Crowe holds opioid committee meeting on ISP, DOI testimonies

SPRINGFIELD – Hearing reports from agencies to update lawmakers on the implementation of the 2018 State Opioid Action Plan (SOAP), members of the Senate’s Special Committee on Opioid Crisis Abatement met Tuesday under the leadership of State Senator Rachelle Crowe.

“Exploring opioid-related issues from every angle, from expanding mental health services to reporting and treating overdoses, is the only way we will see effective change in our communities,” Crowe (D-Glen Carbon) said. “By holding these hearings, we’re getting legislators and stakeholders in the same room for the opportunity to create solutions and increase access to opioid prevention, treatment and recovery programs.”

Read more: Crowe holds opioid committee meeting on ISP, DOI testimonies

Glowiak Hilton: Suicide prevention should be as easy as a 911 call

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Suzy Glowiak Hilton (D-Western Springs) is calling on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to establish a 3-digit suicide hotline for Americans experiencing mental health crises.

“Mental health crises are becoming more prevalent, specifically in young people, and we need national leadership on this issue,” Glowiak Hilton said. “Creating a dedicated emergency hotline for this will save lives.”

Over 1,000 people commit suicide each year in Illinois alone. LGBT, American Indian, and veteran communities are particularly vulnerable to suicidal thoughts.

Read more: Glowiak Hilton: Suicide prevention should be as easy as a 911 call

Black Caucus: Governor’s vision sets state on path to help black communities

SPRINGFIELD — The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus responded to Gov. JB Pritzker’s budget address on Wednesday.

Black Caucus leaders discussed areas within the governor’s budget proposal that specifically affect black communities, including early childhood education, economic development and public safety.

Senate Majority Leader Kimberly A. Lightford, Chair of the ILBC:

“I am thrilled Governor Pritzker has a significant plan for education from birth to college. I share his enthusiasm for educating our young people because it is proven that their success lies in the quality of their education.

“Educating our young people has always been a central focus of the Black Caucus. We understand that in order for communities to grow and advance, they need to be educated. We look forward to joining the governor in the fight for equitable funding and access to education.”

Read more: Black Caucus: Governor’s vision sets state on path to help black communities

A February tradition: Go Red for Women Day

Go Red for Women is the American Heart Association's national movement to end heart disease and stroke in women.

Every February, the General Assembly holds a Go Red for Women Day at the Capitol to increase awareness of women’s heart health issues and help improve the lives of women throughout Illinois. While nearly 80% of cardiac events can be prevented, cardiovascular diseases continue to be a woman’s greatest health threat.

Signs and symptoms of a heart attack can be different in women than in men, often more likely to be shortness of breath, nausea or vomiting and back or jaw pain.

If you had heart disease, would you recognize the symptoms? Learn about heart attack and stroke symptoms, about your own risk, how to live a more heart healthy life, and more at https://www.goredforwomen.org/.