Health Care Council of Illinois - HCCI

05/06/2026

Today, HCCI members are at the Illinois State Capitol advocating for long‑term care and assisted living across our state. Thank you to everyone participating and helping ensure our industry’s voice is heard.

If you are planning to attend or need last‑minute details, reach out to us 🔗 https://www.hccil.org/contact

05/05/2026

Just 6 weeks until the first annual , bringing together the people shaping the future of long-term care in Illinois and beyond. Designed for owners, operators, executive leadership, administrators, and clinical professionals of LTC, the Convention will feature 40+ education sessions, a full tradeshow, and HCCI’s annual member meeting, all in one place.

Attendees will also hear from nationally respected voices, including former Kansas Governor and Retired President & CEO of AHCA Mark Parkinson, Executive Director for National Center for Assisted Living (NCAL) LaShuan Bethea, and President & CEO of AHCA/NCAL Clif Porter.

Join us June 16 to 18, 2026, at the I Hotel and Illinois Conference Center in Champaign, Illinois, for three days of learning, connection, and industry leadership. Registration now, space is limited: https://www.hccil.org/convention/

04/29/2026

On Wednesday, May 6, HCCI members will head to the Illinois State Capitol to meet with lawmakers and advocate for the issues that matter most to long‑term care and assisted living. Whether you are new to advocacy or have participated before, your voice matters.

Interested in participating? Sign up and get involved 🔗 https://www.hccil.org/contact/

04/14/2026

Registration Now Open: HCCI First Annual Convention & Trade Show
We’re excited to announce that registration for our First Annual Convention & Trade Show (June 16–18, 2026) is now live!

📌 Secure your spot today: https://cvent.me/b2mdYE

Registration is open to both HCCI members and non-members, so we invite everyone to join us for this exciting event.
This convention will bring together industry professionals for valuable networking, engaging sessions, and new opportunities you won’t want to miss.

We encourage you to register early to ensure your participation and take full advantage of everything we have planned.
If you have any questions or need assistance with registration, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
We look forward to seeing you there!

04/14/2026

We’re pleased to announce that vendor registration for the HCCI 2026 Trade Show is now open. This is a great opportunity to showcase your products and services while connecting with industry professionals.
📌 Register here: https://web.cvent.com/event/dea73283-1384-4262-a36f-8c35055082a0/register?rp=0440fbc2-f53b-4875-80c1-5eef016d1a10
Key Details:
• Booth setup must be completed by 4:00 PM on Monday, June 15
• Exclusive preview during the Welcome Reception from 6:00–8:00 PM on June 15
• Trade Show officially opens June 16
Please note that vendors are responsible for securing their own hotel accommodations. Convenient lodging options are available near the I Hotel and Conference Center in Champaign, IL.
We look forward to your participation and a successful event.

04/10/2026

HCCI’s women lobbyists were honored to be a part of the Host Committee for this week’s Women of the House Dinner. This annual event celebrates the strong partnership between the Women of the Illinois House of Representatives and the many advocates who work alongside them in Springfield.
HCCI was proudly represented by Kim Stoerger, Gracie Mehlenbeck, and Destiny Lee, alongside our contract advocates Liz Brown-Reeves, Barbara Staples King, Jessica Nardulli, and Heather Wier Vaught. We’re grateful to be part of such an inspiring evening recognizing leadership, collaboration, and impact.

04/06/2026

Help Us Celebrate AHCA/NCAL’s 2026 National Quality Award Examiners!
These amazing Examiners play a vital role in improving quality across long term and post acute care. By volunteering their time and expertise, they show an incredible commitment to strengthening our profession and supporting providers on their journey toward excellence.
Each Examiner completes extensive training in the Baldrige Excellence Framework, giving them the tools to evaluate systems, performance, and outcomes with rigor and care. Their dedication helps ensure the integrity of the National Quality Award Program—and brings valuable insights back to the communities and organizations they serve.
Our Examiners truly make this Program possible by:
✅ Ensuring fair and thorough reviews at the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels
✅ Upholding the highest standards of excellence
✅ Helping elevate care and quality of life for residents nationwide
We’re so grateful for their leadership, service, and passion.
Join us in congratulating our state’s 2026 National Quality Award Examiners!
If you know an Examiner, take a moment to recognize their hard work and commitment.
🌟 2026 Examiners:
• Etan Bleichman – Legacy Healthcare
• Tatum Tonn - Brookstone Estates of Robinson
• Tatiana Johnson – Legacy Healthcare
• Jennifer Fuller - Alden Management Services
• Katheryn May – Heritage Woods of Sterling
• Kristin Thrun – Burgess Square Healthcare and Rehab Center
• Chris Karcz – Gardant Management Solutions
• Meghann Giarraputo – Silver Birch Living
• Michelle Stuercke – TCM Consulting and Management
• Lynn Goldman

03/05/2026

Yesterday, our Director of Member Services, Carrie Impson-Perry along with Bert Heineman and Nechama Aronin of Everest Care hosted Leader McCombie at Everest Cares - Neighbors Health Center in Byron, Illinois. Thank you to Leader Tony McCombiei for a wonderful visit connecting with residents and staff to discuss senior healthcare and staffing needs. Our residents enjoyed their time with you!

02/26/2026

This week, we were thrilled to celebrate our February Long-Term Care Hero of the Month! Devin Duncan, Director of Nursing at Allure of Geneseo, was this month's recipient.💫

Devin has been a nurse for over 20 years, with 14 of those years spent working for this facility specifically. She has a compassionate and caring demeanor that eases residents and their families. Over the years, she has acquired many skills and continued to further her education. In each of her duties, she has the same devotion and attention to residents.

As a dedicated nurse and leader, Devin works countless hours to ensure the facility is fully staffed and each resident is cared for appropriately.

She is helpful and supportive, motivates staff, treats residents with respect, and faces the challenges of being a director of nursing with determination and grace, leading others to follow her example.

Allure of Geneseo is so lucky to have you, Devin! Congratulations on this well-deserved award.

02/25/2026

Tara McDonnell, Director of Nursing at Alden Estates of Evanston, was chosen by McKnight's for their fifth class of Spirit Award winners as part of the 2026 McKnight’s Women of Distinction program.

The Spirit Award recognizes inspirational caregiving deeds and other noble gestures by women at any level of a long-term care organization who have demonstrated acts of bravery, courage, perseverance, dedication, or determination.

Thank you, Tara, for your unwavering support and dedication to the long-term care industry!

Four women have been chosen as the fifth class of Spirit Award winners as part of the 2026 McKnight’s Women of Distinction program.

02/25/2026

At the Health Care Council of Illinois, we believe quality, long-term care starts with people - the caregivers, staff, and communities who show up every day for our loved ones. 💙

02/23/2026

Reminder that HCCI's inaugural convention is coming this Summer!
Join us as we "Race Toward Excellence" in the long-term care industry, June 16-18 at the IHotel & Conference Center in Champaign, Illinois.
From inspiring keynote speakers to informational education sessions to the exciting & innovative trade show, there is something for all industry professionals to enjoy.
Registration opens soon! 🐎🎖️

ICYMI:
We’re excited to announce the Health Care Council of Illinois’ first annual convention, happening June 16–18, 2026 at The I Hotel & Illinois Conference Center in Champaign.
This year’s theme is “Racing Toward Excellence,” and the event will feature:
• Three inspiring keynote speakers
• Educational sessions offering CE credits
• Networking opportunities with peers and industry leaders
• An exciting Trade Show showcasing top vendors and innovative solutions for long-term care

Early Bird registration begins next spring! 🏇🌹🏅