FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - Illinois communities of all sizes are encouraged to enter the 29th Annual Governor's Home Town Awards competition.

The GHTA recognizes volunteers whose hard work and dedication greatly improves their communities.

The deadline to submit applications is August 15.

Awards will be given in six project categories based on the six community population divisions.

Applications can be submitted by a variety of community representatives like local governments, schools, community organizations, chamber of commerce, community action agencies, area agencies on aging or local job training organizations.

Volunteer judges will evaluate the applications on need, use of resources and impact.

FRANKLIN COUNTY, IL (KFVS) - The Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Damon T. Arnold announced Thursday hospitals in Illinois have reported fewer health care-associated infections in 2010 compared to 2009.

The IDPH analyzed central line-associated bloodstream infection data as part of the Illinois Hospital Report Card, and found more than 75 percent of Illinois hospitals had the same number or fewer infection cases in 2010 than in 2009.

They say in 2009, 383 bloodstream infections were reported in adult intensive care units in Illinois and 282 were reported in 2010.

“Although results are only for two years, they indicate a significant step forward in the prevention of infection and protection of Illinois patients,” said Dr. Arnold. “Hospital surveillance of infections and public reporting on the Illinois Hospital Report Card Web site play key roles in prevention efforts.