SPRINGFIELD – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Zeta Phi Betta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter was awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, State Senator Doris Turner announced Thursday.  

“The residents across the 48^th District should have access to essential health care needs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By working together, we can ensure we are putting our communities on a path toward greater post-pandemic healing.”

Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity (ARISE) is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Minority Health Services and The Center for Rural Health, in collaboration with Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World.

Aurora – The COVID-19 pandemic worsened the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Two organizations in Kane and Kendall counties have been awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, State Senator Linda Holmes announced Wednesday.  

“The pandemic revealed undesirable inequalities in health outcomes for people in minority and rural communities,” said Holmes (D-Aurora). “This makes prioritizing access and inclusion in health care more crucial than ever.”

Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity (ARISE) is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Minority Health Services and The Center for Rural Health, in collaboration with Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is encouraging students and their families to explore the state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“Resources are available to make higher education more affordable to families,” said Senator Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “I’m hopeful this relief can offer support to students needing assistance.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced earlier this year, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

CHICAGO – The Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority announced a $255,000 funding opportunity to support justice-impacted individuals in need of transportation to meet their pre-trial court, probation or parole conditions, and State Senator Patricia Van Pelt is encouraging all who are eligible to apply.

“Many people do not have access to reliable transportation, which can affect whether or not they make it to court or a parole meeting on time,” said Van Pelt (D-Chicago). “These grants can help assist individuals who rely on transportation in order to avoid incarceration or other punishments.”

KANKAKEE – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging students and their families to take advantage of several state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“Understanding the college application process can be intimidating and confusing for students and families,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “Resources should be more accessible to help them navigate this process and make higher education more attainable.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced recently by the president, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

PLAINFIELD – To gather input from the generations of the future, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel championed a Youth Advisory Board, which is accepting applications through Nov. 1.

“Students in high school and college are the leaders of our future,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This generation is bright and innovative and their voices matter. Together, we can make Illinois a better place for all.”

CHICAGO – To provide local residents with a one-stop shop to receive free health screenings and assistance from local elected officials, State Senator Elgie R. Sims, Jr. is leading a Community Health Fair.

The Community Health Fair will take place Saturday, Oct. 22 from 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. at Jesse Owens Park, located at 8800 S. Clyde Ave. Participants will be able to receive free blood pressure, diabetes and vision screenings. State, local and city agencies will also be available to provide resources and information.

The fair is in partnership with Alderwoman Michelle Harris, Cook County Commissioner Stanley Moore and State Representative Nicholas Smith. Attendees should bring a valid ID card in order to take advantage of some of the available resources.

MARYVILLE – National Mammography Day is recognized during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and State Senators Christopher Belt and Kris Tharp are reminding women to schedule this potentially life-saving exam.

“Early detection for breast cancer is vital to patient care,” said Senator Belt (D-Swansea). “National Mammography Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month serve as a reminder for women to schedule their yearly exams, and this simple test saves lives.”

Breast cancer affects more than 250,000 women and 2,400 men in the United States every year. But unfortunately, the National Cancer Institute reported an estimated 9.4 million screenings that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not occur due to the pandemic.