KANKAKEE – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Five organizations in portions of Kankakee and Will Counties represented by State Senator Patrick Joyce have been awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, he announced Thursday.  

“The pandemic showed us firsthand the inequity and inequality in our health care system,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This program will help combat the health equity gaps taking place in all corners of our state.”

Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity (ARISE) is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Minority Health Services and The Center for Rural Health, in collaboration with Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World.

Between Joyce’s district in Kankakee and Will counties, five organizations will receive funding to address systemic health disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic: Kankakee County Health Department, Coordinated Care Alliance in Kankakee and Will counties, Will County Health Department and Junior Medic LLC.

Funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, ARISE intends to support socio-economically disadvantaged and historically marginalized communities outside of Cook County that have been disproportionately impacted by COVID-19. Further, organizations will be able to address enduring health inequities in their communities that have been exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. 

The selected ARISE Community Equity Zone communities will engage in a rigorous “learning-and-doing” capacity building program to advance health equity in the short, medium and long term. The community coalitions will address inequities in mental, physical and social well-being in communities that are experiencing the brunt of these disparities by connecting people to vaccinations, food, and other well-being needs. They will also address underlying community needs such as humane housing, reliable transportation, and the root causes of these inequities, including racism and poverty.

“This initiative is targeting disadvantaged communities that are struggling to bounce back,” said Joyce. “Through these grant opportunities and community efforts, the state is seeing strides in healing post-pandemic.”

To learn more about the ARISE initiative, people can visit www.weintheworld.org/arise-project.

KANKAKEE – As college application season kicks off, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging students and their families to take advantage of several state and federal relief opportunities related to financial aid, student loans and college affordability.

“Understanding the college application process can be intimidating and confusing for students and families,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “Resources should be more accessible to help them navigate this process and make higher education more attainable.”

Under the federal plan for one-time student loan forgiveness announced recently by the president, students who received Federal Pell Grants can have up to $20,000 in debt forgiven and students with non-Pell Grant loans can have up to $10,000 in debt forgiven if their individual income is less than $125,000. The application is available at studentaid.gov and must be completed by Dec. 31, 2023.

In addition, employees of a U.S. federal, state, local or tribal government or non-profit organization may be eligible to have their remaining balance forgiven after making 120 payments while working for a qualifying employer under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. The Illinois Student Assistance Commission is assisting students and families who have questions about the program or need help determining their eligibility through informational webinars. The PSLF Limited Waiver ends Oct. 31, 2022, so anyone who thinks they might qualify should apply as soon as possible.

Finally, the 2023-24 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now available, making this the perfect time for anyone who might be interested in attending college next year to apply for financial aid. Illinois students who are ineligible for federal financial aid can check out the Alternative Application for Illinois Financial Aid to apply for the state MAP Grant and institutional aid.

“Higher education is expensive and the cost can place unneeded stressors on students,” said Joyce. “I encourage all students who think they could use some help to take advantage of the state and local resources available to them.”

To connect with free one-on-one assistance and explore online tools for college planning and financial aid, visit the ISAC Student Portal. Borrowers interested in applying for one-time federal loan forgiveness can learn more at the U.S. Department of Education’s website. Borrowers who work in public service can learn more about PSLF eligibility and complete the form by Oct. 31, 2022 at studentaid.gov/pslf.

ESSEX – As National Mammography day quickly approaches during this Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging women who may have postponed breast cancer screenings due to COVID-19 to take action and reschedule a comprehensive exam soon.

“Breast cancer affects thousands of women in all corners of our state,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “It is vital that women are being cautious of the signs of breast cancer and schedule their yearly exams for possible early detection of cancer.”

The National Cancer Institute reported an estimated 9.4 million screening tests that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not happen because of the pandemic.

Breast cancer is a disease that affects over 250,000 women and 2,400 men in the United States every year.

“This disease is not something to dismiss,” Joyce said. “I encourage all women to make sure they are up-to-date on their breast screenings and to make mammogram appointments as needed.”

IDPH reminds the public that the department’s Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) offers free breast exams and mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. The program also supports diagnostic services and assists with referrals for treatment options.

To enroll in IBCCP, women can call the Women’s Health Line 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY). The Women’s Health Line will be able to walk women through the eligibility requirements and the screening process.

ESSEX – The “Makers on the Move” statewide bus tour put on by the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association visited CSL Behring in Bradley last week, where State Senator Patrick Joyce spoke about the contributions of CSL to the community.

“Manufacturing has continued to have a significant impact to our state’s economy,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “The amount of jobs and revenue manufacturing brings to our region and state shows this is a major economic driver in Illinois.”

CSL Behring is a pharmaceutical manufacturer that is a global leader in creating products to cure rare and serious diseases. The company employs over 1,800 individuals in the area.

A recent study found the total economic impact of manufacturing in Illinois is estimated to be between $580 billion and $611 billion every year – the largest share of any industry to the state’s Gross Domestic Product. Manufacturing directly employs 662,298 workers but ultimately supports as many as 1,771,928 jobs, generating up to $150 billion in labor income for Illinois residents annually.

“This tour is a great opportunity to show the public the different career paths that the manufacturing industry presents in Illinois,” said Joyce. “This industry is important to our state and I’m dedicated to supporting job training programs that allow people to choose these careers in manufacturing.”

To learn more about the Illinois Manufacturers’ Association or to see a list of stops on the “Makers on the Move” bus tour, visit https://ima-net.org/2022-manufacturing-month-chicago-bus-tour/ .