KANKAKEE – To help county health departments streamline the COVID-19 vaccination process and prevent the waste of precious vaccine supplies, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) called for the implementation of a database that would allow nearby health care providers to redistribute extra vaccine doses more quickly and efficiently.

Joyce, along with several of his colleagues in the Illinois Senate, made the request of Gov. JB Pritzker via a joint letter.

“We all know vaccine supplies are scarce, and with their specific storage requirements, they must be distributed quickly to be effective,” Joyce said. “We are asking the state to implement a database system to cut down on waste. County health departments may not have the infrastructure to implement a major database system, but the state does. This change could immediately improve the distribution plan.”

The proposed database would allow for nearby health care providers to be notified when there are extra vaccines available that need to be administered quickly. This would simplify the redistribution process, give eligible individuals the chance to receive their vaccination and prevent the state’s supply from expiring.

Joyce proposed the idea after learning that the Kankakee County Health Department is already taking this approach. Their health department has moved toward the system described: Providers contact family members, friends and neighbors when there are leftover vaccines to ensure zero waste. 

“I appreciate the governor and IDPH’s efforts to work out a plan to vaccinate residents,” Joyce said. “I hope they will take this proposal into consideration.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) released the following statement after the Senate passed a package of criminal justice reform legislation – House Bill 3653 – in the early hours Wednesday:

“I believe in reform, and I was actively involved in the negotiations of House Bill 3653. I contacted municipalities, pastors, the NAACP and law enforcement in my district to get their input and concerns, and brought that feedback directly to the sponsor so it would be considered as measures were drafted. 

“When it came time to vote, I was concerned that a ‘no’ vote might have signaled that I do not think reform is needed—but I was not comfortable voting ‘yes’ on legislation that clearly needed more time and work. I therefore made the conscious choice not to vote on the legislation.

“The legislation would have passed with or without my support, but I felt it was important to make known my concerns that the legislation was rushed through at the last minute, with virtually no time to sort through it. Our criminal justice system could be improved, but last-minute amendments and hasty negotiations will not help us reach that goal. I look forward to continuing the discussion of careful, thoughtful, tailored reforms by engaging all stakeholders and granting this important subject the time it deserves.”

SPRINGFIELD – Increasing access to health care, improving the agriculture industry, and making investments in education are priorities for State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex), who was sworn in today for his first full term in the Illinois Senate.

“After a difficult year, there is a great deal of work to be done in Springfield to improve the quality of life for everyone in the 40th District,” Joyce said. “I am prepared to meet those challenges head on, and I’m ready to get to work.”

Joyce, a Democrat from Essex, was appointed to the Senate in 2019 and stood for election in November. He represents the 40th District, which includes portions of southland, as well as a majority of Kankakee County, an eastern portion of Will County, and southeastern Grundy County.

His top goals include making the health care system easier to navigate and more supportive for those suffering from serious illness, ensuring that everyone has access to clean and affordable drinking water, and reducing class sizes throughout the state.

Joyce strives to keep everyone updated with the most helpful and accurate information, and encourages people to reach out to his office at 708-756-0882 or via his website with questions and concerns.

This week marks the start of the 102nd General Assembly.

PARK FOREST – January is Radon Action Month, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is emphasizing the importance of early detection of radon and urging people to test their homes for this harmful gas.

“Higher levels of radon in the home can lead to life-threatening health issues, such as lung cancer,” Joyce said. “With more people staying at home, it’s important to test your home, whether it’s old or new, for radon to prevent unnecessary deaths.” 

Radon gas is one of the leading causes of lung cancer in the nation, according to the U.S. Surgeon General. Statistics show radon has been found in nearly 40% of homes tested in Illinois. Areas in the central and northern regions, like Kankakee and Grundy Counties, are shown to have higher levels of radon in the soil.

Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas. This odorless, colorless, tasteless gas comes from the natural breakdown of the soil, and it enters buildings through small cracks in the foundation, sump pits, crawl spaces, floor drains and more. If not properly mitigated, radon gas can reach drastically high levels and cause major health concerns.  

The Illinois Emergency Management Agency (IEMA) and the American Lung Association in Illinois are hosting two statewide contests that urge students to use their creative talents to promote radon awareness. High school students are invited to submit a 30-second commercial style video, and middle school students can design a poster to urge residents to test their homes for radon. For more information and to enter, click here.

“We are asking our youth to get involved and use their creativity to raise awareness,” Joyce said. “I encourage students to participate in the contests and submit an entry.”

For more information about radon, visit www.radon.illinois.gov. Information is also available through IEMA’s Radon Hotline at 800-325-1245.