WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson is uniting with State Representative Rita Mayfield in hosting a Self-Care Health Fair to kick off a six-month-long initiative to provide affordable mental health resources to local residents.

“We had a successful turnout for our Self-Care Health fair, ensuring residents are aware of the resources available in our backyard,” said Johnson (D – Buffalo Grove). “This vital six-month long community service project will continue to connect residents with free therapy services from licensed professionals.”

Licensed therapists will be present March 2 from 11 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. to provide counsel and resources to the public at the Eleanor Murkey Community Center of College of Lake County, located at 34 N. Sheridan Rd., Waukegan.

People seeking therapy do not need to make an appointment. Licensed therapists interested in volunteering are encouraged to sign up here.

“There is an increase in need for mental health care, yet many people are unable to afford therapy,” said Johnson. “In hosting the Self-Care Saturdays, we are able to bring awareness and resources to those who need it most.”

Johnson’s office is available to answer questions by calling 847-672-6201 or visiting her website.

SPRINGFIELD – Senator Adriane Johnson was pleased the governor’s Fiscal Year 2025 budget proposal included increased funding to tackle the homelessness epidemic.

“Homelessness is an extensive issue in all corners of our state,” said Johnson (D- Buffalo Grove). “Home Illinois is a vital program that ensures people are able to receive housing support and increased job opportunities to further prevent homelessness.”

HOME Illinois – a program that began last year under the Department of Human Services – targets the prevention of homelessness, provides crisis response, expands housing support and increases job opportunities for the homeless. The governor proposed $400 million for the program to bring forth a variety of housing options and opportunities to the unhoused population.

Johnson has long fought to address homelessness, leading measures to create plans to decrease it and provide greater housing stability.

“Homelessness disparities are often exacerbated in underserved communities – particularly for Black and Brown residents,” said Johnson. “Homelessness frequently creates other obstacles, like unemployment and health issues. It is time we adequately fund programs to decrease homelessness and uplift this often forgotten community.”

Over the coming months Johnson will work with her colleagues to negotiate a budget that prioritizes accessible and affordable housing.

NORTH CHICAGO – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement regarding the attempted murder of nine-year-old Damari Perry, who police say was brutally stabbed by his mother’s boyfriend, Demetrius Fisher:

“A child is now in critical condition with life-threatening injuries due to a heinous crime committed by a household member. That is beyond devastating. Every child deserves a safe home – a loving, caring place where they feel protected. The reality is, all throughout Illinois, children are silently fighting for their lives each day.

“It is imperative that we continue to advocate for and provide protections for our children. As the legislature meets this session, I vow to prioritize the health, safety and well-being of children and those who work to protect them.”

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove) released the following statement after the Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan lost its trauma center designation, causing people with serious injuries to have to be transported to hospitals more than 20 minutes away:

“The Waukegan community is facing a detrimental downturn in trauma-focused care with the revocation of Vista Medical Center’s trauma center designation. A lack of accessible, reliable, high-quality health care is already the reality for many, and the recent announcement will create even more damage for local residents. Simply put: Without proper intervention, lives will be lost.

“It is vital that we find the root cause of the issue at Vista Medical Center and create tangible solutions to ensure residents are safe. We also must consider the impact it has on employees who face grave uncertainty from if they have a job to if they’ll be paid.

“In the days and weeks to come, I will be working with the Illinois Department of Public Health, Vista Medical Center East and other local and state agencies to get to the bottom of the revocation and ensure our residents – both patients and employees alike – receive the care and assistance they deserve.”