The Regional Cancer Partnership of Illinois will distribute free colorectal cancer home test kits on several dates and locations during March to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. Though the kits are not a specific test for colon cancer, they can detect the presence of blood, which can be an indicator of several different medical conditions. The screening kit does not substitute for a colonoscopy, the best method to detect colorectal cancer. Regularly scheduled screenings in the form of colonoscopies can prevent cancer from developing if precancerous polyps are detected and removed

The Regional Cancer Partnership of Illinois will distribute free colorectal cancer home test kits on several dates and locations during March to raise awareness about colorectal cancer. Though the kits are not a specific test for colon cancer, they can detect the presence of blood, which can be an indicator of several different medical conditions. The screening kit does not substitute for a colonoscopy, the best method to detect colorectal cancer. Regularly scheduled screenings in the form of colonoscopies can prevent cancer from developing if precancerous polyps are detected and removed

Residents of Morgan County and the surrounding communities who are living with asthma, lung disease, obstructive sleep apnea or other lung conditions have a new option for care closer to home. Pulmonologists from Southern Illinois University Medicine have partnered with Passavant Area Hospital in Jacksonville. Patients may make an appointment with Rajagopal Sreedhar, MD; Tareq Zaza, MD; or M. Haitham Bakir, MD, FCCP. The doctors who specialize in treating the airway, lungs and respiratory muscles will see patients on the first and third Mondays of each month. To make an appointment with a

The Southern Illinois University Family and Community Medicine program in Carbondale has received highest recognition as a Patient Centered Medical Home, praised for its dedication to quality care and care coordination. This is the third recognition the Carbondale program has received from the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), a private, non-profit organization dedicated to improving health-care quality.

Patients living with severe back pain, progressive spine conditions or bone or muscle tumors have a new option for care close to home. Southern Illinois University School of Medicine assistant professor of surgery Nitin Kukkar, MD, has partnered with Orthopedic & Sports Care Enhancement Center to bring specialized orthopaedic care to patients of McLean County. The center is located at 2406 E. Empire St. in Bloomington.