SIUE SUAA Chapter Hosts Legislative Update with State Rep. Kevin Schmidt and Health Sciences Complex Tour

SIUE SUAA Chapter Hosts Legislative Update with State Rep. Kevin Schmidt and Health Sciences Complex Tour

Southern Illinois University Edwardsville's State Universities Annuitants Association (SUAA) chapter hosted State Rep. Kevin Schmidt, of the 114th district, who provided legislative updates from the 104th Illinois General Assembly, including a tour of the University's new Health Sciences Complex on Wednesday, March 4.

The event kicked off with welcoming remarks from Keith Becherer, director of SIUE Campus Recreation and SUAA Chapter President. "We represent nearly 400 members in the SIUE chapter and more than 13,000 members across Illinois," Becherer noted.

Founded in 1971, SUAA is a statewide advocacy organization representing current and retired faculty and staff of Illinois public universities and community colleges who participate in the State Universities Retirement System, ensuring their retirement benefits and healthcare benefits are protected.

Chloe LeBlanc, a political science major interning with the SUAA chapter, introduced Schmidt. "A local chiropractor and a former SIUE student, Rep. Schmidt, who serves in the Illinois House and remains active in his community, and who brings insight into healthcare and public service, is here today to see the impact of the new Health Sciences Complex," LeBlanc noted.

Reminiscing his time at SIUE, Schmidt noted on how the University helped shape his background in healthcare. "I was here in the early 2000s. Great campus then, it's even better now," he stated.

Schmidt further provided insights from his work on several key committees: the Health Care Availability and Access Committee, the Mental Health and Addiction Committee, the Public Health Committee and the Prescription Drug Affordability Committee, highlighting the importance of diverse body legislatures, legislative initiatives impacting public health, healthcare access, and also the higher education across the state.

Following the session, Schmidt, along with the attendees, toured portions of SIUE's new Health Sciences Complex.

Amy Reed, PhD, RN, Director of Simulation Laboratory for Health Sciences described simulation labs where students practice clinical and communication skills using standardized patient actors and advanced medical simulation technologies-mannequins to practice communication and de-escalation techniques, virtual reality exercises and role-playing with scripted patients to review bedside manner in realistic exam-room settings. Telehealth training facilities introduce remote patient care, especially for reaching rural and underserved communities.

Chancellor James T. Minor, PhD, joined the tour and thanked Schmidt for the visit, who further praised SIUE's creative approaches on teaching and learning, noting how much the educational process has changed since his own time as a university student.

Photos by Howard Ash