FRANKFORT – State Senator Michael E. Hastings encourages women to schedule their annual breast cancer screening exam during Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Those who may not have scheduled a mammogram due to COVID-19 are especially encouraged to make an appointment.

“Early detection is key,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort).  “Making an appointment for your yearly exam is critical to your health and well-being.”

Breast cancer affects over 250,000 women and 2,400 men in the United States every year, and the National Cancer Institute reports an estimated 9.4 million screening tests that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not happen due to the pandemic. 

“Breast Cancer Awareness Month serves as a helpful reminder for women to schedule their yearly exams, and this simple test saves lives,” said Hastings. “If you still need to make an appointment for your annual breast cancer appointment, please prioritize calling your doctor to set up an appointment.”

IDPH reminds the public that the department’s Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) offers free breast exams and mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. The program also supports diagnostic services and assists with referrals for treatment options.

To enroll in IBCCP, women can call the Women’s Health Line 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY). The Women’s Health Line will be able to walk women through the eligibility requirements and the screening process.

Hastings’ office is available to answer questions. To contact, please call (815) 464-5431 or visit www.SenatorHastings.com.

KANKAKEE – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Five organizations in portions of Kankakee and Will Counties represented by State Senator Patrick Joyce have been awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, he announced Thursday.  

“The pandemic showed us firsthand the inequity and inequality in our health care system,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This program will help combat the health equity gaps taking place in all corners of our state.”

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.

WILL COUNTY, Ill. – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Three organizations in Will County have been awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, State Senators Meg Loughran Cappel and Eric Mattson announced Friday.  

“Every person – no matter their ZIP code or economic status – should have access to essential health care needs,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “Through collaborative efforts, we can ensure we are putting the state 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.

MARYVILLE – To express his gratitude to the brave men and women who have served the country in the armed forces, State Senator Kris Tharp is hosting a free breakfast event for veterans and their spouses.

“I’ll be forever grateful for the courage and sacrifice of our veterans and active duty military members,” said Tharp. “They have devoted their lives in a way that has blessed many others, and I hope they will join us at this free event.”

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.”