Johnson acknowledges Rare Disease Day

• Public Health

SPRINGFIELD –State Senator Adriane Johnson named March 6, 2024 as Rare Disease Day in Illinois.

“People with rare diseases often face two battles: the disease itself and the lack of understanding from people around them,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “It is time we bring more awareness and education to rare diseases and how we can help and uplift those suffering.

Senate Resolution 726 declares March 6, 2024 as Rare Disease Day in order to raise awareness and highlight the need for research and funding to support the discovery and development of therapies designed to treat or potentially cure these rare diseases. Nearly 30 million Americans are affected by rare diseases, half of whom are children.

“We must not only bring more awareness to rare diseases, but continue to fight for increased research and funding to help tackle the issue head on,” said Johnson. “This Rare Disease Day, I encourage you to learn more about the struggles many of our neighbors face and how you can advocate for change.”

Senate Resolution 726 passed the Senate Wednesday.

Johnson to host meeting on Vista Medical East trauma center

• Public Health
• Vista Medical Center East

WAUKEGAN – State Senator Adriane Johnson is hosting a meeting with State Representative Rita Mayfield regarding Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan losing its trauma center designation, causing people with serious injuries to have to be transported to hospitals more than 20 minutes away.

“I have been working to ensure that we create substantial solutions to the issue regarding Vista Medical Center East’s trauma center designation,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This revocation will greatly impact residents – both patients and employees alike – and it is imperative that we intervene.”

The meeting will take place on Saturday, March 9 from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. at the Patricia A. Jones Center located at Park Place, 414 S. Lewis Ave. in Waukegan. This meeting is open to the public and also available virtually via Zoom, linked here.

For more information, residents can contact Johnson’s office at (847) 672-6201.

Johnson continues Self-care Saturdays

• Waukegan
• Mental health
• Community

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.

Johnson advocates for homelessness prevention funding

• Budget
• Homelessness
• North Chicago

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.