CHICAGO — Illinois is seeing a surge in opioid-related deaths in 2020, already doubling last year’s amounts in Cook County. The state received more than $36 million in federal funding in order to fight the opioid crisis Friday, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is hopeful these new funds will help equip Illinoisans with the resources to fight substance abuse.

“Many people don’t understand that drug abuse and drug addictions are a disease,” Hunter said. “It’s important to take all the necessary steps to prevent addiction early. There are people battling the global health crisis, racism, and opioid addictions all at the same time. Now more than ever, people need help fighting the disease of addiction, just as they would need help fighting cancer or any other disease.”

The funding awarded by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration will expand abuse prevention and response initiatives. Further, critical services will be implemented to help people with opioid use disorders, assist those on a path to recovery, and provide lifesaving medication and support across the state.

In Cook County alone, approximately two-thirds of opioid overdose deaths have been Black and Latino people — the same groups of people dying most from COVID-19.

“I am working with city health managers to establish a Southside Opioid Committee,” Hunter said. “We meet monthly and are inviting alcohol and drug programs to get involved. We hope to apply for federal funding to operate the Southside initiative, as they are doing on the Westside.”

The following initiatives will receive funds:

• Expanded access to Medication Assisted Recovery services for people with opioid use disorders, including those in the criminal justice system;
  • Hospital screenings and linkage to community treatment programs for their patients; supportive housing and digital resources for people in recovery from opioid use disorder;
  • Access to medication-assisted recovery for patients at federally qualified health centers;
  • Recovery support services for pregnant and postpartum women with opioid use disorders; mentoring and coaching for medical professionals prescribing medications for opioid use disorder; and a toll-free Helpline for opioids and other substances, and
  • Expanded treatment of people with stimulant use disorder, in response to rising rates of methamphetamine and cocaine use.

People experiencing problems with substance use disorder should call the state’s Helpline for Opioids and other Substances at 1-833-2FINDHELP (1-833-234-6343), text “HELP” to 833234 or visit HelplineIL.org.

DEERFIELD – As the deadline to complete the census nears, State Senator Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest) is urging people to fill out their 2020 census immediately.

“The census has never been easier to finish, and you can do it without having to meet a census taker in person,” Morrison said. “The answers provided will help support our community.”

The census is safe, secure and confidential. It takes less than 10 minutes, and can easily be done from the comfort of one’s home online, by phone or mail.

The census determines congressional representation, helps determine how federal funds flow into states and provides information that will impact communities for the next decade.

Morrison is urging everyone to take the time to fill it out. Some areas in Cook and Lake Counties are reporting low response rates. Without a 100% response rate, schools, roads, hospitals and other critical community services could be impacted.

Currently, only 75.7% of all Lake County residents have completed the Census. Additionally, just 62.8% of Waukegan residents and 54.1% of North Chicago residents have filled out the form this year.

“Please take time today to help shape the future. Every response matters,” Morrison said.

Residents can complete the census for their household at https://my2020census.gov.

CHICAGO – To help unemployed workers find jobs, State Senator Emil Jones (D-Chicago) is encouraging people to apply for the Illinois Department of Transportation’s seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions.

“The pandemic has left many workers unemployed and it has been hard for them to find other jobs,” Jones said. “IDOT’s snow removal positions are a great chance for people to seek employment through the agency. These snow removal jobs are critical in keeping our roads safe and could last beyond the winter season.” 

Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis. To be considered, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license. A pre-employment physical, vision test, and drug and alcohol screening are also required. 

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. 

For additional information, including positions and the application process in specific districts, details on pay and the potential for benefits, please click here. 

KANKAKEE – This Labor Day weekend, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is echoing law enforcement to spread the word of the dangers of drinking and driving.

“There is no excuse to drive under the influence,” Joyce said. “This Labor Day holiday, and every day, I would encourage you to think twice before getting behind the wheel. Please make it a point to drive sober, use a rideshare service or call a designated driver.” 

The high-visibility “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” enforcement campaign runs from Aug. 20 through the early morning hours of Sept. 8. During this period, motorists in Kankakee, Chicago Heights and across the state can expect to see stepped-up impaired driving patrols and seat belt enforcement, particularly at night, when seat belt usage rates are at their lowest. Speeders and distracted drivers should also be aware. 

“Impaired driving is illegal, and it puts lives at risk,” Joyce said. “Our community is counting on you to keep our roads safe this holiday weekend by wearing a seatbelt, watching your speed and never driving under the influence.”

The Labor Day “Drive Sober or Get Pulled Over” campaign is made possible by federal highway safety funds administered by the Illinois Department of Transportation. 

PROSPECT HEIGHTS – To help address the widespread blood shortage that continues during this time of abundant need, State Senator Julie Morrison and State Representative Jonathon Carroll will host a blood drive Sept. 15.

“Blood donations have been critically low during a time when they are needed more than ever,” Morrison (D-Lake Forest) said. “If you are able, I encourage you to donate – it could save a life.”

The blood drive, in partnership with Versiti, will be held Sept. 15 from 2 p.m. until 6 p.m. at Prospect Heights fire protection building, located at 10 E. Camp McDonald Road. All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers said blood containing these antibodies can treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

“Now more than ever we need to be good neighbors to each other,” Carroll  (D-Northbrook) said. “This is an excellent opportunity for all of us to do our part and make sure we have a good supply of blood.”

To schedule a blood donation, people can click here. Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins can be seen if slots are open.

To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required. The group also encourages donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.

VILLA PARK – The Illinois Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions, and State Senator Tom Cullerton is urging qualified DuPage County residents to apply.

“We rely on our snowplow drivers to keep our roads safe during the winter season,” Cullerton said. “This is a great opportunity for those struggling to find employment during this awful pandemic.”

Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis. To be considered, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license. A pre-employment physical, vision test, and drug and alcohol screening are also required.

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

For additional information, including positions and the application process in specific districts, details on pay and the potential for benefits, please click here.

Participants to receive COVID-19 antibody test

ROMEOVILLE – As the widespread blood shortage continues in a time of abundant need, State Senator Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, State Senator Pat McGuire, State Representative John Connor, and State Representative Natalie Manley will host a blood drive Tuesday, Sept. 29.

“Blood donations have been dangerously low since the start of the pandemic but are more necessary than ever,” Bertino-Tarrant (D-Shorewood) said. “Donating blood is always crucial. Now, it’s even more important, as it could save a life of someone battling COVID-19.”

The blood drive, in partnership with Versiti, will be held Sept. 29 from 11 a.m. until 3 p.m.  at Romeoville Village Hall, located at 1150 W. Romeo Road. All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers believe blood containing these antibodies can treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.

“During the COVID-19 pandemic, our communities have experienced a severe blood supply shortage,” Manley (D-Joliet) said.  “There is a critical need for blood donations from healthy individuals, and this event will be a safe opportunity to help strengthen our blood supply.”

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

“The crucial need for blood in normal times is multiplied by the pandemic. Please give,” McGuire (D-Crest Hill) said.

To schedule a blood donation, people can visit donate.illinois.versiti.org/donor/schedules/drive_schedule/5588393, or contact Jody Racey at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 217-782-0052.

"Help us to help others – the gift of blood keeps on giving.  Donate at our drive,” Connor (D-Joliet) said.

To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required. The group also encourages donors to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.

PARK FOREST – The Illinois Department of Transportation is now accepting applications for seasonal snow-and-ice removal positions, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is encouraging qualified individuals to apply.

“During the winter season, snowplow drivers are critical to keeping drivers safe over more than 45,000 miles of road statewide,” Joyce said. “If you’ve been job hunting and coming up short, this is a great opportunity to consider as we head into the winter months.”

Through the department’s annual “snowbird” program, temporary snowplow drivers are hired every year on a full-time and on-call basis. To be considered, applicants must have a commercial driver’s license. A pre-employment physical, vision test, and drug and alcohol screening are also required.

Applicants will be selected based on availability, job-related experience and qualifications. Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply.

“With so many Illinoisans out of work, I hope this opportunity allows people to find a stable job during these tough times,” Joyce said.

For additional information, including positions and the application process in specific districts, details on pay and the potential for benefits, please click here.