WAUKEGAN – The Illinois Department of Public Health will partner with the Lake County Health Department and Community Health Center to administer much-needed vaccines to residents in Waukegan and surrounding communities, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) announced today.

“The COVID-19 pandemic has further accentuated health disparities and the need for more accessible and equitable health care,” Johnson said. “The new vaccine site in Waukegan recognizes people who are often overlooked, helping boost their confidence. It will give more people hope for the future that they will be able to live their lives feeling safe from the virus.”

The state will provide Lake County Health Department with approximately 300-500 vaccine doses per week, in addition to the allocated doses the state distributes to existing health care partners, like local health departments and pharmacies.

Lake County Health Department, located at 3010 Grand Ave., is one of nine sites in Illinois selected to participate in a pilot program launched by the state to ensure that communities hardest hit by COVID-19 have access to the vaccine. The program also aims to reduce vaccine hesitancy in underserved areas by providing residents the ability to receive vaccines more quickly from trusted providers.

The department is one of a few state-certified public health departments in the nation that is also a federally qualified health center, allowing it to provide the diverse surrounding community with comprehensive health care services. Of the patients Lake County Health Department serves, 35.1% are uninsured and 96.6% qualify as low-income.

Vaccines will be available to residents by appointment only. For additional information about vaccine availability, including locations and eligibility, visit www.coronavirus.Illinois.gov.

WAUKEGAN – To fight disinformation and help residents understand the impact of recent reforms to the Illinois criminal justice system, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) offered her take on the initiatives as a Black woman, mother and wife at an event in Waukegan on Wednesday.

“As a mom, it is critically important for me that the power of my voice and vote are heard,” Johnson said. “It is my hope that parents across Illinois can be at ease going forward, knowing that these reforms will help make our communities that have been left behind by the criminal justice system, safer.”

Johnson joined Gov. JB Pritzker, Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton, fellow lawmakers, community leaders and criminal justice reform advocates at the Waukegan Park District Field House to discuss the legislation and its potential to foster greater public safety and fairness in the community.

House Bill 3653 passed the Illinois General Assembly in January and was signed into law Feb. 22. The bill makes sweeping changes to how police are held accountable for the use of force, how courts impose bail and sentence convicts, and what rights all citizens, including detainees and prisoners, have with regard to their interactions with law enforcement officers.

The legislation was part of a four-pillar legislative agenda set forth by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus to rid Illinois of systemic racism. It came about in the months following the tragic death of George Floyd and increased calls among citizens and activists for a comprehensive approach to reforming the criminal justice system.

In all, the Illinois General Assembly convened nine public hearings and heard over 30 hours of testimony from law enforcement professionals, trial lawyers, prosecutors, community members and many other groups in crafting the legislation.

In her remarks, Johnson recalled an experience with Zharvellis Holmes, the mother of Marcellis Stinnette, a 19-year-old fatally shot by police in Waukegan in October 2020. Johnson reached out to Holmes following her son’s funeral to ask what she could do to help.

“She said, ‘Senator Johnson, I want you to be the voice for Marcellis in Springfield,’” Johnson said. “We heard your voice, Marcellis.”

Stinnette and his girlfriend, who were unarmed, were both shot during a traffic stop, and Stinnette later died from his injuries. The shooting sparked outrage as it came amid nationwide protests calling for an end to police brutality and racial justice.

SPRINGFIELD — Following Governor JB Pritzker’s State of the State Address, State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement:

“Over the past year, people throughout the district and state as a whole have faced unprecedented financial challenges. Families are relying on assistance more than ever – and dire cuts to human services programs simply can’t happen. I am pleased our community can continue to get back on its feet as we work to avoid additional costs for families while ensuring current assistance programs stay afloat.

“Furthermore, additional human services funding will ensure our most vulnerable populations are taken care of during a time of increased need. The pandemic has truly shown us just how much we must be there for our neighbors.

“Together we can make Illinois a great place for us all — no matter the color of our skin or our ZIP code — to live.”

BUFFALO GROVE — State Senator Adriane Johnson has seen small businesses in the community suffer like never before. To provide those businesses support and let their owners know she is there to help them through this difficult time, the Buffalo Grove Democrat toured a number of shops throughout the Northern Suburbs. 

“Small businesses have faced unimaginable challenges this year, and many owners worry daily if they’ll be able to make it through the winter months,” Johnson said. “Each person I met has faced a unique set of challenges. I’m hopeful our conversations served as a reminder that people are looking out for them and want to see them succeed.” 

Johnson toured Waukegan-based Kapheim Studio, People's Choice Family Fun Center, and A Cuban Experience to learn about each business and discuss the impact of the pandemic. 

During the pandemic, the owners of Kapheim Studio had to completely shut its doors — but not forever. The husband and wife management duo told Johnson they have big plans for the future and hope the community will take advantage of the beautiful space they’ll soon be able to rent. 

Owners of People’s Choice Family Fun Center are also are struggling during the pandemic, just like so many businesses. However, thanks to Business Interruption Grants and the Paycheck Protection Program, it was able to continue to serve its shoppers.

Most customers of A Cuban Experience spend time enjoying its cigar lounge and live music. However, due to the pandemic, its most popular attractions went to the wayside. The owners are hopeful more people will begin to feel comfortable using their lounge in the near future. 

“The owners opened up about the struggles they’ve faced and what they hope the future will bring them,” Johnson said. “I encourage every person to shop and eat local when they can.” 

Businesses in the 30th District are still able to apply to have Johnson visit. 

To sign up for a tour, businesses can visit SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com/SmallBusinessTours. Once an application is received, a member of her team will reach out with additional details.

People with questions can contact Senator Johnson’s office by calling 847-623-3006 or visiting SenatorAdrianeJohnson.com and clicking contact us.