Mercy Health Leaders Address State of Healthcare in Champaign County During Community Event

Leaders with Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital hosted a lunch and learn event in partnership with the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce recently to discuss the evolving landscape of healthcare locally and in the surrounding region with more than 70 chamber members, community leaders and healthcare professionals in attendance.

​Adam Groshans, market president of Mercy Health – Springfield, opened the session sharing insight into the national and statewide trends shaping care locally in Champaign County. Groshans, along with two members of his leadership team, also highlighted groundbreaking community programs and clinical advancements that are improving access and health outcomes across the region. 
 
One major focus of the presentation was workforce development. Rhonda Beane, chief nursing officer, shared Mercy Health improved nurse retention by 40 percent from 2019 to 2025 – a testament to strategic investments in people and partnerships with local educational institutions.

“People spend their entire careers here,” Beane said. “We’re investing in them because we believe in growing within our own community. We want our people taking care of our people.” 
 
Jamie Houseman, president of Mercy Health – Urbana Hospital, celebrated several achievements for the local healthcare facility, including four consecutive years with a 5-star quality rating from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), five years of Energy Star certification, and the prestigious 2025 CEP Investor Award. 
 
“This is proof that the care provided here is truly outstanding,” Houseman stated.
 
Houseman also highlighted the capital investments the hospital has undergone in recent years, which were identified and prioritized based on Champaign County’s 2022 Community Health Needs Assessment. The assessment identified a gap in cancer care services, and in response, Mercy Health opened the Urbana Cancer Center this past January. The facility features four medical oncology exam rooms, infusion suites, lab draw stations, a family room, and a healing garden, bringing vital cancer care closer to home for patients in the region.
 
Houseman spoke to the hospital’s other areas of growth as well, including the expansion of its provider team, updated technology and equipment, facility renovations and an increase in surgical procedures. In August, the hospital will welcome a new behavioral health navigator, further supporting its mission of “keeping people healthy where they’re at.”
 
Another standout initiative is Mercy Health’s community paramedicine program, which has significantly benefitted patients outside hospital walls. This free-of-charge service provides transportation, treatment plans, and support for managing complex conditions, which in turn has reduced hospital visits and improved quality of life for those in Champaign County. The program has now grown and expanded into Clark County after its success in the Champaign County community.
 
To learn more about the various services available at Mercy Health, visit mercy.com.
 
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Mercy Health – Springfield is part of Bon Secours Mercy Health  one of the 20 largest health systems in the United States and the fifth-largest Catholic health system in the country. The ministry’s quality, compassionate care is provided by more than 60,000 associates serving communities in Florida, Kentucky, Maryland, New York, Ohio, South Carolina, and Virginia, as well as throughout Ireland.  Mercy Health – Springfield, which includes Springfield Regional Medical Center and Urbana Hospital, has a mission to extend the compassionate ministry of Jesus by improving the health and well-being of our communities and bring good help to those in need, especially people who are poor, dying and underserved. Mercy Health – Springfield is a comprehensive, regional health care system, known for quality, innovation, compassionate service, and a caring culture. With two hospitals and numerous physician offices and care locations, Mercy Health ensures easy access to safe, effective, timely and cost-efficient care for every stage of life through a network of hospitals, nursing homes and retirement communities as well as rehabilitation and outreach services. To learn more, visit mercy.com.