups being established in Ottawa, Streator, and Mendota. PHWs will be supported by licensed clinicians and providers that will oversee care for these patients.

“We need to continue working towards solutions at every level to slow the rate of infection and save lives,” said Yednock. “OSF Hospitals in Ottawa, Streator, and Mendota serve as medical hubs throughout the Illinois Valley, so this new program will help protect both essential medical workers and vulnerable patients from contracting the virus.”

To find the most recent information about resources and information regarding COVID-19 in Illinois, visit https://coronavirus.illinois.gov or call the Illinois Department of Public Health at 1-800-889-3931.