FRANKFORT – As World Mental Health Day approaches on Oct. 10, State Senator Michael E. Hastings is urging Illinoisans to work together to end the stigma around mental health.

Hastings (D-Frankfort) has spent his career advocating for mental health funding and support for residents throughout the 19^th Senate District. Not only this day but year round, he reiterates the importance of checking in on residents’ mental wellbeing.

“Our mental health is key in ensuring you lead a happy and healthy life,” said Hastings. “We need to work together to end this stigma and take care of ourselves.”

Hastings urges residents who are struggling or know someone else who is in need of assistance to call the Illinois Warm Line at 866-359-7953 to connect with a peer support specialist.

This year he passed House Bill 1321, a new law to provide mental health resources to the state’s first responders. This initiative was signed into law in May.

“Our first responders have difficult jobs and often find themselves in high stress situations,” said Hastings. “This new law will help provide our municipalities and law enforcement agencies provide our officers with the tools to check in on their mental health.”

Hastings championed this measure to ensure that first responders, including police, firefighters, emergency medical technicians, and public safety telecommunicators across Illinois have full access to supportive and responsive behavioral health services and treatment.

He also supported Senate Bill 3617 which focuses on expanding the current workforce by accelerating the process for out-of-state clinicians applying for licensure in Illinois. In Illinois, there are only 14 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 Illinois residents.

“I pledge to continue to work with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to help alleviate this workforce shortage,” said Hastings. “We need to continue to work together to combat this crisis and connect with lifesaving resources.”

For more information on resources available in Illinois, residents can also visit www.dhs.state.il.us.

MARYVILLE – To continue his advocacy on behalf of working families and to help reduce the opioid epidemic’s widespread harm, State Senator Kris Tharp was appointed to serve on the Illinois Opioid Remediation Advisory Board.

“Opioid addictions can not only lead to fatalities but can also induce hardships for working families, such as safety and financial concerns,” said Senator Tharp (D-Bethalto). “In my position as a law enforcement officer, I’m familiar with the prevalence of opioid abuse in Madison County. I’m grateful for this appointment and the opportunity to ensure resources are fairly distributed to reduce the epidemic.”

SHOREWOOD – Whether people have questions about state resources or feedback on legislative priorities, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel enjoys meeting with residents of the 49^th District. To further connect with the community, Cappel is hosting a Coffee and Conversation event as well as traveling office hours.

During a Coffee and Conversation event on Thursday, Oct. 13, Cappel invites the community to join her at the White Oak Library District: Romeoville branch to discuss any thoughts or concerns they may have.

“In order for me to be an effective leader of the community, it’s pertinent I meet with people face-to-face and take in their needs, desires and concerns,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “I have found the best way to connect with residents is through making myself accessible as often as possible. I look forward to joining residents for a cup of coffee and candid conversations.”

The Coffee and Conversation event will be held Thursday, Oct. 13 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. at the White Oak Library District: Romeoville Branch, 201 Normantown Rd.

Each monthly Coffee and Conversation serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with the senator and each other about issues facing the region and the state.

The following week – on Oct. 20 from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. – Cappel encourages people to stop by the library to meet with a member of her office to receive assistance with state and local resources.

The events are free and open to area residents. Those with questions or concerns are encouraged to contact Loughran Cappel’s Plainfield office at 815-267-6119 or visit her website at www.SenatorLoughranCappel.com.

ESSEX – In recognition of Fire Prevention Week, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging families to put together a secure fire safety plan.

“It’s possible that a fire can ignite at any moment in your home,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It is essential that all families have a strategy to keep themselves and their children safe in case of an emergency.”

The National Fire Protection Association reported that more than 38% of home fire deaths result from fires in which no smoke alarms are present.

SPRINGFIELD – Illinois lawmakers may soon be required to make regular payments toward the state’s rainy day and pension funds, thanks to State Senator Doris Turner.

Turner (D-Springfield) introduced Senate Bill 4230, which would send $200 million into the fund at the end of each fiscal year or the amount that is necessary to ensure the rainy day fund is 5% of the state budget.

“The state’s budget is a representation of our residents’ values and priorities,” said Turner. “It is important that we put the mechanisms in place to ensure Illinois has a secure financial future. This measure will build these assurances into our budgets going forward to display our commitment to fiscal stability and security.”

In August, the state's Budget Stabilization Fund, commonly known as the rainy day fund, saw its balance exceed $1 billion for the first time.

OAKBROOK TERRACE – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton is encouraging high-school aged girls to apply to the 2022 Illinois Council on Women and Girls. Participants will have the opportunity to learn the legislative process firsthand.

“Young women today are growing up in a different world. It’s important for legislators to listen to the voices and concerns of these girls as we make our way forward in these new times,” said Sen. Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs). “This is a wonderful opportunity for high-schoolers who have a passion for civic engagement and want their voices to be heard.”

LAKE FOREST – State Senator Julie Morrison will host a community forum on PFAS and forever chemicals at 6:30-7:30 p.m., Tuesday Oct. 11 at Elawa Farm in Lake Forest.

“Some of our neighbors have expressed an interest in the risk posed by forever chemicals in our water,” said Senator Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “I encourage all to join us for an informative event with experts who are working to provide us with clean water.”

Expert panelists will include Brad Frost and Tesch Woods, Office of Community Relations, Illinois Environmental Protection Agency; Aaron Martin, Toxicology Manager, Illinois Department of Public Health; and Iyana Simba, City Programs Director, Illinois Environmental Council.

TAYLORVILLE— Area residents, local organizations and state agencies joined State Senator Doris Turner and the Senior Citizens of Christian County for a senior fair event at the center on Tuesday.

The event provided area seniors the opportunity to connect with local organizations, government agencies, and health care facilities and providers to stay-up-to date with available resources and services. Seniors were also offered the chance to receive flu shots and partake in bone density tests.

“Our community senior fairs help connect area residents with state agencies, health care providers and local organizations to learn more about vital resources and take advantage of screenings and flu shots,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We are thankful for the opportunity to work with the Senior Citizens of Christian County to host this informative event and provide area seniors with helpful services.”