Johnson invites residents to ask questions, get assistance at upcoming Vernon Hills Farmers Markets

• Event
• In the district

VERNON HILLS – In an effort to meet Lake County residents where they are and offer her assistance, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) will host mobile office hours this month at the Vernon Hills Farmers Market.

Johnson will have a table at the farmers market on Thursday, Aug. 12 and Thursday, Aug. 19 from 4 to 7 p.m. each evening. The market—organized by the Vernon Hills Park District—is open rain or shine at the south end of Century Park in Vernon Hills, located at the corner of Lakeview Parkway and Hawthorn Parkway.

“The farmers market is a great place to buy fresh, local produce, meats, baked goods and more—and to talk with your neighbors about what’s going on in the community,” Johnson said. “It’s the perfect convenient location to host my August mobile office hours.”

Residents are invited to talk with Johnson or a member of her staff at the market for help with unemployment cases and state services, or simply to discuss issues facing the community.

Johnson regularly hosts mobile office hours to reach residents in all corners of the 30^th District. Future dates, times and locations will be announced on Johnson’s Facebook and Twitter pages, as well as on her website, www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com.

Residents can also contact Johnson’s office for assistance at 847-672-6201 or www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/contact-us.

Older Illinoisans to receive resource information in print under new Johnson law

• Older Illinoisans

SPRINGFIELD – Older residents will have more convenient access to information on important state programs and resources under a law sponsored by State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove).

“To ensure essential information reaches all our older neighbors, we need to distribute news in a range of forms,” Johnson said. “This law will allow aging Illinoisans to keep resources close at hand—including those who may not have a computer or smartphone, or who simply aren’t comfortable navigating the internet.”

Under the law, the Department on Aging must develop an annual fact sheet to deliver to recipients of home-delivered meals with a current list of toll-free numbers to access information on various health conditions, elder abuse and programs for seniors. Recipients would also receive updates on any new programs for older adults.

“For too long seniors have been left behind and uninformed about services and programs designed to help them live a better quality of life,” said State Representative Debbie Meyers-Martin, the sponsor of the legislation in the House. “The distribution of information fact sheets by a trusted source, like Meals on Wheels, is a proactive way we can help seniors avoid falling victim to financial exploitation or elder abuse.”

About 12 million meals were delivered to over 144,000 older adults in the state during the COVID-19 pandemic, when congregate dining sites were closed, according to the Illinois Association of Area Agencies on Aging. The lack of in-person interaction during the pandemic interrupted traditional communication channels for many older adults, who as a result missed out on important service updates and opportunities.

“For many older adults, a physical fact sheet may be more reliable than a website or social media page,” Johnson said. “By distributing a printed list of important—and even life-saving—state resources, we’re making sure no resident goes overlooked.”

The law, originally House Bill 32, takes effect immediately.

Insurance must cover pancreatic cancer screenings under Johnson law

• Health
• Insurance

SPRINGFIELD – In memory of many friends and loved ones who have succumbed to the disease, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) sponsored a law to encourage early detection and improve outcomes by expanding access to pancreatic cancer screenings.

“Pancreatic cancer can be deadly, but early detection makes a significant difference for patients’ length of survival and quality of life,” Johnson said. “I’m proud to have sponsored this law to make screening accessible and affordable for every Illinoisan.”

The measure requires all Illinois health insurance providers to cover medically necessary pancreatic cancer screenings.

In 2021, an estimated 60,430 new cases of pancreatic cancer will be diagnosed in the U.S. and approximately 48,220 people will die from the disease, according to the American Cancer Society. Signs and symptoms of pancreatic cancer include abdominal and back pain, weight loss, jaundice, and nausea or loss of appetite.

“Early pancreatic cancer screenings for those at risk can create better outlooks for a patient, which is why we wanted to expand affordable access with this measure,” said State Representative Carol Ammons (D-Urbana), who sponsored the legislation in the House. “Cancer screenings were significantly down last year due to the pandemic. I encourage residents to talk to their doctor about their risk factors and whether it makes sense to get checked out. It could save your life.”

To reduce the risk of developing pancreatic cancer, the Mayo Clinic recommends avoiding smoking, maintaining a healthy weight, and eating a variety of colorful fruits and vegetables and whole grains.

“With this law in place, there’s no reason not to get screened,” Johnson said. “Make an appointment to talk to your doctor about your risk factors, and encourage your friends and family to do the same.”

The law, originally Senate Bill 968, was signed into law Friday and takes effect Jan. 1, 2022.

Johnson invites Lake County youth to stand up against gun violence at upcoming event

• Waukegan
• Event
• In the district
• Students

WAUKEGAN – Over 26,000 lives have been lost to gun violence in the U.S. so far in 2021, a shocking statistic that motivated State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) and her Youth Leadership Advisory Panel to take action.

Together, Johnson and the student-run panel will host a Gun Violence Awareness Roundtable on Tuesday, Aug. 10 from 5 to 6 p.m. at the Jane Addams Center in Bowen Park, located at 95 Jack Benny Drive in Waukegan.

Clearview Park, located at 1523 N. McAree Road in Waukegan.

“This year is on pace to be America’s deadliest year of gun violence in decades,” Johnson said. “To put a stop to the tragedy, we have to come together as a community to find solutions and make change.”

The roundtable will feature presentations from religious and community leaders, including Lake County Sheriff John Idleburg; Pastor Wade Stevenson with the Gideon Missionary Baptist Church in Waukegan; Oji Eggleston, executive director of Chicago Survivors; and Maria Pike, a Senior Fellow with the Everytown Survivor Network and volunteer with the Illinois chapter of Moms Demand Action, who also serves on the Chicago Survivors board of directors.

Johnson’s Youth Leadership Advisory Panel will lead a discussion with featured speakers about the effects of gun violence on the Lake County community, followed by a Q&A.

At the end of the event, audience members will walk away with a better understanding of gun violence prevention resources and support networks to empower them to continue their advocacy and save lives.

This roundtable is the second event spearheaded by Johnson’s 2021 Youth Leadership Advisory Panel, a student-run panel that works alongside Johnson’s district office staff to help put together youth-centered community events and amplify young voices in the Lake County area.

“I am proud to be a member of the senator’s Youth Leadership Advisory Panel because I can help to educate my peers on what they can do to promote gun violence prevention awareness,” said Ellie Baden, a rising junior at Michigan State University and co-chair of the 2021 Youth Leadership Advisory Panel. “Together, we can work as a community to empower students to call for meaningful action.”

Register for the event at www.SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/GVRoundtable.