The Voice

The state of mental health in our region Community organizations, employers, schools, and local leaders are making real progress By Berenice Jaquez, The Workforce Connection In the past several years, our region has experienced a dramatic increase in awareness and investment in mental health services. What was once a quiet and often times stigmatized conversation…

What’s driving your health care spending Ways to manage risk, support employee health, and push back on rising costs By Brian Meyer, M3 Insurance Rising health care costs continue to put pressure on employers, with trends hovering around 7–8% increases over the past few years—and projections showing no signs of slowing. What’s fueling this sustained…

North to Alaska A dramatic change of scenery provides mental refreshment By Angela Kay Larson, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce I often boast that living in the Rockford Region means we’re no more than an hour-and-a-half away from anywhere in the world. Chicago Rockford International Airport provides plenty of get-away opportunities, and O’Hare International Airport…

From hustle to health Why your high-performers are at risk and what to do about it By Abbie Honaker, Take Charge Holistic Health My doctor once referred to them as “little pink flags”—subtle signs such as slightly elevated blood pressure, occasional migraines, and the sporadic flutter in my heartbeat. Nothing alarming, no official diagnosis. My…

Filling the void for pharmacists in rural communities UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy’s Rural Pharmacy Education program By Kevin Rynn, UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy Dr. Elise Wildman’s story begins in Arthur, Illinois, a town of about 2,200 best known for hosting the state’s oldest and largest Amish community—an undeniable nod to its bucolic setting.…

Lessons learned from “The Pitt” Warning: This article contains spoilers By Christine Hand, managing editor Viewers and medical professionals alike are raving about HBO Max’s “The Pitt,” an emergency department drama that takes place at Pittsburgh Medical Trauma Center, aka the Pitt. With each episode representing one hour of a 15-hour shift, the show features…

Our important search begins Support from the business community is essential By Denise Pearson, Rockford School District 205 Board of Education As we begin to plan for the future of RPS 205, we want to start by thanking Superintendent Ehren Jarrett for 12 years of exceptional leadership. Dr. Jarrett has been instrumental in shaping a…

Wellness tourism in the Rockford Region Affordability, convenience, and natural beauty make it the perfect destination By John Groh, GoRockford The Rockford Region is capitalizing on the fastest-growing tourism trend: wellness travel. Also known as self-care tourism, this emerging trend prioritizes destinations that offer soul-soothing vistas for slowing down and relaxing mentally, as well activities…

Bringing new life to a forgotten subdivision R1 and Habitat for Humanity partner to build 30 homes on Rockford’s west side By Michael Dunn Jr., Region 1 Planning Council From empty dirt lots to blocks of inviting, move-in ready homes, the Emerson Estates subdivision, located south of Auburn and Springfield Avenue, has seen a transformation…

The results of their labor My appreciation for the building and construction trades By Angela Kay Larson, CEO, Greater Rockford Chamber of Commerce I grew up in a 100-year-old farmhouse near Peoria, Illinois. My dad was an OG DIY-er, and my mom subscribed to Architectural Digest. He worked in the tool room at Caterpillar, and…