New Illinois law aims to address opioid epidemic

WAUKEGAN – To ensure communities have a safe option to discard opioids and other prescription medication, State Senator Adriane Johnson supported a new Illinois law to create a statewide disposal program.

“Prescription drug abuse is dangerous and hurting families in every corner of our state,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This new law will protect our children and help prevent individuals from forming addictions by creating an option for community members to dispose of prescription drugs.”

Filed under House Bill 1780, the statewide program will ensure all Illinois residents and visitors have a safe option to dispose unwanted medications.

The law was signed Friday and is effective immediately.

Johnson: Educating the public on the signs for strokes will save lives

SPRINGFIELD – Under a new law by State Senator Adriane Johnson, the Illinois Department of Public Health will work with officials from Governors State University to develop a stroke recognition awareness campaign to promote in communities at high risk.

“Strokes are a serious, life-threatening medical emergency, and urgent treatment is essential,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “Educating the public on the signs of a stroke will save lives.”

Johnson’s law directs IDPH to partner with Governor’s State University’s College of Health and Human Services to create a public awareness campaign in an effort to promote stroke recognition and prevention strategies for communities at high risk of stroke, particularly in Chicago’s southland.

Signed into law Friday, House Bill 5014 is effective Jan. 1, 2023.

Johnson appointed to State Procurement Task Force

WAUKEGAN – To provide input and improve the commerce relationship of Illinois agencies with minority-owned and women-owned businesses, State Senator Adriane Johnson was appointed to serve on the State Procurement Task Force.

“In the past, equity has not been prioritized in the state procurement process,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By assigning a task force to help strengthen the relationship of agencies with minority-owned and women-owned businesses, Illinois can work to create an inclusive commerce process throughout the state.”

The State Procurement Task Force will review Illinois’ procurement process and make recommendations to improve equity and efficiency, provide departments with more flexibility and increase minority-owned and women-owned business participation.

“I look forward to advocating on behalf of both minority-owned and women-owned businesses throughout the state to improve equity in Illinois’ procurement process,” Johnson said.

Under the task force’s guidelines, a report is due to the General Assembly by Jan. 1, 2024.

Johnson invites residents to Coffee & Connect in downtown Waukegan

WAUKEGAN – To hear from constituents and connect residents with resources, State Senator Adriane Johnson will host an upcoming event at Coffee Break & Lunch in Waukegan.

The event is scheduled to take place at 224 Washington St. in Waukegan, this Saturday, June 11 from 10 to 11:30 a.m.

“After a condensed legislative session, I’m excited to be back at home with my neighbors and invite them to chat with my office at a local business in downtown Waukegan,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

Coffee & Connect serves as an open forum for community members to engage in informal conversations with Sen. Johnson about issues facing the region and state. The event is open to any resident of the 30th District, which includes parts of Waukegan, Buffalo Grove, Vernon Hills, Mundelein, North Chicago, Wheeling, Gurnee, Park City, Lincolnshire, Riverwoods and Beach Park.

“I’m looking forward to the opportunity to connect with constituents at Coffee Break & Lunch,” Johnson said. “If you want to discuss new legislation, state resources or another issue you care about, I hope to see you there.”

Residents interested in more information on future Coffee & Connect sessions and other upcoming events can visit www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com.