PHYSICIANS NAMED TOP CANCER DOCS
Five AdventHealth physicians have been recognized as top cancer doctors in the Chicago area according to a study conducted by Castle Connolly Medical Ltd., a healthcare research and information company, and published in the June 2022 edition of Chicago magazine.
On staff and practicing at AdventHealth Hinsdale and AdventHealth Cancer Institute Hinsdale, the oncologists named to the list are
• Dr. Jay Dalal, medical oncology/hematology
• Dr. Rekha Harting, medical oncology/hematology
• Dr. Arti Lakhani, medical oncology/hematology
• Dr. Patrick Sweeney, radiation oncology
• Dr. Warren Wong, medical oncology/hematology
“We’re so proud of our providers for being recognized,” said Kim Schram, director of clinical operations at AdventHealth Cancer Institute Hinsdale. “This recognition comes directly from each physicians’ peers for their commitment to excellence. Together these physicians take a multi-disciplinary approach to deliver comprehensive state-of-the-art cancer care.
“Our oncologists have been instrumental in the ongoing growth of our oncology program, helping to set the program apart by treating the whole person and not just their cancer illness,” she added.
The AdventHealth Cancer program has received accreditations from the National Accreditation Program for Breast Centers, Commission on Cancer, American Society of Clinical Oncology, Quality Oncology Practice Initiative and American College of Radiology.
Castle Connolly invites licensed physicians across the country to nominate peers as top doctors in any medical specialty. A physician-led research team rigorously screens nominees, examining their medical education, training, board certifications, hospital appointments, administrative posts, professional achievements and malpractice and disciplinary history.
HINSDALE AGENCIES RECEIVE GRANTS
As part of its Community Needs Grant Program, DuPage Foundation granted $678,380 to 37 nonprofit organizations, including two from Hinsdale, that provide essential health and human services to residents across DuPage County.
The Community House received $25,000 to support trauma-informed, community-based mental health services for low-income you and adults.
HCS Family Services received $8,155 to purchase a printer and tablets for client pantry registration and laptop computers for volunteer registrations and management. The grant was funded by the Robert and Laurie McMahon Family Fun.
HCS also received $20,000 from the DuPage Community Transformation Partnership Fund’s food insecurity grants to purchase food for its pantries in Hinsdale and at Anne M. Jeans School.
The Community House received $50,000 in mental health and substance use disorder grants from the fund to support the salary of a therapist to provide trauma-informed mental health services for underserved youth and young adults.
The partnership fund awarded more than $1 million in immediate intervention grants to 16 social service nonprofit organizations.
MAZZOCHI NAMED ADVISORY BOARD
State Rep. Deanne Mazzochi (R-47, Elmhurst) has been appointed to the advisory board created to recommend how to effectively distribute millions in settlement funds to target the opioid epidemic in Illinois.
Earlier this year, the three largest pharmaceutical distribution companies and Johnson & Johnson reached a national settlement based on state opioid lawsuits. Illinois will receive $760 million.
“Unfortunately, but unsurprisingly given the social and economic upheaval over the last two years, opioid deaths are on the rise nationally and in Illinois,” Mazzochi said.
Opioid deaths in Illinois reached a new high of 3,013 in 2021, a 2.3 percent increase from 2020 and a 35.8 percent increase from 2019.
“Thankfully we saw 10 fewer deaths in DuPage county in 2021 when compared to 2020, reflecting the hard work done by local officials and first responders,” Mazzochi said.
More than 200 overdoses were reversed through the DuPage Narcan Program in 2021.
In addition to the $760 million upfront settlement for the state, DuPage County will receive $10 million dollars.
“Transparency in the process and identifying the most effective use of these funds are tantamount to ensure justice for past victims and their families as well as doing whatever we can to prevent more victims,” she said.
