Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago

09/10/2025

💗 Breast Cancer Awareness Month is just around the corner and Ascension Saint Joseph – Chicago is proud to share news that matters for every patient and family in our community.

Ascension Saint Joseph – Chicago has officially earned Accreditation from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers (NAPBC) through the American College of Surgeons. This recognition reflects our commitment to providing high-quality, patient-centered breast care — from screenings and diagnosis to treatment and recovery.

Behind every accreditation is a promise: that every screening, every diagnosis, every treatment plan is backed by expertise and a relentless commitment to hope and healing. ✨

This October, as we raise awareness, we also celebrate the trust our community places in us — and we remain dedicated to walking with you every step of the way. 💗✨

Have you scheduled your annual screening yet? What helps you remember to make time for your health? Let us know ⬇️

09/09/2025

🌟 Where is Ascension Illinois this month? All over our communities — lifting health, sparking conversations, and showing up where it matters most. Come be part of it:

🍽️ Hoffman Estates Chamber of Commerce Legislative Luncheon
Friday, September 12 | 11:30 am
Ascension Saint Alexius Women & Children’s Hospital
Big conversations, big voices, big impact. Join Ascension Saint Alexius as Presenting Sponsor for this powerful exchange with local legislators.

🔥 Inverness Fire Department Open House
Saturday, September 13 | 10 am
Inverness Fire Department
Fire trucks, community fun, lifesaving education — and Ascension care teams right there with you for screenings and wellness support.

🥂 Elgin Community College Founder’s Day Brunch
Saturday, September 13 | 10 am
Elgin Community College
Celebrating student success and fueling the future. Ascension Saint Alexius is proud to help open doors through scholarships and student support.

🩺 Midwest Swaminarayan Temple 53rd Annual Health Fair
Sunday, September 14 | 8 am
Midwest Swaminarayan Temple
One of the biggest health fairs of the year. Screenings, resources, education, and Ascension associates by your side every step of the way.

🎀 Schaumburg Women’s Alliance Group: Breast Cancer Prevention Event
Tuesday, September 16 | 11:30 am
Shaw’s Crab House, Schaumburg
A conversation that could save a life. Dr. Gia M. Compagnoni, Director of the Ascension Saint Alexius Breast Program, leads the talk on breast cancer prevention and care.

💓 Schaumburg Park District Monthly Health Screenings
Wednesday, September 17 | 10 am
Meineke Recreation Center, Schaumburg
Free screenings. Real answers. Peace of mind. Take charge of your health with Ascension care teams during National Cholesterol Awareness Month.

09/05/2025

✨ A milestone that reflects trust, innovation, and new beginnings ✨

Congratulations to Dr. Richard Zhu and the Bariatric Surgery team at Ascension Saint Joseph – Chicago on completing their 600th robotic surgery.

Behind every procedure is a patient who made a deeply personal decision to take a new step in their health journey.

From the first consultation to ongoing support after surgery, Dr. Zhu and our multidisciplinary team walk beside each patient with compassion, expertise, and the latest technology. 💙

This milestone reflects our ongoing commitment to safe, high-quality, and innovative weight-loss care for our community. Because at Ascension Saint Joseph – Chicago, every patient deserves the chance to move forward with strength and confidence.

Ascension is one of the nation’s leading non-profit and Catholic health systems, with a Mission of delivering compassionate, personalized care to all with special attention to persons living in poverty and those most vulnerable.

09/03/2025

✨ Emergencies don’t wait for the right time — and when they happen, every detail matters.

At Ascension Saint Joseph — Chicago, our Emergency Department team understands that care is about more than medicine. It’s about the reassurance in a nurse’s voice, the patience in an explanation, and the confidence you feel when someone like Alex is by your side.

Patients describe Alex as attentive, calming, and genuinely connected — the kind of care that makes you feel safe even in the most uncertain moments. That’s what our Emergency Department is built on: skilled professionals who bring not only expertise but also humanity to every interaction.

When you come through our doors, you’ll find advanced emergency medicine and trauma care — but you’ll also find a team that treats you like family. 💙

Because in the moments that matter most, trust makes all the difference.

08/31/2025

Labor Day weekends are meant for cookouts, sunshine and family time. But too much heat, food that is not cooked all the way through or an accident during the fun can quickly send plans sideways. 🤕☀️🍔

When that happens, you need care that is close, reliable and ready. At Ascension Illinois, our doctors and care teams are here to listen, to treat and to help you recover so the focus can return to making memories. 💙

👉 Find care near you: http://ascn.io/6180ffXCI

08/29/2025

✨ Feel Good Friday ✨

When faith and health come together, lives change. 💙

On August 21, our Ascension Illinois Community Health team partnered with the Church of the Holy Spirit in Schaumburg to provide blood pressure screenings, stroke risk assessments and information on community resources. More than 115 families joined us to take charge of their health and learn about the new 2025 American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology blood pressure guidelines.

This is the heart of community care — meeting people where they are, supporting both body and spirit, and helping families feel confident in their health. 🌟

Thank you to the Church of the Holy Spirit staff and our dedicated Community Health nurses for making this possible.

08/27/2025

Labor Day weekends bring cookouts, family time and celebrations. 🎉

They also bring risks that can change the day in an instant. 🤕

🍔 Food poisoning from undercooked meat.
💉 Allergic reactions at the picnic table.
☀️ Heat exhaustion that catches someone off guard.

The good news is you are not powerless. Knowing the most common holiday health hazards and how to respond keeps the focus on memories that last for the right reasons.

This Labor Day, know what to look for and how to protect yourself and your family. Our latest blog breaks down the most common holiday health mishaps and the simple steps that keep the weekend focused on fun. 💙

http://ascn.io/6181f4Kvb

08/26/2025

Emergencies don’t follow calendars or convenience. They show up in the middle of the night, in the middle of work, or in the middle of life. And in those moments, what people want isn’t just speed — it’s to be seen, to be understood, and to know that someone has their back. 💙

At Ascension Saint Joseph – Chicago, our emergency department has become a “hidden gem” not because of flashy signs or long campaigns, but because of something more important: word of mouth. Neighbors telling neighbors, “Go there. They’ll take care of you.”

Quick in-and-out times mean more than efficiency. They mean less time worrying in a waiting room, and more time getting answers. Personalized care means you’re not just another number, you’re a person whose story matters.

🎥 In this video, hear from the team that brings calm to chaos and heart to healthcare — and why so many across Chicago choose Saint Joseph when life takes an unexpected turn.

http://ascn.io/6182f2N54

https://ascension.org/IllinoisIf you are experiencing a life-threatening emergency, call 911 or go directly to the ER.Getting the right care at the right tim...

08/25/2025

When symptoms of an eating disorder affect your day-to-day life, it’s time to find help. Ascension Illinois care teams are here 24/7 with personalized care plans to offer support for emergent, inpatient and outpatient services.

💙 Eating disorders can affect more than health — they can impact confidence, relationships, and daily life.

At Ascension Illinois, our compassionate teams meet you where you are, offering care that’s tailored to your needs and grounded in understanding. Whether it’s urgent support, a safe inpatient setting, or flexible outpatient care, we’re here to help you take the next step toward recovery. 🌱

You are not alone, and hope is always within reach.

08/22/2025

🍂 Fall is beautiful — but sneezing, itchy eyes, and scratchy throats? Not so much. 🤧 Don’t push through the season feeling miserable. Our doctors are here to help you breathe easier and feel like yourself again. 💙

✨ Get relief fast with convenient same-day or next-day appointments — or simply walk in to one of our urgent care locations near you. Your health shouldn’t have to wait.

08/22/2025

Whatever you need on a range of inpatient or outpatient care, Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital will work with you to find the right fit. Call 855-383-2224 or walk in 24/7 to find support.

💙 Every journey to better mental health starts with one step — and we’re here to make that step feel possible.

Whether you need structured inpatient care, flexible outpatient programs, or simply someone to listen, our team will meet you where you are and guide you toward what works best for you. 🌱 You don’t have to navigate it alone.

📞 Call us anytime — your path to healing starts today.

08/21/2025

🌱 Hope and healing are possible. 🌱

At Ascension Saint Joseph – Chicago, Dr. Lacey Lemke, PsyD understands that eating disorders are about so much more than food. They can deeply affect your mind, body, and spirit — and you don’t have to face them alone. 💙

As Service Line Director for Eating Disorders, Dr. Lemke specializes in psychotherapy and evidence-based care like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, helping children, teens, and adults find strength, build coping skills, and move toward recovery.

✨ With a compassionate approach and a multidisciplinary team by her side, Dr. Lemke helps each patient create a care plan that fits their unique journey.

Because recovery is possible. And you deserve it. 💙

08/21/2025

🌱 Hope and healing are possible. 🌱

At Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago, Dr. Lacey Lemke, PsyD understands that eating disorders are about so much more than food.

They can deeply affect your mind, body, and spirit — and you don’t have to face them alone. 💙

As Service Line Director for Eating Disorders, Dr. Lemke specializes in psychotherapy and evidence-based care like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and family therapy, helping children, teens, and adults find strength, build coping skills, and move toward recovery.

✨ With a compassionate approach and a multidisciplinary team by her side, Dr. Lemke helps each patient create a care plan that fits their unique journey.

Because recovery is possible. And you deserve it. 💙

08/21/2025

When it’s your brain or spine, the weight of the decision can feel overwhelming. One word, one scan, one recommendation — and suddenly, your future feels like it’s hanging in the balance. 🧠

In those moments, asking, “Is there another way?” isn’t hesitation. It’s wisdom. It’s courage. It’s giving yourself the chance to see the full picture.

At Ascension Alexian Brothers and Ascension Saint Alexius, physicians like Dr. Sanjay Yadla know that care is more than procedures or technology — it’s about walking with you through the unknown. It’s about listening until your questions are answered, exploring every possibility, and helping you find the path that feels right for your life, your family, your tomorrow.

Because real healing doesn’t start in the operating room — it starts with clarity. With knowing you’ve been heard. With being able to look at your choice and say, “Yes, this is mine.” 💙

08/20/2025

You never have to struggle alone. Find comfort, healing and hope at Ascension Saint Joseph — Chicago. Call 855-383-2224 to find support.

💙 At Ascension Saint Joseph — Chicago, we believe every person deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported through life’s challenges.

Our compassionate care teams are here 24/7 to listen without judgment, create a care plan that’s right for you, and walk beside you toward a brighter, healthier tomorrow. 🌱

You are not defined by your struggles — and you don’t have to face them on your own.

08/20/2025

You never have to struggle alone. Find comfort, healing and hope at Ascension Saint Joseph — Chicago. Call 855-383-2224 to find support.

💙 At Ascension Saint Joseph — Chicago, we believe every person deserves to feel heard, understood, and supported through life’s challenges.

Our compassionate care teams are here 24/7 to listen without judgment, create a care plan that’s right for you, and walk beside you toward a brighter, healthier tomorrow. 🌱

You are not defined by your struggles — and you don’t have to face them on your own.

08/19/2025

A job doesn’t just pay the bills. It helps restore a person’s rhythm, their dignity and their sense of possibility.

Getting a job may sound simple — until you’ve spent years rebuilding yourself just to feel ready again.

Dawn Wesner meets people in that exact moment and helps them reconnect with their talents, confidence and future.

As clinical program supervisor at Ascension Illinois – Center for Mental Health Arlington Heights, Dawn leads with faith, patience and quiet strength.

Whether she’s guiding someone through a career assessment or celebrating their first paycheck, her impact is deeply personal.

It’s not just about helping clients rejoin the workforce.

It’s about helping them remember they have something to offer — and always have.

💼💙

08/19/2025

When symptoms of an eating disorder affect your day-to-day life, it’s time to find help. Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital care teams are here 24/7 with personalized care plans to offer support and a road to recovery. 🤝🌱

💙 Healing isn’t just about treating symptoms — it’s about restoring hope, rebuilding confidence, and empowering you to take back your life. Our team understands the courage it takes to reach out, and we’ll walk with you every step of the way. 🌱

You matter. Your story matters. And recovery is possible. ✨

📞 Call us anytime — your path to healing starts today.

08/18/2025

Heart failure may sound final, but in the right hands, it’s the beginning of a plan. ❤️

At Ascension Alexian Brothers and Ascension Saint Alexius, Dr. Baqir Lakhani meets patients where they are — sometimes in English, sometimes in Spanish, sometimes in Urdu — but always with understanding.

He listens first, then builds a plan that turns fear into a path forward, whether that’s with medications, advanced procedures, or transplant care. 👂 📍

From the first conversation to the most advanced treatments, Dr. Lakhani and our care team work side by side with each patient to make complex care feel clear, personal, and full of possibility.

Because the right treatment starts with truly seeing the person in front of you and making sure they know they’re not in this alone. 💙

http://ascn.io/6183fqHvX

https://healthcare.ascension.org/find-care/provider/1750677043/baqir-lakhaniMeet Dr. Baqir Lakhani, a heart doctor with Ascension Illinois in Elk Grove Villa...

08/17/2025

When symptoms of an eating disorder affect your day-to-day life, it’s time to find help. Ascension Saint Joseph — Chicago care teams are here 24/7 to offer support and a road to recovery.

💙 At Ascension Saint Joseph — Chicago, healing starts with listening — truly understanding your challenges, your goals, and your story.

We combine compassionate care with proven treatment approaches to help you regain confidence, restore balance, and rediscover the moments that make life meaningful. 🌱 You’re never alone on this journey, and recovery is always within reach. 💪✨

08/17/2025

When you’re in the ER, you’re trusting strangers with your life. 💙

At Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago, those strangers quickly become your team — moving fast, explaining every step, and making sure you feel safe even when the situation isn’t.

From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, every person plays a role: the ones who greet you, the ones who treat you, and the ones who check in just to make sure you’re okay. It’s the kind of care that stays with you long after the visit. 🌟

Because here, you’re never just “the patient in Room 3” — you’re someone’s neighbor, friend, or family. And that’s exactly how we care for you.

08/16/2025

🐾 Hi fren! It’s me, your wellness cheer-pup. 🐶

I just wanted to check in and remind you of a few things that are good for your mind 🧠 and body 💪:

☀️ Get outside for fresh air (it can change your whole mood)
💧 Drink some water (hydration = happy brain and body)
🛋️ Rest when you need it (naps are self-care, not laziness)
📞 Talk to someone who will listen (a friend, family, or the care teams at Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital)

Us doggos just want the best for you — and the compassionate humans at Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital are always ready to support your journey to feeling your best. 💙

08/16/2025

Not all treasures are found on the green. ⛳

Meet Link, our four-legged “caddy” who’s turned the bushes outside the Women and Children’s Hospital into his personal clubhouse—collecting 75 golf balls in just one year! Some even come with custom messages like “old duffer” and “killer.”

With golf season in full swing, Link’s ready to keep adding to his stash… and maybe remind us all that in golf—and in life—the most important shot is the next one. 🐾

08/15/2025

🎉 10 Years of Supporting Parents, Healing Minds & Nurturing Bonds 💙👶

At Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, our Perinatal Intensive Outpatient Program has spent the past decade walking alongside parents through one of life’s most beautiful — and sometimes most challenging — journeys.

For 10 years, we’ve provided a safe space where parents can bring their babies, receive compassionate mental health care, and learn skills that strengthen both their well-being and their parenting confidence. 🌱

💡 What makes this program special?
✔ Care from a multidisciplinary team — from psychologists to lactation consultants
✔ Support for both emotional health and daily life needs
✔ In-person and virtual options for real-life flexibility
✔ A focus on bonding, healing, and enjoying parenthood

To every parent who’s trusted us, every baby we’ve cuddled, and every milestone we’ve celebrated: thank you for letting us be part of your story. Here’s to the next chapter. 💜

08/14/2025

When you’re in the ER, you’re trusting strangers with your life. 💙

At Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago, those strangers quickly become your team — moving fast, explaining every step, and making sure you feel safe even when the situation isn’t.

From the moment you walk in to the moment you leave, every person plays a role: the ones who greet you, the ones who treat you, and the ones who check in just to make sure you’re okay. It’s the kind of care that stays with you long after the visit. 🌟

Because here, you’re never just “the patient in Room 3” — you’re someone’s neighbor, friend, or family. And that’s exactly how we care for you.

08/11/2025

It’s easy to think of a hospital as a place you go after something happens. But what if staying healthy started right where you live—at your library, your park, even your church? 🌿

This August, Ascension Illinois is stepping out of the building and into the community with free health screenings, wellness education, and events designed to keep you and your family thriving:
💓 Aug 18 – Blood Pressure & Stroke Risk Screenings, Schaumburg Library Hanover Park Branch
🏃‍♀️ Aug 20 – Monthly Health Screenings, Schaumburg Park District
🤝 Aug 21 – Health Screenings & Education, Church of the Holy Spirit
⛳ Aug 25 – Ascension Illinois Foundation 2025 Golf Classic, benefiting behavioral health services
💬 Aug 28 – Monthly Health Screenings, Hoffman Estates Park District

Because real care doesn’t just meet you in the exam room—it meets you where you are. 💙

08/06/2025

“It’s not about food.”

In this powerful video from Ascension Saint Joseph – Chicago, our care team shares a truth too often overlooked: eating disorders don’t look one way, and they don’t come with a specific size.

They show up in every body type, every background—and they’re about more than eating. They're about identity, control, and the internal battle no one else sees.

Our role? To help each patient reclaim their sense of self—beyond the numbers, beyond the symptoms, beyond the illness. 💙🧠🥄

📺:

At Ascension Alexian Brothers in Chicagoland, we provide compassionate care for individuals struggling with eating disorders.

07/30/2025

Not every eating disorder looks the same. And not every body that's breaking down shows it in the ways we've been taught to look for.

💬 One in three of our eating disorder patients at Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago are men
🧠 Many arrive needing immediate medical care because the delay in diagnosis has gone too far
📚 Less than one percent of research on eating disorders centers men
📉 The signs aren't always about weight loss. They’re about obsession, protein fixation, steroid cycles, cutting phases, and silent collapse behind “discipline”

At Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago, we believe that stigma should never decide who gets to be helped. 🩺💔

📺 http://ascn.io/6184fpFVr

https://ascension.org/ILeatingdisordersYour team at Ascension Illinois will include psychiatrists, psychologists, case managers, nutrition services through r...

07/25/2025

🧩 You don’t have to wear a stethoscope to help save lives.

For Rachel Bradley, it started with an internship and a computer science degree. It became a 20-year journey connecting behind-the-scenes data to real-time care.

From building hospital reports in IT to shaping population health strategy across Ascension Illinois, Rachel’s work proves one thing:
📊 When the data flows right, care flows better.

Today, on System Administrator Appreciation Day, we celebrate the people who answer the call when systems crash, who translate complexity into clarity, and who—like Rachel—remind us that every role in healthcare is a hand in healing.

🖥️ It’s not just tech. It’s a mission. And Rachel’s team is one mighty force behind it.

07/23/2025

✨ Out-of-state and still felt at home.
💬 Alone in pain but never left unseen.
❤️ Not just treated—truly cared for.

At Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago, it’s the smallest details that make the deepest impact. From a calming voice to a dimmed light, this is emergency care that remembers the human in the room.

07/21/2025

☀️ When a Sunburn Is More Than Just a Sunburn…

Not every summer glow is harmless.

Pounding headache. Chills. Skin that’s swollen, hot, or starting to blister. These aren’t “just summer things.” They’re warning signs your body’s in distress and that burn might be masking something deeper. 🧠🔥

🌡️ Heat stroke. 🦠 Skin infection. 💧 Dehydration.
It happens faster than people think and recognizing the signs can save a life.

This summer, know the signs. Trust your gut. And remember—we’re here when you need us. 🏥💧

Find us: Ascension Alexian Brothers | Ascension Saint Alexius | Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital - Chicago

07/17/2025

🌎🎉 Happy from your Ascension Saint Joseph - Chicago family!

🏥💬 In the heart of Lakeview, we’re neighbors first, caregivers always
🚌🍕 Whether we’re riding the Red Line or grabbing a slice, we live this city with you
💪🏽💙 Because care isn’t confined to hospital walls — it’s part of every sidewalk moment.

🌎🎉 😎✨

07/15/2025

He needed blood thinners — but couldn’t afford them.
Not because he forgot. Because rent had to come first.

One resource dropped the cost from hundreds to twelve dollars.
That’s the kind of care that keeps someone out of the Emergency Room — and in control.

At Ascension Saint Joseph Chicago, Social Media Giving Day means meeting people in real time, with tools that change outcomes. Not someday. Today.

Because healthcare isn’t just what happens here. It’s what happens next. 💙

07/14/2025

Michele Bletsch doesn’t tell people what to do. She walks beside them while they figure it out. 🛤️💬

As a team member at The Harbor, Ascension Illinois’ recovery home, Michele shows up for clients navigating some of the hardest stretches of their lives. She listens without judgment, speaks with real empathy, and helps people see they still have choices — and the strength to make them.

Her path here wasn’t easy. That’s why it matters. She’s lived through what many of her clients are now facing, and she brings that truth with her every day.

Because at Ascension, support isn’t just a service. It’s shared humanity, and it’s how healing starts.

Find transitional and permanent housing that supports your recovery from addiction, mental health issues, homelessness and poverty.

07/10/2025

At 2 a.m., the phone rings. A medication order isn’t clear. A nurse is waiting. A patient needs answers.

That’s when Danny Gucwa steps in. 💊🌙

He left a desk job to be part of something real, and now he leads with calm, accuracy, and presence when every decision counts.

As the overnight pharmacist at Ascension Saint Joseph – Chicago, Danny works in the quietest hours — where the pace slows, but the pressure doesn’t. He left a corporate role to be part of something more. Now he leads the pharmacy each night, decoding charts, advising nurses, and making decisions that matter when no one else is around.

Nurses count on him. Residents ask for him. And when things go still again, it’s because someone like Danny helped bring clarity when it mattered.