Sarah Bush Lincoln

02/20/2026

Congratulations to Michael Smith, MD, who retired from Sarah Bush Lincoln after more than 30 as an ENT physician and surgeon. Please share your good wishes and fond memories of Dr. Smith in the comments!

02/19/2026

Congratulations to our recipients, the Case Management team

This team went above and beyond in advocating for a patient with a complex medical situation. Over the course of five months, this team demonstrated unwavering commitment while working tirelessly to secure an appropriate placement the patient with highly specialized needs.

This was no ordinary discharge plan. The patient’s care required coordination with facilities across multiple states. Time and time again, the team faced barriers—facility rejections, capacity issues, equipment limitations and regulatory challenges, yet they never gave up. Instead of accepting defeat, the case managers explored every possible lead, working well beyond standard hours and collaborating with providers, vendors, transportation services and administrative leaders. They demonstrated both clinical expertise and heartfelt advocacy, ensuring that the patient’s dignity and well-being were prioritized every step of the way.

Their persistence ultimately led to a successful placement, one that net both the medical and personal needs of the patient. This outcome was not only a triumph for the patient and their family, but also a testament to the power of compassion-driven, patient-centered care.

The Case Management team’s efforts are a shining example of what it means to go above and beyond for patients. Their work embodies the spirit of the DAISY Award, and they are truly deserving of this recognition.

02/19/2026

Calling all poker players...the tournament at Cheers! is back, 6 - 11 pm, March 7 at The Foxmore in Shelbyville. $100 buy-in includes admission to Cheers too! The evening also includes:

• Cocktail party with heavy hors d’oeuvres
• Music by Libido Funk Circus of Chicago
• Craft Cocktails

Reservations are required and event is open to the public. Get your tickets at: www.sarahbush.org/cheers or call the SBL Health Foundation for more details: 217-258-2511. Proceeds support healthcare scholarships.

02/18/2026

Ready to make healthier choices in 2026? 🎧 Tune in to our latest Health Styles podcast featuring SBL Registered Dietitian Michelle Schultz! She breaks down the new 2025-2030 food guide pyramid and shares practical tips for everyday nutrition. Listen now at www.sarahbush.org/podcasts or search “Sarah Bush Lincoln” on your favorite platform.

02/17/2026

That nightly drink may feel harmless—but over time, alcohol can take a serious toll on your heart. 💙 From raising blood pressure to increasing your risk of heart disease, the impact on your cardiovascular system is greater than many realize. Read this week’s blog to learn how alcohol affects your heart and what moderation really means for your health.

Read more in this weeks blog post: blog.sarahbush.org/the-hidden-heart-risks-of-heavy-alcohol-use/

02/17/2026

February is National Heart Month and our Effingham Cardiology team reminds to you take care of your heart by eating healthy, exercise, managing high blood pressures, diabetes and cholesterol. Don't forget those regular checkups with your doctor! When you need heart help, we are here for you.
https://www.heart.org/en/american-heart-month

02/16/2026

Family practice providers Sean Flynn, MD, and Katie Koester, APRN, are excited to welcome new patients to SBL Effingham Clinic at 905 North Maple. Experience compassionate care close to home. Schedule your appointment today by calling 217-347-7030.

02/16/2026

Thank you Wave Graphics for supporting our Regional Cancer Center.

This past Saturday was the EIU Women's Basketball CARE game and Wave Graphics was thrilled to present a donation to help support the Sarah Bush Lincoln Regional Cancer Center!

02/16/2026

Colon cancer is treatable in its earliest stages, and periodic screenings are needed for early detection. Sarah Bush Lincoln is once again offering a limited number of free colon cancer screening kits on a first-come, first-served basis. Mark your calendar for the following distribution dates in your community.

11 am to 1 pm at the locations listed below. Available while supplies last. Your kit must be picked up in person. Return of samples will be same location as picked up.

Friday, March 6
SBL Tuscola Walk-In Clinic
1100 Tuscola Blvd.

Friday, March 13
SBL Charleston Walk-In Clinic
2040 Lincoln Ave., Suite 100

Friday, March 20
SBL Mattoon Walk-In Clinic
1201 Wooddell Lane, Suite B

Friday, March 27
SBL Effingham Walk-In Clinic
SBL Bonutti Clinic - 1303 W. Evergreen Ave., Suite 103

For more information visit: www.sarahbush.org/cancerscreens. You can download and print the screening form and save time on pickup day!

02/14/2026

Sarah Bush has been nominated in the Effingham Daily News Top 5 in the following categories. Thank you for your nominations. Voting is open February 14 - 28. https://effinghamdailynews.secondstreetapp.com/2026-Peoples-Choice-/

Best Hearing Aid Specialist - Jaclyn Jansen, AuD
Best Home Health Care Services - SBL Home Care
Best Hospital - Sarah Bush Lincoln
Best Medical Assistant - Caitlin McDowell, CMA, SBL Altamont Medical Center
Best Medical Assistant - Brittney Royse, CMA, SBL Effinham Clinic,Dr. Oltman
Best Medical Clinic - SBL Bonutti Clinic
Best Medical Clinic - SBL Altamont Medical Center
Best Nurse - Shelly Jarrad at SBL Effingham Pediatrics
Best Nurse - Maddison Stoldt, RN, SBL Bonutti Clinic
Best Nurse - LuAnn Heuerman LPN, SBL Bonutti Clinic
Best Nurse Practitioner - Kimberley Burgess, APRN, SBL Altamont Medical Center
Best Physical Therapist - Kendall Giles, SBL Bonutti Clinic
Best Podiatrist - Lauren Kind, DPM, SBL Orthopedics, Sports Medicine and Podiatry
Best Rehabilitation Services - Sarah Bush Lincoln Physical and Occupational Therapy
Best Surgeon - Todd Bierman, MD
Best Surgeon - Peter Bonutti, MD

Check it out now!

02/14/2026

Rayna Miller is snow cute in her SBL onesie. She was born on January 11 to parents Kalie and Willard "I want to thank all of my nurses and drs for taking care of us!"- Kalie

02/12/2026

Over the past several days, Sarah Bush Lincoln has experienced the highest patient census in our history, including unprecedented numbers of individuals seeking care in our Emergency Department and being admitted to our inpatient units. This surge is largely driven by a significant rise in influenza and other respiratory illnesses across our region.

First and foremost, thank you for trusting us with your care. It is truly a privilege and honor to serve you.

Even in times of extraordinary demand, our commitment remains the same: to provide exceptional, high-quality, compassionate care to every person who walks through our doors. I am incredibly proud of our Sarah Bush Lincoln team members, whose flexibility, collaboration and dedication are helping us meet the needs of our community. Those delivering direct patient care, along with the many individuals supporting them behind the scenes, are making a meaningful difference every hour.

If you are ill and need emergency care, please do not hesitate to visit our Emergency Department. For non-life-threatening illnesses, our Walk-In Clinics in Mattoon, Effingham, Charleston and Tuscola are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You may also contact your primary care provider’s office, as many are expanding availability to accommodate additional same-day appointments during this widespread illness. Thank you for your patience during this time.

For decades, our community has supported Sarah Bush Lincoln and shaped us into the organization we are today. In moments like these, your continued trust and partnership mean more than ever. We remain here for you, today and every day.