February 20, 2025

Next Week's Calendar
of Events:


February 20

Blood Pressure Screening
10 a.m. – 2 p.m.
Stockton Township Library, 140 W Benton Ave, Stockton
Open to the public; no cost or registration required.

Blood Pressure Screening
11 a.m. – 1 p.m.
New Jerusalem Soup Kitchen, 4 E. Iroquois, Freeport
Open to the public; no cost or registration required.

February 24

Living Through Grief
6 p.m.
FHN Memorial Hospital Deaconess Room, 1045 W. Stephenson Street, Freeport
The Living Through Grief Support Group offers a confidential place for those grieving a loss within the last 2 years to talk about your thoughts and feelings. We utilize videos, books, speakers, and discussions to help participants learn about the grief process, share stories of loss, and regain hope. To register or more information, contact FHN Hospice, at 815-599-7240 or visit fhn.org/grief.

February 25

Prenatal Class (Session 1a)
5 - 7 p.m.
Stephenson County Health Department, 10 W Linden Street, Freeport
The FHN/Stephenson County Health Department series of prenatal classes is offered to all regardless of their number of weeks gestation, however, they do correlate a bit with how a pregnancy progresses. Mothers-to-be and spouses/support persons are encouraged to attend these free sessions together. In session 1, the Stephenson County Health Department staff will cover nutrition, alcohol/drug/tobacco use, comfort measures, intro to the doula program, and community resources. Register for all of these classes online at fhn.org/ob or call 815-599-6221 for more information.

February 27

Blood Pressure Screening
1 – 3:30 p.m.
FACC, 514 S. Chicago, Freeport
Open to the public; no cost or registration required.

Prenatal Class (Session 1b)
1 - 3 p.m.
Stephenson County Health Department, 10 W Linden Street, Freeport
The FHN/Stephenson County Health Department series of prenatal classes is offered to all regardless of their number of weeks gestation, however, they do correlate a bit with how a pregnancy progresses. Mothers-to-be and spouses/support persons are encouraged to attend these free sessions together. In session 1, the Stephenson County Health Department staff will cover nutrition, alcohol/drug/tobacco use, comfort measures, intro to the doula program, and community resources. Register for all of these classes online at fhn.org/ob or call 815-599-6221 for more information.

Mama Milk Circle Infant Support Group
4 p.m.
Freeport Public Library, 100 E. Douglas Street
Bring your baby and join area moms to share knowledge, build a support system, and gain up-to-date infant support information. This group is open to all moms and free to attend; visit fhn.org/breastfeedingtaskforce for more information.

View all events

View past issues of the Focus

Welcome

Coming up in this week's issue of The Focus you'll find:



Two FHN Nurses Receive Ferguson ADN Scholarships
FHN Offering Two $134 Heart Month Specials
FHN Employee Discounts
FHN Career Corner
Help Spread the News: We’re Here, For You!
Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion and Worldwide Health
Classified Ads

Two FHN Nurses Receive Ferguson ADN Scholarships

Kiley Weltzin and Paige Gallentine are the recipients of the 2024 Mildred F. Ferguson Nursing Scholarship.


The scholarship was endowed in 2003 by Ferguson’s daughter, Nancy Ferguson Seeley, in honor of her mother’s contributions during her decades of nursing service to the people of Freeport. Recipients receive full tuition as they pursue an associate’s degree in nursing.


Including Weltzin and Gallentine, 53 FHN team members have received scholarships since 2003. One of the original scholarship recipients still serves as a nursing supervisor at FHN.


Applications from FHN team members interested in advancing their nursing career are accepted each spring.


For more information on nursing careers at FHN, visit www.fhn.org/careers.

FHN Offering Two $134 Heart Month Specials

Heart disease is the leading cause of death for both men and women in the United States, and early diagnosis is key in fighting the disease. FHN is celebrating American Heart Month in February with special cash pricing on two heart health tests.


Call 815-599-6860 by Friday, Feb. 28 to schedule a Standard Walking Treadmill Stress Test or Calcium Scoring CT Heart Scan and pay just $134 for the test.


For more information about the screenings, visit www.fhn.org/HeartMonthSpecials.asp or call 815-599-6860 to schedule an appointment. Tests must be scheduled by Friday, Feb. 28 and performed by Friday, May 30, 2025 to qualify for the special rate.


These tests do not replace consultations with your healthcare provider, and are not appropriate for persons with a history of heart trouble. If you do not have a primary healthcare provider, FHN will work with you to determine how to handle your test results when they are communicated to you. Payment for the tests is due (cash, checks and credit cards accepted) at the time of service.

FHN Employee Discounts

Vizient Employee Discounts

To register for a free account with Abenity, enter “FHN” in the organization name field, and you’ll be directed to the Abenity dashboard. Navigate to the employee discount/perk that you’re looking for using the website’s menu system or search bar. You can also download the free, convenient Abenity app via the Google Play Store or the Apple App Store. Then follow the steps provided to access the discount.


• At the bottom of the main Abenity dashboard page, there are ways to look up categories of products, how-to videos, etc. Clicking on “New” or “Popular” will give you the list of products that people often ask about (rental cars, electronics, etc.)
• Abenity has discounts for zoos, amusement parks, museums, etc. in IL and elsewhere
• Neither Vizient nor FHN can guarantee that these employee discounts are the best deals available. You may be able to shop around for better deals via Groupon or other programs.

Example: Cellphone Discounts

 

Verizon Wireless 
• Existing Verizon customers should look for the heading: “Already have a Verizon Wireless account?” and click the small arrow ( > ) underneath. Sign into your Verizon mobile account and follow the steps provided. For assistance, call the Verizon wireless employee validation center at 800-890-8007.
• New Verizon customers should go to a Verizon store to create an account and choose a plan or call the new account hotline at 800-922-0204.


AT&T Wireless
• Existing AT&T customers should log into their account and follow the steps provided. For assistance, call the AT&T wireless business division at 800-331-0500.
• New AT&T customers should go to an AT&T store to create an account and choose a plan (or call the new account hotline at 866-945-8251.) (NOTE: There is an option to print a coupon to bring to an AT&T store, but this will not work in Illinois, Wisconsin, or Iowa)
You will need to provide them with Foundation Account Number (FAN #): 02562984.


Brown's Shoe Fit

FHN employees are eligible for a 15 percent discount on shoes from Brown's Shoe Fit in Freeport when you present your employee name badge. Payroll deduction is also available.


Butitta Brothers Automotive (Freeport)

FHN employees are eligible for a 10 percent discount on any service over $100, and will do scheduled pickup/delivery of staff vehicles while at work.


Family YMCA of Northwest Illinois

FHN employees get 15% off all memberships with no joiner fee or contract required, a free 7-week group swim session for employee's child, plus free land and water fitness classes. Free childcare available to all YMCA members while working out or swimming.


Fitness Lifestyles

FHN employee corporate discounts include month-to-month ($53/mo) or annual agreements ($43/mo + 1-time $50 joiner fee). This membership includes all fitness classes, indoor heated pool, indoor track, pickleball, tennis, a women-only workout area, and cardio and strength equipment. Ask about a 10-day free trial!


Gone Postal

FHN employees are eligible for a 10 percent discount on uniforms when you present your employee name badge. Payroll deduction is also available.


GreenState Credit Union

As an FHN staff member, you and your families have access to financial discounts including 1% off personal loans, $250 off mortgage closing costs, plus bonuses for new free checking accounts, loans, and credit cards. You also have access to online financial education, monthly market insights, in-person private consultations, and much more!


US Cellular

FHN employees are eligible for a Partner Employee Discount (PED) through US Cellular. (This offer is not through Vizient or Abenity). The discount is up to 15% off qualified plans. See a US Cellular associate for more details. If requested, please provide the US Cellular representative with this PED code: PED4551. You will also be asked to verify your employment with FHN, which you can do by showing a paycheck stub or an employee name badge, and show a valid driver’s license or state ID.


Advantage Marketplace

FHN team members have access to thousands of other discounts on the FHN Staff Advantage Marketplace.

FHN Career Corner

There are many career opportunities within FHN. If you or someone you know is interested in new challenges go to our Career page, displaying the latest open positions.

FHN Team Members
Friends and Family

Help Spread the News: We’re Here, For You!

We have a lot to be proud of at FHN, from our talented, dedicated team to the many advanced capabilities we offer our patients. We’re working hard every day to be sure we provide excellent care to our patients. Please encourage patients, friends, and family to take advantage of FHN resources.


Don’t forget to Like us on Facebook! Thanks for your help in promoting FHN!

Have you heard the latest radio interviews? Catch up on our Radio Broadcasts page!

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion and Worldwide Health

February is …
American Heart Month
Age-Related Macular Degeneration (AMD) / Low Vision Awareness Month
International Prenatal Infection Prevention Month
National Cancer Prevention Month
National Children’s Dental Health Month
Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month

 

Weeks to Note:
February 14 – 21 is National Condom Week

February 24 – March 2 is National Eating Disorder Awareness Week


Days to Note:
February 22 is National Heart Valve Disease Awareness Day

February 28 is Rare Disease Day


The Iroquois Midwinter Ceremony held each January and February, lasts for eight days and each day is dedicated to an event such as tobacco invocation. The days vary according to community.


January is Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender History Month in the United Kingdom. It was initiated by Schools OUT in Britain in February 2005. This is an opportunity for all to learn more about the lives and achievements of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender people in Britain and Northern Ireland.


February is Black History Month in the United States. The study of black history is greatly owed to Dr. Carter G. Woodson, who first launched “Negro History Week” in 1926. Woodson chose February because it marks the birthdays of two men who greatly impacted the American black population. Abraham Lincoln (president of the United States who freed slaves during the Civil War), and Frederick Douglass (who worked to end slavery) have birthdays in February. The purpose of this month is to recognize the contributions of Black Americans and develop a better understanding of the Black experience.


February also is Black History Month in Canada. In December of 1995, the Parliament of Canada recognized February as Black History Month following a motion introduced by the first African Canadian woman elected to Parliament, Jean Augustine. The presence of peoples of African descent in Canada dates back farther than Samuel de Champlain's (a French explorer and navigator in early 1600s) first voyage down the St. Lawrence River.


Buffalo dances are performed in Hopi reserves during the Hopi Holy Cycle in February.


Americans mark the Birthday of George Washington on February 22.


In Egypt, February 22 is the date of the Abu Simbel Festival. Built by Ramses II, his temple is angled so that the inner sanctum lights up twice a year - once on the anniversary of his rise to the throne and on Oct 22, celebrating his birthday. Crowds pack in the temple before sunrise to watch the shafts of light illuminate the statues of Ramses, Ra and Amon. The other date for this event is Oct. 22.


Americans and Canadians celebrate Girl Guides Thinking Day on Feb. 22. This is the joint birthday of Robert Baden-Powell, the founder of Boy Scouts and Girl Guides, and his wife Olave, who became the World Chief Guide.


February 23 is Heisei Emperor’s Birthday. He is the current Emperor of Japan. His reign has been named Heisei (Succeed at Peace).


Estonians celebrate Independence Day on February 24. Estonia gained Independence from the Russian Empire in 1918.


February 25 through March 1 are Intercalary Days for people of the Bahá'í  faith. There are four or five days inserted into the calendar called Ayyam-i-ha adjusting the Bahá'í year to the solar cycle. This precedes a month of fasting from March 2-20. Gifts are exchanged, parties and public meetings are held to share the faith.


The Philippines celebrate People Power Day on February 25, commemorating the bloodless revolution in 1986 in which President Ferdinand Marcos was toppled from power.


February 25 is Kuwait’s National Day, commemorating the 1978 accession of King Shaykh Sir 'abdallah Al-Salim al-Sabah.


Canada observes Anti-Bullying Day on February 25. The day encourages everyone to practice kindness and wear pink to symbolize that you do not tolerate bullying.


People of the Hindu faith celebrate Shivratri on February 26. On Shiva's night, the Hindu deity Lord Shiva performed the Tandav, the cosmic dance of creation and destruction. A 24-hour fast is kept and devotees make pilgrimages to major shrines for worship.

Classified Ads

NEW! 1/8 Beef Bundles – March 2025 Pickup For a limited time, our 1/8 Beef Bundles are on sale for just $298—March only! Pickup will be available at Johnson’s Processing in Chadwick, IL at the end of the month. Don't miss out! Check out what's included or place your order here: hagemannbeef.com/shop/p/18-beef-bundle-box. Looking for custom cuts? We're offering a special $0.20/lb discount in March! Quarters & Halves: $2.65/lb (Reg. $2.85/lb) • Wholes: $2.55/lb (Reg. $2.75/lb). For more details, visit hagemannbeef.com or email [email protected].


The deadline to submit ads for each Focus is 10 a.m. the Thursday before publication. Please submit your classified ad information to Tammy Edler, and send your donation to the Foundation.

The Focus is composed of submitted content.
The deadline to submit content to Tammy Edler for each issue
is by 10 a.m. the Thursday before publication.
Copyright 2025 FHN. All rights reserved.