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  • Unemployment Scam Uses Victim’s Name, Social Security Number
    scam victim

    The Illinois Attorney General has issued a consumer alert about an identity theft scam related to unemployment systems. 

    Here’s how it works: A victim will receive a debit card and an unemployment letter from the Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) approving the victim for unemployment benefits – that were never requested.

    This means that the scammer, pretending to be the victim, most likely applied for benefits using the victim’s name and Social Security number.

    If you receive a debit card, which is how Illinoisans receive unemployment payments, and an unemployment letter without having enrolled for benefits, here’s what to do: 

    • Call the Illinois Identity Theft Hotline at 866-999-5630 for one-on-one assistance in reporting the crime to local law enforcement and financial institutions, repairing credit and preventing future problems. 

      If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by calling 800-782-4767 ext. 1470, or by  sending an email. 



  • Reducing Health Disparity
    ISMS democracy

    It has long been observed that different groups of individuals may have vastly different healthcare outcomes. While there is often a medical and genetic basis for some of this disparity, there has also been increasing focus on social factors that can influence health outcomes, often referred to as the “social determinants of health.” Five of the major social determinants include economic factors, education, healthcare access, community support and housing. 

    Over the past several years, ISMS has focused on improving health outcomes and decreasing health disparities to improve the health of the citizens of Illinois.



  • FDA Expands Warning: Now There Are More Than 100 Brands of 'Toxic' Hand Sanitizers
    toxic hand sanitizer

    Due to the pandemic, hand sanitizer use, and the demand for the coveted gel or spray, has exploded on the market. Now comes another warning from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) that the list of toxic hand sanitizers has swelled beyond 100. 

    The problem area is that certain brands of hand sanitizer contain methanol. Patients may not know that methanol can be toxic when absorbed through the skin and life-threatening when ingested. 

     Access the current list of hand sanitizer products that should be avoided. 

    Remind patients that methanol is not a safe alcohol to use and that the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention continues to recommend the use of sanitizers that contain at least 60% ethyl alcohol.

    If you have questions, please contact the ISMS Health Policy Research and Advocacy team by calling 800-782-4767 ext. 1470, or by  se nding an email. 


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  • Register Now for These FREE Webinars!

    Addressing Illinois' Health Disparities: Designing and Advocating for Solutions to Improve the Health of Populations 

    August 11 | Noon to 1 p.m. (CDT)

    This program discusses health disparities in Illinois and in the United State as a whole, and how the population health perspective can address them. The ISMS webinar will also cover emerging diseases and other health issues from a public and population health perspective.

    • ISMS members and their staff can participate in this webinar for free. All others must pay $150 to attend.
    • CME offered | Register here. 

    Adjusting to Practice During COVID-19 and Beyond

    August 18 | Noon to 1 p.m. (CDT)

    This ISMIE webinar will touch upon the practical and psychological adjustments that can help healthcare professionals, patients and families feel that quality care is being provided – and that satisfying, productive interactions remain possible in both telehealth and in-person encounters.

    • Registration is open to ISMIE policyholders, ISMS members and their staffs.

    CME offered | Register here.



  • Introducing IMPAC’s 'Text to Donate,' Launching Now in this Important Election Year!
    IMPAC 2020 Logo

    The Illinois State Medical Society Political Action Committee (IMPAC) is rolling out a new way to make your contribution in this important election year, called “Text to Donate.” 

    Here’s how it works: Text the word IMPAC to 312-584-4664 and you will start receiving up-to-the-minute communications about important election developments. You will also be directed to our mobile giving platform for a quick and easy way to make your 2020 IMPAC donation.

    Learn more about how to opt in! 

    Read More...

  • Open Position: Health Director in Skokie
    health director

    A career opportunity has just become available in Skokie. The open position is Health Director of the Skokie Health and Human Services Department.

    In this position, the Health Director promotes and supports health in Skokie by providing senior management leadership and public health expertise. Under general supervision of the Village Manager, the Health Director is responsible, and has the legal authority, for planning, directing and implementing programs and measures to protect the public’s health in the Village, in compliance with federal, state and local laws, regulations and ordinances. 

    Please apply by Aug. 28, 2020. 




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