Morrison to host community blood drive
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LAKE FOREST – To help address widespread blood shortages, State Senator Julie Morrison will host a blood drive on March 26.
“Blood donations have been critically low at a time when they are needed more than ever,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “If you are able, I encourage you to join me and donate – it could save a life.”
The blood drive is in partnership with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois. It will take place on March 26 from 1:30-6 p.m. at the Indian Trails Library located at 355 Schoenbeck Rd. in Wheeling. Every donation will save up to three lives and donors will receive a pint of ice cream as a thank you. Donors are encouraged to eat a healthy meal and drink plenty of water before donating.
Donors are encouraged to book ahead of time, but walk-ins are welcome. To schedule a blood donation click here.
“Doing something selfless and being a good neighbor is important to our community,” said Morrison. “This is an opportunity to do our part.”
People with questions can call Morrison’s office at 847-945-5200.
Morrison to increase resources for gambling disorders
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SPRINGFIELD – Access to gambling is on the rise and with it has come an increase in addictive gambling behaviors. State Senator Julie Morrison introduced legislation to provide prevention, treatment and recovery services for gambling disorders.
“Like many drugs, gambling activates an addictive part of our brain,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “People who struggle with a gambling disorder deserve the same help and treatment as someone with a drug dependency.”
With expanded access to gambling, the Illinois Department of Human Services found that 68% of adults in the state reported gambling in the past year. Approximately 383,000 people across the state are considered to have a gambling problem and 761,000 people are at risk for developing a gambling problem. By recognizing gambling problems as disorders, Senate Bill 3410 will enable DHS to coordinate prevention, treatment and recovery services.
“Struggling with a gambling disorder can be a shameful and isolating experience,” said Morrison. “Providing resources for treatment will help to remove this harmful stigma.”
Senate Bill 3410 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
Morrison to protect kids from harmful effects of nicotine
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SPRINGFIELD – Nicotine companies marketing to kids is nothing new but now they’re creating vapes that are designed to appear to be school supplies, like a highlighter. State Senator Julie Morrison introduced a measure to prevent these products from being sold.
“The dangerous and addictive nature of nicotine consumption is the reason I have taken a strong stand on this issue,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “We should do everything in our power to make it impossible for children to obtain and conceal tobacco products.”
Educators have complained to the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services about finding electronic cigarettes on school property that are designed to look like school supplies such as highlighters, erasers and pencil sharpeners. Senate Bill 2662 would prohibit the advertising, marketing or promoting of an electronic cigarette in a manner that is likely to cause an adult to mistake it for an object that is not a tobacco product.
“We expect public policy to protect children from harmful substances such as nicotine,” said Morrison. “This measure will prohibit tobacco companies from pulling the wool over the eyes of educators and guardians whose job it is to keep kids safe.”
Senate Bill 2662 passed the Senate Executive Committee on Wednesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
Morrison advances plan to protect nursing home residents
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SPRINGFIELD – To ensure nursing home residents receive proper care during ownership changes, State Senator Julie Morrison advanced legislation requiring facilities to develop comprehensive transition plans.
“Quality of care for nursing home residents should not be disrupted because of an unclear transition process,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This legislation requires transfer plans from current owners to new owners and increases protection for residents.”
Senate Bill 3115 would require owners of a facility to submit a transition plan detailing how resident care and appropriate staffing levels will be maintained throughout the process of changing ownership.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, past changes of ownership have taken place without a clear and concise transfer plan that assures appropriate staffing and quality of care. This legislation would remedy this issue by providing clear steps facilities must take during ownership changes.
“In the past, medical staff have been at dangerously low levels during facility transitions,” said Morrison. “Nursing home management has a duty to provide comprehensive care.”
Senate Bill 3115 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee on Tuesday and moves to the full Senate for further consideration.
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