The Horizon Health Emergency Department is working to improve pediatric emergency care by pursuing recognition through the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Pediatric Facility Recognition Program. This program aims to ensure that emergency departments are equipped and trained to provide appropriate care for children during medical emergencies.
Jay Carmichael, President & CEO of Horizon Health, stated, “Like adults, children deserve access to the highest-quality healthcare possible. Our Emergency Department has done an excellent job enhancing the care we provide for children in our rural communities. Pursuing this recognition demonstrates our commitment to excellence for every patient we serve.”
The recognition effort is in line with the National Pediatric Readiness Project, which has found that hospitals with high pediatric readiness see a significant reduction in child mortality rates. According to the project, there is a 76% decrease in child mortality at these hospitals, resulting in over 2,100 lives saved each year nationwide.
Samantha McCarty, Director of Emergency Services at Horizon Health, said, “Our goal is to show the community that we are highly trained, capable, and specially recognized in caring for sick children. We’re already doing most of what’s needed for this recognition and are about 80% of the way there.”
Horizon Health’s current pediatric readiness measures include board-certified emergency medicine physicians on staff, personnel trained in Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), and a pediatric crash cart with necessary equipment and medications. The department also holds regular meetings with regional hospital partners and participates in joint quality improvement activities.
In Illinois, just over half of emergency departments have some form of pediatric readiness recognition. Most higher-level centers are located in northern parts of the state.
“We want to expand beyond a general emergency department to provide specialized pediatric care,” McCarty added. “Children have unique needs that require specific expertise in emergency situations, yet not all have access to specialized care.”
The Horizon Health Emergency Department treats around 1,200 pediatric patients each year. With the closest pediatric critical care facility more than an hour away, local families depend on Horizon Health for initial stabilization and ongoing emergency treatment when transfers are delayed.
McCarty expects Horizon Health will achieve designation as a Standby Emergency Department for Pediatrics (SEDP). SEDP facilities can stabilize young patients initially and maintain agreements with larger centers for further transfer if needed.
To support these efforts, Horizon Health received a $10,000 grant from the Illinois Critical Access Hospital Network (ICAHN). This funding comes after completion of a two-year renovation project ending in late 2025 that included building a treatment room designed specifically for children. The grant will be used for advanced training beyond standard PALS courses and purchasing supplies such as portable manikins and airway trainers intended specifically for pediatric emergencies.
