Johnson releases statement following Vista Medical Center East losing its trauma center designation

• Waukegan
• Public Health

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.”

Johnson invites residents to join youth and senior advisory boards

• Apply Now
• Community

BUFFALO GROVE – To ensure the voices of every generation are heard, State Senator Adriane Johnson is introducing a Youth Advisory Board and a Senior Advisory Board, which will be accepting applications through March 10.

“The purpose of these boards is to amplify the voices of people throughout the 30th District,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “My hope is that these groups will allow people to feel empowered to speak up, brainstorm solutions and ultimately build a better community.”

Members of each of Johnson’s advisory boards will meet monthly to discuss community issues that are important to them and how she can use her position as a senator to better serve both older and younger generations. The boards will be made up of seniors over the age of 55, and students from local high schools and colleges.

People interested in getting involved in state government and having their voice heard should apply for a position no later than March 10. This class of members will hold their positions until March 2025.

“Advisory boards are a great opportunity to have your voice heard and impact legislation,” said Johnson. “The best legislation is often inspired by intentional conversations within the community.”

Students interested in applying can visit https://forms.gle/qZ1uzHL2mspVMKx18.

Interested seniors are encouraged to visit https://forms.gle/NBX92YXtBxNSedxX8.

People can call Johnson’s office at 847-672-6201 with questions.

Johnson collecting valentines for local seniors

• Lake County
• Community
• North Chicago

BUFFALO GROVE – In an effort to express and share kindness with seniors in the 30th District, State Senator Adriane Johnson invites residents of all ages to get creative and donate homemade or store-bought valentines.

“A moment of kindness can really make someone’s day,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “I encourage residents of all ages to donate or make a homemade card to brighten a local senior’s Valentine’s Day.”

Johnson’s office will collect Valentine’s Day cards from now until Friday, Feb. 9 at 4 p.m. The cards will then be donated to local senior facilities across the 30th Senate District. Those wishing to participate can drop off cards at Johnson’s office or mail them to her office at 149 S. Genesee St. Waukegan, IL 60085

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

Johnson law provides timely treatment to youth in care of DCFS starting Jan. 1

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Adriane Johnson’s law to ensure children with behavioral and mental health needs in DCFS’s care get timely access to essential treatment went into effect Monday, Jan. 1.

“It is our responsibility to ensure the well-being of our youth is prioritized,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “This law reflects our dedication to encouraging a supportive and nurturing environment for every child’s growth and development.”

Johnson’s law requires DCFS to develop a strategic plan to improve timely access to in-state residential treatment, evidence-based alternatives to treatment, and specialized foster care for youth with significant behavioral health needs.

According to the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois has only 13.8 behavioral health care professionals for every 10,000 residents. The erosion of the mental health care network in Illinois has a significant impact on access to care, increasing the length of hospitalization in emergency wards and raising the cost for families of youth with complex intellectual and developmental disabilities. Most severely, it can lead to the willing relinquishment of a child into DCFS custody in order to secure psychiatric care.

“We’re ensuring that vulnerable children receive the necessary support without undue delay,” said Johnson. “By prioritizing swift access to vital services, we aim to break down barriers, prevent crises and offer these young individuals a better chance at a successful, healthier future.”

House Bill 439 went into effect Jan. 1.