SSM Health

11/13/2025

This powerful story of resilience and hope shines a light on one woman’s courageous fight against breast cancer. Her journey is a testament to the strength found in community, compassionate care, and inner determination.
Read her inspiring story:

At just 25 years old, an SSM Health team member is facing her second round fighting cancer

11/12/2025

You've got all the signs: fever, chills, body aches, and coughing. You know you're sick - and it's probably the flu. Get fast, affordable expert care - without leaving the house - with SSM Health Express Virtual Care: https://ssmhealth.com/visitnow

11/11/2025

Today and every day we honor all veterans who served, thanking them for their service and sacrifice.

11/10/2025

😴 Shannon’s Journey to Better Sleep
Centralia, Illinois, entrepreneur Shannon Cooney struggled with Sleep Apnea and daytime fatigue for years. After trying different solutions, he turned to SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia for help.
🎥 Hear how Shannon found restful sleep and renewed energy in his story.

11/09/2025

Behind every patient is a caregiver with a story, a struggle, and a heart full of compassion. Our caregivers take time to share the things they wish every patient knew.
💙

11/08/2025

🚫💩 Thinking about a colon cleanse? Think again.
As social media trends push detoxes and cleanses, more people are asking about colon cleansing. But medical experts like SSM Health gastroenterologist Dr. Tauseef Ali urge caution — and steer patients away from potentially harmful practices.
🩺 This Medscape article breaks down the myths, risks, and more:
👉 https://www.medscape.com/viewarticle/colon-cleanses-how-discourage-patients-2025a1000s89?form=fpf

When the buzz on colon cleanses ramps up on social media, so do inquiries from patients. Here’s what physicians need to know.

11/07/2025

Preventing the flu starts with YOU!
Get your seasonal flu shot at your next scheduled appointment or schedule a vaccine appointment using MyChart. Flu vaccines not only stop the spread of illness, they also protect you from serious complications including hospitalization.

11/06/2025

SSM Health Chief Clinical Officer Stephanie Duggan spoke to OSV News about the obstacles that rural communities may face with the pending cuts to Medicaid. “If you don’t have access to care within your community, you will have to travel which will delay care,” she said. “You’ll be traveling into communities in which you’re not as familiar, and that makes it challenging.”

Duggan noted rural hospitals may be struggling “not only with some of the potential decrease in reimbursement, but also with the changes in Medicaid requirements.”

The U.S. government statistics that from 2005 to 2023, 146 rural hospitals closed or stopped providing inpatient services. Of that 146, 81 shut down completely.

11/05/2025

We’re honored to share that our organization was recently recognized by the military for our systemwide support of team members who serve in the U.S. National Guard and Reserve Components.
This includes flexible schedules, leaves of absence, time off before and after deployment, and support for their families—because we believe service to our country should never come at the cost of support at home.
A special shoutout to Application Analyst Randy Petersen, who nominated his supervisor, James Hamner (Director of Information Technology), and SSM Health for going above and beyond during Randy’s second activation this year. Their care and leadership made a real difference.
To all our team members who serve: thank you. We’re honored to stand with you.

11/05/2025

Did you know nearly 1 in 2 Americans have diabetes or are prediabetic? November is Diabetes Awareness Month 💙and we’re raising awareness by encouraging everyone to learn your risk and support your diabetic loved ones.

11/05/2025

Dr. Alex Garza, SSM Health’s Chief Community Health Officer, joins for a discussion on the lessons learned from the pandemic and ways to move forward as the city of St. Louis and as a society. He stressed the need for collaboration, noting how the pandemic unified people and organizations. “We’re better at dealing with these issues when we work together,” he said.

He also emphasized that SSM Health choosing to build a new Cardinal Glennon Children’s Hospital adjacent to the existing facility is “a commitment to the community, and the city.”

Dr. Alexander Garza, SSM Health chief community health officer, discusses St. Louis' social struggles, vaccines and how to better work together.