SwedishAmerican Health Foundation

SwedishAmerican Health Foundation SwedishAmerican Health Foundation is the philanthropic giving arm of UW Health in northern Illinois.

During Fall Prevention Awareness Week, we not only focus on patient safety in our hospitals but also in the community. U...
09/26/2025

During Fall Prevention Awareness Week, we not only focus on patient safety in our hospitals but also in the community. UW Health SwedishAmerican’s Fall Prevention Committee, led by Amanda Gorman and Ashley Pond, has driven key initiatives that help reduce fall rates, improve patient satisfaction and enhance staff engagement.

In partnership with the Rockford Fire Department, our Community Paramedic Program offers home safety visits, provides mobility aids and educates residents on fall prevention to keep them safe at home. 🚑🚒 The SwedishAmerican Health Foundation also supports safety through funding for staff education, facility upgrades and safety initiatives.

Whether in the hospital or at home, it’s important to ask for help before getting up. Remember, 𝗖𝗮𝗹𝗹, 𝗱𝗼𝗻’𝘁 𝗳𝗮𝗹𝗹! Take your time, wear non-slip footwear and keep essentials within reach. We all play a role in preventing falls!

💗 We’re so grateful to BLUE 815, NFP for turning their merch pink to support local breast health services at UW Health S...
09/25/2025

💗 We’re so grateful to BLUE 815, NFP for turning their merch pink to support local breast health services at UW Health SwedishAmerican! Every shirt purchased helps provide remarkable care for women right here in our community. Thank you for standing with those impacted by breast cancer—we truly fight together!

Our team had a blast at Victory Pickleball last week for Sponsor Night! 🏓 We loved learning the basics of the sport, try...
09/24/2025

Our team had a blast at Victory Pickleball last week for Sponsor Night! 🏓 We loved learning the basics of the sport, trying our hand at a few games and enjoying time together off the clock.

A heartfelt thank-you to Victory Pickleball (especially Tim Ancona and Maggie Kasicki) for being such a generous supporter of our Foundation and helping us provide remarkable care right here in our community. We’re so grateful for your partnership and can’t wait to come back and keep improving our skills!

We’re honored to be the beneficiary of this beautiful tribute organized by linktjewelry. 🌸 Thank you for celebrating the...
09/23/2025

We’re honored to be the beneficiary of this beautiful tribute organized by linktjewelry. 🌸 Thank you for celebrating the strength and love of those impacted by breast cancer and supporting remarkable care at UW Health SwedishAmerican. 💕 Be sure to nominate a woman whose story deserves to be honored!

Falls are one of the most common—and preventable—causes of injury in hospitals. At UW Health SwedishAmerican, we take fa...
09/23/2025

Falls are one of the most common—and preventable—causes of injury in hospitals. At UW Health SwedishAmerican, we take fall prevention seriously, as it’s a core part of our commitment to patient safety and quality care. This 𝗙𝗮𝗹𝗹 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗔𝘄𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗪𝗲𝗲𝗸, we’re highlighting the proactive measures we take to keep our patients and families safe across northern Illinois.

Every year, nearly 1 million patients experience falls in U.S. hospitals, resulting in serious injuries and longer stays. To reduce this risk, we focus on:

• ✅ Fall Risk Assessments using tools like the Heinrich Fall Risk Scale to spot risks early.
• 🛏️ Environmental Safety with handrails, non-slip footwear, and clutter-free rooms.
• 👩‍⚕️ Ongoing Staff Training to recognize and respond to fall risks.
• 📱 Technology Integration with advanced bed alarms and safety tools.
• 👨‍👩‍👧 Patient & Family Education to ensure everyone plays an active role in their safety.

Thanks to Amanda Gorman & Ashley Pond (pictured) and the Fall Prevention Committee, we continue to reduce fall rates, improve patient satisfaction and build a culture of safety. Stay tuned for more tips on keeping safe!

Today we celebrate our 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🩺Advanced practice providers (APPs) — including nurse practitioners,...
09/22/2025

Today we celebrate our 𝗔𝗱𝘃𝗮𝗻𝗰𝗲𝗱 𝗣𝗿𝗮𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗰𝗲 𝗣𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗶𝗱𝗲𝗿𝘀! 🩺

Advanced practice providers (APPs) — including nurse practitioners, physician assistants, certified nurse midwives, anesthesiologist assistants and certified registered nurse anesthetists — play a vital role in delivering compassionate, high-quality care to our patients and community. 💙

Join us in recognizing APP Week, September 22–26, by sending a note of thanks and showing your appreciation here: https://tinyurl.com/35t3yuey

Today is World Alzheimer's Day and this month, we recognize the courage of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dem...
09/21/2025

Today is World Alzheimer's Day and this month, we recognize the courage of those living with Alzheimer’s disease and dementia, and the devotion of the families and caregivers who walk alongside them. 🧠💙

Meet Dr. Harneet Gahley, a UW Health SwedishAmerican palliative care physician who supports patients and families facing serious illnesses, including Alzheimer’s disease. Her work focuses on easing symptoms, fostering meaningful conversations and ensuring comfort and dignity at every step of care.

Dr. Gahley shares some of the early signs of Alzheimer’s to watch for:

• Persistent memory loss

• Difficulty with problem-solving or routine tasks

• Confusion with time/place

• Language struggles

• Misplacing items or poor judgment

• Withdrawal from work/social activities

• Mood or personality changes

Slight cognitive changes can be a normal part of aging, but Dr. Gahley says the key differences between aging and Alzheimer's red flags are frequency and severity.

👉 Normal aging = occasional slip-ups that don’t affect daily life.
👉 Alzheimer’s = frequent, worsening changes that interfere with independence.

Dr. Gahley also reminds caregivers to ask for help, take breaks, set realistic expectations and plan ahead with care teams. She encourages connecting with trusted resources like:

• Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org | Helpline: 1-800-272-3900)

• Family Caregiver Alliance (caregiver.org)

• National Institute on Aging (nia.nih.gov)

Dr. Gahley recognizes how overwhelming an Alzheimer's diagnosis can be for individuals and their loved ones, but wants you to know that you aren't alone:

"Alzheimer’s affects not only patients but entire families. This month, we honor the courage of those living with memory loss and the devotion of their caregivers. Remember: you are not alone. Alzheimer’s may change how we live, but it does not take away dignity, love or humanity. Together, we can ensure no one walks this journey alone."

Thank you, Dr. Gahley, and all caregivers for your dedication and compassion to those living with Alzheimer's.

Meet Robert Tussey, Director of Environmental Services at UW Health SwedishAmerican. Rob leads a team of more than 120, ...
09/20/2025

Meet Robert Tussey, Director of Environmental Services at UW Health SwedishAmerican.

Rob leads a team of more than 120, ensuring our patients, families and staff are cared for in the cleanest, safest environment possible. From infection prevention to waste management and beyond, his team is essential to delivering remarkable care every single day.

Rob’s commitment is deeply personal. After witnessing his own parents suffer from preventable health care errors, he has dedicated his 30-year career to building programs that protect patients through science, education and error prevention. ❤

Rob shares, “Our Environmental Services team touches the lives of every single person who walks through our doors. We protect the immunocompromised, support our care teams and inspire patients and families by showing them the detail and dedication behind our work.”

Rob is also proud of the impact SwedishAmerican Health Foundation makes in our region: “The Foundation provides funding for lifesaving equipment, diagnostic access and patient care right here in northern Illinois. It’s an honor to support their work in creating a healthier community.”

This week, we celebrate Rob and the entire Environmental Services team for their dedication, compassion and impact on our mission. 👏👏

✨ Congratulations to Dr. Amrutha George and Jeff Marrs! ✨Yesterday the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce celebrated i...
09/17/2025

✨ Congratulations to Dr. Amrutha George and Jeff Marrs! ✨

Yesterday the Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 2025 40 Under 40 honorees—rising leaders shaping the future of our region through vision, talent and service.

We are proud to celebrate two remarkable members of our Foundation family:
🌟 Dr. Amrutha George, UW Health SwedishAmerican Endocrinologist
🌟 Jeff Marrs, Financial Advisor at Morgan Stanley and SwedishAmerican Health Foundation Board Member

Both exemplify excellence in their fields, inspire their peers and give back to our community in meaningful ways. Their leadership and dedication reflect the innovation and energy driving northern Illinois forward.

Please join us in congratulating Dr. George and Jeff on this well-deserved honor! 💙

Pictured L to R: Jeff Marrs and Barb Aaby, SwedishAmerican Health Foundation Executive Director; Dr. Amrutha George and Travis Andersen, UW Health Northern Illinois CEO

This week, we proudly celebrate Neonatal Nurses Week (September 13–19) at UW Health SwedishAmerican! 💙👶Our neonatal nurs...
09/15/2025

This week, we proudly celebrate Neonatal Nurses Week (September 13–19) at UW Health SwedishAmerican! 💙👶

Our neonatal nurses are true champions for our tiniest and most fragile patients. Their compassion, expertise and dedication make an incredible difference in the lives of newborns and their families throughout northern Illinois.

Thank you for the incredible impact you make every single day—we’re grateful for you! 🩺

Meet Lizet, Supervisor of Commercial Reimbursement at UW Health SwedishAmerican. Lizet began her health care career as a...
09/13/2025

Meet Lizet, Supervisor of Commercial Reimbursement at UW Health SwedishAmerican. Lizet began her health care career as a Medical Assistant in 1988 and has since built decades of experience in health care finance across hospitals and physician practices throughout several states. She joined SwedishAmerican in 2007 and now supervises commercial insurance follow-up teams in both Rockford and Madison.

When asked why she chooses to give back through SwedishAmerican Health Foundation, Lizet shared: “I grew up in a family that volunteered in community service. Donating here was my way to continue that tradition in Rockford. I feel blessed to have worked here for so many years alongside such good people, and giving back allows me to help others in a small way.”

Lizet has been a donor since 2017, inspired by the fact that gifts stay local and directly benefit our community. “Every little bit helps. Even if we aren’t able to give large amounts, together we can make a meaningful impact. The money we give supports technology, patient care and community needs...all right here in northern Illinois!”

We are grateful to Lizet and all of our employee donors who support the mission of SwedishAmerican Health Foundation. ❤️

Address

1415 E. State Street , Ste. 100
Rockford, IL
61104

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