12.13.21

Dear Colleagues,  

This is our last newsletter for 2021! Winter break has arrived like a much-welcomed friend – a needed break to refocus our minds and thoughts as we head into a happier and healthier New Year.

New Information 

Booster Shots Encouraged 

Jeff Lorber, Vice Chancellor for Advancement at the University of Illinois Springfield and Vice-President of the U of I Foundation, shares information on the university's Reaching Stellar campaign and how donors impact all aspects of university life in the latest edition of UIS Perspectives in The State Journal-Register.

The article was published on Dec. 5, 2021.

Chips, candy, and maybe soon, contraceptives.

A new bill filed in the Illinois House aims to increase access to emergency contraceptive pills for students.

It would require at least one vending machine on public college or university campuses to offer emergency contraceptives as an option.

A spokesperson for the University of Illinois Springfield says emergency contraceptives are available there if you make an appointment with UIS Health Services.

Lauren Ladowski has always been a premier point guard on the University of Illinois Springfield women’s basketball team.  

This year is no exception.  

The junior standout currently leads the Prairie Stars in scoring for the fourth straight season. She not only averages 16.6 points but also 5.8 assists, 3 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has tested the ability of government and public health officials to effectively communicate complex COVID-19 information to a diverse public audience. At the same time, multiple other common sources of information (and misinformation) have caused confusion and mistrust of official messaging. Expert panelists discuss the roles of public health officials, mainstream and social media, and efforts to counter misinformation throughout the population.

This Community Health Roundtable aired on NPR Illinois on Dec. 13, 2021.