SSM Health Illinois

11/27/2025

🏆 Join us in congratulating our Clinical Support of the Year
Matthew Scott, PharmD, Director of Pharmacy | SSM Health St. Mary’s Hospital – Centralia!

Matt’s leadership and positivity make a lasting impact. He brings compassion, collaboration, and encouragement to every shift—earning deep respect and admiration from those who work alongside him.

We are proud to honor the exceptional and compassionate care provided by our team members, who embody our Mission, Vision, and Values every day.

The Clinical and Operational Awards recognize individuals and teams whose dedication, expertise, and empathy make a lasting impact on our patients, colleagues, and communities.

11/26/2025

We hope this year's Thanksgiving celebrations fill your life with hope and peace - and that you're celebrating safely! Follow these tips to avoid an unexpected trip to the Emergency Room:

🔪 Handle sharp knives and cooking tools carefully

🔥 Wear long, thick oven mitts when removing items from the oven

🫗 Be mindful of spills and splatters - hot foods and sauces can burn

🤧 Sick? Stay home or postpone your party

Accidents happen - if you need care for a mild to moderate health issue, SSM Health Express Virtual Care is open every day (holidays included) from 6 am - 10 pm.

ssmhealth.com/visitnow

11/26/2025

Honoring Mission and Heritage Week: The Story of the Basket 🧺

As we celebrated Mission and Heritage Week at SSM Health, we remembered the legacy of Mother Odelia and her basket. She walked the streets carrying bandages, linens, medicine, food, and coins—always ready to give to those in need and to receive gifts that would bless others. The basket became a symbol of faith, generosity, and trust that God will provide.

Today, the basket reminds us of 150 years of service and gratitude for all that God has provided.

11/26/2025

Quick, quality medical care for non-life threatening illnesses and injuries including UTIs, sutures for minor cuts, skin conditions, splinting for bone injuries, sinus infections, flu vaccinations, and more! On-site x-rays and labs are available. Open daily!

Hold your place in line https://www.getcare.ssmhealth.com/locations

11/26/2025

Need a healthier option for the Thanksgiving spread this year? Check out this stuffed pepper recipe! 😋

Beef and Quinoa Stuffed Peppers (Easy Slow Cooker Recipe)
Yield: 6-8 servings
Ingredients:
- 6-8 large bell peppers (red, orange, yellow, or green)
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 c dry quinoa
- 1 can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chiles)
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 1/2 c water
- 1 c low-fat cheddar cheese
Instructions:
1. Slice the tops off the bell peppers, remove seeds and membranes, and set aside. Trim as little as possible to avoid waste.
2. In a large bowl, mix together the ground beef, black beans, corn, dry quinoa, Rotel, and taco seasoning until combined.
3. Pour the tomato sauce and water into the bottom of the pan (your slow cooker or crockpot).
4. Stuff the peppers tightly with the quinoa mixture and place upright in the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 3-4 hours until peppers are tender and filling is cooked through.
6. About 5 minutes before serving, sprinkle 1 cup of the cheese over the top and cover until melted. Serve warm with optional toppings like sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, hot sauce, salsa, or a side of avocado slices for added healthy fat.

Recipe from easyeatsdietitian.com

11/25/2025

Honoring Our Heritage at SSM Health: The Story of the Bell 🔔

During Mission and Heritage Week, we celebrated the courage and compassion of our founding sisters. In 1872 and 1873, they cared for smallpox patients in their homes. To protect others, they rang a bell as they walked the streets—letting everyone know to keep their distance. Sometimes, they wore black armbands to signal they had been in contact with smallpox.

This tradition reminds us of the selfless service and faith at the heart of SSM Health’s mission. Today, we honor these stories and the legacy of care that continues to inspire us.

11/25/2025

One in three people with diabetes will develop a foot problem that requires treatment. For more information about how SSM Health Wound Care can help those with diabetes-related foot ulcers, call 618-436-6318-Centralia location and 618-899-3710-Mt. Vernon location today!

11/25/2025

If you are 40 or older and haven't had your mammogram this year, there's still time! Appointments are available, but they are filling up fast. Don't delay your breast health. 🎀

Schedule online at https://www.ssmhealth.com/services/womens-health/breast-health/schedule-your-mammogram

11/24/2025

The Presentation of Bread - a tradition of trust at SSM Health 🥖

Years ago, a man came to a convent door, hungry and asking for food. The sister who answered hesitated—there was only one loaf of bread left. Giving it away meant nothing for the sisters.

She turned to Mother Wadelia, who simply said:
“The Lord will provide.”

The sister gave the last loaf. Later that day, a child arrived with a pan of freshly baked rolls from her mother. The sister exclaimed:
“The Lord has come. You are the Lord today, little one.”

This beautiful story reminds us of faith, generosity, and trust in God’s love. At SSM Health, we honor this tradition each year during Heritage Week by sharing a loaf of bread—a symbol of our healing ministry and the belief that God always provides.

11/24/2025

🏆 Join us in congratulating our Operational Support of the Year
Candy Guern, BSN, RN, Clinical Manager | SSM Health Medical Group - Centralia, Benton, and Nashville Primary Care!

Candy uplifts her team with quiet dedication and a heart for excellence, compassion, and trust. Her impact is lasting, her leadership inspiring, and her commitment unmatched.

We are proud to honor the exceptional and compassionate care provided by our team members, who embody our Mission, Vision, and Values every day.

The Clinical and Operational Awards recognize individuals and teams whose dedication, expertise, and empathy make a lasting impact on our patients, colleagues, and communities.

11/24/2025

Heart disease is the leading cause of death in the United States, but improved medical care and addressing risk factors is known to reduce the prevalence of illness. Take our quick and confidential health risk assessment to better understand the risks and potential warning signs. https://www.ssmhealth.com/access/health-risk-assessments/heart-risk-assessment?utm_source=organic Share the results with your health care provider to discuss any concerns.

11/23/2025

Start 2026 pain-free and on the right foot! 👟

If you’ve been struggling with foot or ankle pain, this is your chance to take care of it before the year ends! Don’t delay your care.

Call us today to schedule your consultation.

📞 618-436-6185 | Dr. Schergen in Centralia
📞 618-899-3980 | Dr. Wishau in Mt. Vernon