Instructions for writing letters of support for
Carle Foundation Hospital’s campus modernization project

Thank you for supporting Carle Foundation Hospital’s efforts to enhance health care in our region. Proof of community backing is essential in the review process by the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board and can also help us get the support of key legislators. We ask that you consider writing a letter of support based on your positive experience with Carle. Here are some instructions:

1. Please send your letter to Mr. Jeffrey Mark at the address below.

2. Original letters written from your perspective that reveal your personal opinions are always the most powerful.

3. Key message points are below if you need them. Use the points that best express your viewpoint, and put them in your own words, if possible.

4. If you are a Carle employee, please use plain letterhead or your personal stationery. Please identify yourself as a Carle employee.

5. If you are a Carle patient, please identify yourself as such and indicate that you support these expanded services for yourself or a loved one.

6. Please address letters to:
   Mr. Jeffrey Mark
   Executive Secretary
   Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board
   525 West Jefferson Street
   Springfield, Illinois 62761

Please be sure to include Project Number: 08-013 at the top of your letter.

If you'd like to view sample letters, click one of the following:

• general sample letters

• sample letters for Carle patients

• sample letters for Carle employees

Carle Foundation Hospital
Campus modernization project key messages

Please use each of the four following key messages, as well as the supporting points you feel best represent your view.

1. I support the campus modernization project Carle Foundation Hospital is proposing for its medical campus in Urbana. For many years, Carle Foundation Hospital has played an important role in our community and in east central Illinois as a major provider of healthcare services. It is widely recognized for its programs, services and commitment to improving the health care of the community.

2. As they plan for the eventual replacement of aging buildings, Carle Foundation Hospital is modernizing its medical campus to advance world-class patient care in cardiovascular, intensive care, digestive health and rehabilitation services. As an [employee, resident, patient, physician, researcher], I am particularly interested in this project because [include any points below that are relevant to you]:

   • General: The $236 million project includes replacement beds, centralized space for cardiovascular services; upgraded intensive care units; relocated and expanded digestive health services; and an enhanced rehabilitation unit. In the future, this bed tower, combined with the recently expanded North Tower, will become the cornerstone of our medical campus.

   • Cardiology: This campus modernization project will allow Carle to advance its renowned cardiovascular services. Carle Foundation Hospital has twice received five-star ratings for clinical excellence in the treatment of heart failure and atrial fibrillation, according to a comprehensive study released by HealthGrades, the nation’s leading healthcare ratings company. Carle is also ranked in the top 10 percent of hospitals in the nation for cardiology services and has received the HealthGrades Specialty Excellence Award for Cardiology™. In addition, Carle was on the Solucient (now Thomson) “100 Top Hospitals: Cardiovascular Benchmarks for Success” list two of the last five years.

   • Rehabilitation: The renovated and relocated rehabilitation unit will provide enhanced rehabilitation services primarily for adult patients following a stroke, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord injury or similar medical problem. The unit will include a larger, more lifelike Activity of Daily Living Suite and an exercise area in conjunction with Therapy Services. An outpatient neuro-rehabilitation area and wound healing services will also be located on this top floor.

   • Digestive Health: Carle Foundation Hospital is creating a center for digestive diseases and, through this center, plans to increase awareness about preventing colorectal cancer. Creating this center will bring all gastroenterology physicians and services under one roof, including four additional rooms for endoscopies, bringing the total to 10.

   • Modernization: To advance its vision of world-class patient care and research, Carle Foundation Hospital is building a state-of-the-art bed tower that will include 100 percent private patient rooms, the latest in equipment and technology, and greater convenience.

   • Education: With approximately 30 departments, Carle’s current 305-bed facility is the primary teaching hospital for the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Urbana-Champaign. It’s critical that our future doctors be exposed to modern facilities and technology as they train to care for us and our families.

   • Research: The modernized facility will be more conducive to providing the best atmosphere for Carle and the University of Illinois to better conduct translational research to find breakthrough treatments for today’s most serious diseases, including cardiovascular and digestive diseases.

3. Carle Foundation Hospital is an asset to our community and I support its efforts to expand and modernize its medical campus to provide even better care locally.

   • Carle Foundation Hospital has been a valuable asset to our community for more than 75 years and has strong community support. Carle is a true community partner, supporting the Francis Nelson Health Center serving uninsured or underinsured individuals in our community and providing many free community services, including: [insert program such as the Community Care Discount Program, Risk Watch, the Parish Nurse Program, Carle Auxiliary Guest House.] The Carle Foundation’s total community benefit exceeded $57 million in 2007 alone.

   • Carle Foundation Hospital and other organizations within The Carle Foundation provide care to patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Through its Community Care Discount Program, Carle helps qualifying patients apply for and receive public assistance and/or payment plans. The amount of charity care provided has continued to increase annually during this decade; in 2007 The Carle Foundation’s charity care totaled more than $7.6 million and approximately 4,500 people were provided financial assistance.

4. I urge the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board to approve this much-needed health improvement initiative for our community.