A message from Kim Uphoff, President & CEO:

 (2/12/2026)

Over the past several days, Sarah Bush Lincoln has experienced the highest patient census in our history, including unprecedented numbers of individuals seeking care in our Emergency Department and being admitted to our inpatient units. This surge is largely driven by a significant rise in influenza and other respiratory illnesses across our region.

First and foremost, thank you for trusting us with your care. It is truly a privilege and honor to serve you.

Even in times of extraordinary demand, our commitment remains the same: to provide exceptional, high-quality, compassionate care to every person who walks through our doors. I am incredibly proud of our Sarah Bush Lincoln team members, whose flexibility, collaboration and dedication are helping us meet the needs of our community. Those delivering direct patient care, along with the many individuals supporting them behind the scenes, are making a meaningful difference every hour.

If you are ill and need emergency care, please do not hesitate to visit our Emergency Department. For non-life-threatening illnesses, our Walk-In Clinics in Mattoon, Effingham, Charleston and Tuscola are open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Saturday and Sunday from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. You may also contact your primary care provider’s office, as many are expanding availability to accommodate additional same-day appointments during this widespread illness. Thank you for your patience during this time.

For decades, our community has supported Sarah Bush Lincoln and shaped us into the organization we are today. In moments like these, your continued trust and partnership mean more than ever. We remain here for you, today and every day.

Kim Uphoff
SBL President & CEO