Villa advances measure to protect individuals from overdose
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SPRINGFIELD – Social workers practice in a variety of settings with individuals, families and communities affected by substance use disorders, which results in encounters with individuals at risk of experiencing an opioid overdose. For this reason, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure that would allow social workers to administer opioid antagonists, which is an initiative from social workers at the Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs.
“The opioid epidemic is still ongoing and we must do everything we can to prevent future fatalities from occurring,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “Licensed clinical social workers and licensed social workers are on the frontlines of these issues severely affecting our communities and should be allowed to administer lifesaving medication.”
Senate Bill 3779 allows a licensed clinical social worker or licensed social worker to possess and administer opioid antagonists. Opioid antagonists, such as Naloxone, temporarily block the effects of an overdose and restore breathing. Employers of social workers would be required to provide training and establish a policy to control the acquisition, storage, transportation, and administration of opioid antagonists.
Read more: Villa advances measure to protect individuals from overdose
Murphy’s measure will make medication easier to obtain in shortages
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SPRINGFIELD – Under a new measure proposed by State Senator Laura Murphy, medications could be easier to obtain during shortages.
“When you are a patient dealing with a long-term illness or condition, the last thing you want to hear is that your medication is out of stock, but the name brand — which isn’t covered by your insurance — is in stock and you’ll have to pay hundreds more just to get the medicine you need,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “It is even worse when you have to call every local pharmacy and get the same answer. We need to ensure better outcomes for our patients by ensuring that they have access to the medications that they need.”
Murphy’s measure would require health insurance and managed care plans to cover brand name prescription drugs if the generic drug is unavailable during a nationwide shortage.
Read more: Murphy’s measure will make medication easier to obtain in shortages
Morrison to protect kids from harmful effects of nicotine
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SPRINGFIELD – Nicotine companies marketing to kids is nothing new but now they’re creating vapes that are designed to appear to be school supplies, like a highlighter. State Senator Julie Morrison introduced a measure to prevent these products from being sold.
“The dangerous and addictive nature of nicotine consumption is the reason I have taken a strong stand on this issue,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We should do everything in our power to make it impossible for children to obtain and conceal tobacco products.”
Educators have complained to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services about finding electronic cigarettes on school property that are designed to look like school supplies such as highlighters, erasers and pencil sharpeners. Senate Bill 2662 would prohibit the advertising, marketing or promoting of an electronic cigarette in a manner that is likely to cause an adult to mistake it for an object that is not a tobacco product.
Read more: Morrison to protect kids from harmful effects of nicotine
Turner joins advocates to celebrate Soil Health Week
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SPRINGFIELD – During Soil Health Week, State Senator Doris Turner joined agriculture advocates and stakeholders at a rally on Wednesday.
“From the food we eat to our economy, healthy soil benefits our daily lives,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “As chair of the Senate Agriculture Committee, I’m a voice for our farmers, producers and ag community.”
Soil Health Week is recognized in Illinois during the week of March 6-10. Soil is an essential natural resource, and Illinois farmers and professionals play a critical role in managing Illinois’ soil and water resources. Practices like zero tillage and using cover crops can improve soil health while reducing erosion, increasing water retention and enhancing biodiversity.
Read more: Turner joins advocates to celebrate Soil Health Week
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