SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson is leading a measure to improve access to residential treatment for youth in the care of the Department of Children and Family Services.

“It’s vital that we keep youth in care in need of residential treatment in Illinois,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must work to avoid out-of-state transfers or placements that can be disruptive to those with complex behavioral and mental health medical needs long term.”

Johnson’s measure would require the Department of Children and Family Services to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to in-state residential treatment, evidence-based alternatives to treatment, and specialized foster care for youth in care with significant behavioral health needs.

SPRINGFIELD – The life of Donald Stallworth, III was tragically taken too soon when an ambulance – which drove through a stop sign without its siren – struck his motorcycle. To honor his memory and ensure that no other person is injured or killed the way their son was, the parents of Mr. Stallworth stood alongside State Senator Adriane Johnson and her colleagues at a press conference Thursday to fight for change.

“The passing of this bill is very important to our family because our lives have been forever changed. We have experienced an unbelievable loss with the passing of DJ, due to such a tragic accident,” said Satrese Stallworth, Donald’s mother. “He was a beautiful, amazing, talented, and very respectful young man. We will never get to experience his greatness in this lifetime. We don’t want to see another family suffer a great loss and experience the pain we’re enduring. Pain that was inflicted upon us by the people who come to preserve and save life. This is why it’s important to incorporate this law and keep his legacy alive.”

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson celebrates another win for community health initiatives with a $500,000 investment in an asthma mobile unit designed for Waukegan and North Chicago.

“Each step we take for the betterment of our community is a step in the right direction,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “It is my hope that together, we can provide the resources necessary for a healthier community.”

 The Christopher Redding Youth Asthma Foundation, founded in 2013, is managing the asthma van as they share a vision in serving the community with Senator Johnson. The Asthma Mobile Unit will provide asthma and allergy medicine to Lake County, concentrating on Waukegan and North Chicago. They will service families and youth living with asthma, with an emphasis on lessening the potentially adverse health effects on asthmatic youth and young adults involved in athletics in underserved communities.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson continues to fight to expand cancer research throughout the state through a measure she passed in the Senate.

“Cancer is a perilous disease that has affected too many of our loved ones,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Expanding research creates hope for better treatment and solutions in the near future.”

Johnson’s measure would expand research to answer specific questions about the safety of treatment, vaccines, therapy, medical devices and more. Senate Bill 1774 would also emphasize the importance of diversity among clinical trial participants in order to learn more about the safety and efficacy of potential medicine and treatments.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to expand training on lights and sirens for ambulance drivers going through red lights during emergencies.

“Today we are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of residents.” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with first responders and people in our community to enhance training for ambulance drivers.”

Johnson’s measure would provide extended training for first responders as it pertains to sirens and lights on emergency responding vehicles. Further, it would require ambulances going through a red light or stop sign to use both the sound and light warnings.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson advanced a measure to expand training on lights and sirens for ambulance drivers going through red lights during emergencies.

“Today we are one step closer to implementing changes that will protect the future safety of residents.” Johnson said. “I look forward to working with first responders and people in our community to enhance training for ambulance drivers.”

Johnson’s measure would provide extended training for first responders as it pertains to sirens and lights on emergency responding vehicles. Further, it would require ambulances going through a red light or stop sign to use both the sound and light warnings.

WAUKEGAN – The effects of PFAS – also known as “forever chemicals – are of high concern to the environment and people’s health, leading State Senator Adriane Johnson to champion a measure to mitigate its risk.

“These ‘forever chemicals’ are found in too many of our communities – causing both health and environmental issues,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “We must implement changes and develop policies to combat the risk of exposure.”

Per and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a group of man-made harsh chemicals manufactured for oil and water resistant properties. Many Illinois manufacturers utilize the production of PFAS, resulting in the risk of contaminating water supplies throughout the state. Johnson’s measure would require the Illinois EPA to use the most up-to-date federal guidance to control the discharge of PFAS.

WAUKEGAN – With strong support from State Senator Adriane Johnson, Waukegan will receive $1,056,772 from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity to help with the transition to clean energy. Waukegan is one of over 50 communities impacted by mine and fossil fuel retirements and are therefore eligible to receive state funding under the Climate and Equitable Jobs Act to invest in green energy.

“While moving to clean energy is the right thing for the planet, people who have made a career working in fossil fuel plants or mines can be adversely affected if they have no external support,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This investment will ensure people whose jobs are transitioning to clean energy have resources and opportunities to find new, well-paying jobs so there is no negative impact on their livelihoods.”