SPRINGFIELD – State agencies would have the data they need to take a more proactive approach to public health issues under legislation sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“The COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the need for more comprehensive data on community health,” Johnson said. “It’s time to reach out to residents in the overlooked corners of the state so we can craft more effective policy to improve health outcomes across all demographics.”

Johnson’s legislation would require the Illinois Department of Public Health to administer a comprehensive Healthy Illinois Survey every year to study public health and health equity in Illinois.

The survey would gather input from Illinois residents in urban, suburban and rural areas across the state. Survey questions would cover a range of topics, including access to health services, chronic health conditions, diet, mental health, physical activity, substance abuse and more.

Following the survey, the department would be required to make the results available to cities, communities, local health departments and hospitals, and to publish the data on its website broken down by race, ethnicity, gender, age and geography.

The idea for the Healthy Illinois Survey stems from the successful Healthy Chicago Survey, which collects data identifying health concerns in Chicago communities to inform the city’s public health policy.

“Understanding a problem is the first step toward solving it,” Johnson said. “We need a fuller picture of the barriers our communities are facing to health and wellness.”

House Bill 3504 passed the Senate Healthcare Access and Availability Committee Tuesday and now heads to the Senate floor.

SPRINGFIELD – Older adults in Illinois who receive home-delivered meal services would have critical—and even life-saving—information at their fingertips under legislation proposed by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“Many of our older neighbors might not have easy access to the internet. As a result, they might find it difficult to connect with programs and resources available to them,” Johnson said. “By providing them a hard copy of toll-free phone numbers and other helpful information, we’re putting these important services within reach.”

BUFFALO GROVE – Lake County residents will soon enjoy safer, smoother travel thanks to a combined $7.7 million in Rebuild Illinois infrastructure grants, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced Monday.

“Many communities in the area have suffered from historic underinvestment, and our infrastructure shows it,” Johnson said. “The Rebuild Illinois program is a significant step toward restoring the neighborhoods that have gone unsupported for too long.”

The funding is being distributed in an effort to ensure that local governments have the necessary resources to repair and maintain infrastructure, as well as create jobs and boost the economy on a local level. Cities and municipalities may choose to use the grant for road and bridge improvements, traffic signal upgrades, new storm sewers and bike paths, sidewalk replacements and other long-term maintenance needs, with financial oversight from the Illinois Department of Transportation.

“These funds will enable our local governments to make crucial repairs to roads, bridges and sidewalks in our community, creating jobs and making travel easier, safer and more enjoyable for everyone,” Johnson said.

This funding comes as the fourth of six rounds of $1.5 billion in grants through the Rebuild Illinois program. A complete list of awards is available here.

SPRINGFIELD – Insurance companies in Illinois would be required to cover screenings to detect ulcerative colitis, polyps, diverticulosis, Crohn's disease, cancer and other gastrointestinal conditions under legislation from State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“If your doctor recommends a colonoscopy, you should be able to get one, regardless of your income level,” Johnson said. “This simple procedure could detect, or even prevent cancer—it could save your life.”

The legislation would require health insurance companies to cover the cost of a colonoscopy that has been deemed medically necessary after an initial screening. Patients could not be charged a deductible, coinsurance, copayment or other cost-sharing requirement for the procedure.

Colorectal cancer is the third most common cause of cancer-related death for both men and women, according to the American Cancer Society. However, if it is caught early, colorectal cancer has a 90% survival rate.

Not only can a colonoscopy screen for colorectal cancer—it is one of the only screening tests that can actually prevent colon cancer by finding and removing colon polyps before they become cancerous.

“Patients should be able to take control over their health and take advantage of preventive care services like colonoscopies,” Johnson said. “This legislation makes sure that insurance companies cover this life-saving, preventive screening.”

House Bill 2653 passed the Senate Insurance Committee Wednesday and now heads to the full Senate.

SPRINGFIELD – As Muslims worldwide observe Ramadan—a month of fasting, prayer, reflection and community—State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) wants to ensure kids of every background can take part in cultural traditions without risking their health.

“Fasting is a common practice not just in the Muslim religion, but also in Buddhism, Christianity, Judaism, Hinduism and more,” Johnson said. “Especially for kids and teens, fasting can make people feel hungry, unfocused or even physically weak. It’s important that schools are sensitive to students’ needs when they might not be operating at full capacity.”

The legislation would allow students who are fasting for religious purposes to be excused from physical education activities for the duration of the religious fasting period, if the student’s parents have sent in written notification to the school principal.

During the month of Ramadan, Muslims fast every day from sunrise to sunset as a form of spiritual discipline. Jewish people traditionally observe Yom Kippur, the holiest day of the year in Judaism, with a day-long fast and intensive prayer, and several Christian denominations practice full or partial fasting on certain occasions, including during Lent.

Fasting can cause dizziness, fatigue, headaches and dehydration, which may lead to weakness or fainting, especially during exercise.

“This is about our children’s health, safety and well-being,” Johnson said. “Every child, regardless of their background, deserves to feel comfortable at school.”

House Bill 160 passed the Senate Education Committee Tuesday. The measure was originally introduced in the House of Representatives by Rep. Daniel Didech (D-Buffalo Grove).

BUFFALO GROVE – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) recently honored nearly 600 Lake County high school students who were named 2021-22 Illinois State Scholars by the Illinois Student Assistance Commission.

Illinois State Scholar winners rank in approximately the top 10% of the state’s high school seniors from 676 high schools in all 102 counties. Selection is based on a combination of standardized test scores and class rank or unweighted GPA at the end of the student’s junior year. ISAC works in conjunction with the students’ high school guidance counselors to determine the winners.

“Our community is beyond fortunate to have so many bright and hardworking students in our classrooms,” Johnson said. “Even in the face of so many unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, these students remained dedicated to success. I am thrilled to see them recognized on the state level for their perseverance.”

The Scholars from the 30^th District include 597 students from six area high schools, including Adlai E. Stevenson High School, Carmel High School, Cristo Rey St. Martin High School, Mundelein High School, Vernon Hills High School and Waukegan High School.

Recipients of the award will receive a congratulatory letter from ISAC, and a Certificate of Achievement will be sent to their high school. State Scholars will also receive a digital badge issued by ISAC that can be displayed on online profiles, exhibited on social media, and shared with prospective colleges and employers.

“Being named an Illinois State Scholar is not only a testament to a student’s academic abilities, but to their work ethic and commitment to excellence,” Johnson said. “I want to thank each and every one of these students for making their families and communities proud.”

More information about the State Scholar program can be found at ISAC’s website.

SPRINGFIELD – To encourage early detection and improve outcomes for Illinoisans with pancreatic cancer, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) spearheaded an initiative requiring health insurance plans to cover pancreatic cancer screenings.

“Pancreatic cancer is one of the deadliest forms of the disease,” Johnson said. “Early detection could make all the difference—it’s critical that screening is accessible and affordable for every Illinoisan.”

The measure would require all Illinois health insurance providers to cover medically necessary pancreatic cancer screenings starting Jan. 1, 2022.

SPRINGFIELD – To eliminate barriers to mental health care access for northern Illinoisans, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) advanced a plan out of the Senate Wednesday to allow Illinois residents to be treated for mental health disorders at the private facility that’s closest to them, even if it’s across the Wisconsin border.

“For many Northern Illinois residents, getting treated in Wisconsin could allow them to stay closer to their homes and families,” Johnson said. “People in our community already work in Wisconsin, patronize Wisconsin businesses and even have family there—it just makes sense that individuals should be able to receive care there, too.”

The legislation would create the Interstate Contracts for Mental Health Disorder Treatment Act, allowing Illinois and Wisconsin residents who are involuntarily admitted for inpatient treatment of a mental health disorder to be treated at private facilities across state lines.

For residents who live near the border of Illinois and Wisconsin, the closest qualified hospital or facility is often not in their home state. However, current law prohibits residents from being committed for mental health conditions outside the state, meaning that these residents must undergo treatment hours from family and loved ones.

Similar collaborative arrangements have been successfully enacted in Michigan, Iowa and Minnesota, which allow providers in these states to accept patients from Wisconsin for mental health treatment.

“Mental health treatment shouldn’t take you hours away from your loved ones,” Johnson said. “This legislation makes it easier for Illinois residents to receive care that fits their needs.”

Senate Bill 1966 passed the Senate with bipartisan support and now heads to the House.