KANKAKEE – During this holiday season, State Senator Patrick Joyce is encouraging people to write uplifting notes to veterans as part of the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs Operations Rising Spirit Campaign.

“It is important for our veterans to know they are honored and appreciated every day,” said Joyce (D- Essex). “The Operation Rising Spirit campaign makes sure that message is relayed.”

Operation Rising Spirit was first launched in 2020 during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic to support residents who were unable to visit with family and friends. The successful campaign encourages veterans and facilitates their connection with the community through positive, uplifting notes sent to veterans’ homes in Anna, LaSalle, Chicago, Manteno and Quincy.

“I encourage community members and organizations to take a moment and write letters to veterans who deserve our support and well wishes,” said Joyce. “This is a small act of kindness that will be very appreciated, especially with the holiday season approaching.”

To participate, notes may be sent directly to the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs. Letters will be disseminated equally to the five homes:

The Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs

Central Office

833 South Spring Street

P.O. Box 19432

Springfield, IL 62794-9432

Notes may also be sent directly through the IDVA website at https://www2.illinois.gov/veterans/services%20benefits/homes/Pages/send-a-note.aspx.

KANKAKEE – With daylight saving time coming to an end this weekend, State Senator Patrick Joyce is reminding households to check and change their smoke detector batteries.

“As we set our clocks back, it is a good reminder to test and replace batteries in your smoke detectors to keep your families safe,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “This helpful tip can help save lives.”

If residents find an alarm that is not working or is expired, replace the alarm immediately with a new 10-year sealed battery alarm. Joyce also reminds families it is a great time to review their household’s fire escape plan.

KANKAKEE ––  State Senator Patrick Joyce urges area residents to show appreciation to emergency personnel on First Responders Day, which falls on Friday, Oct. 28.

“First responders put their lives on the line each and every day to keep us safe,” said Joyce (D-Essex). “That’s why this day is dedicated as a small way to celebrate the courage and strength of these remarkable heroes in our communities.”

This day specifically thanks 911 dispatchers, as well as firefighters, police officers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics for their commitment to Illinois public safety.

Joyce reminds residents to extend gratitude to first responders year-round for their dedication and remember those lost in the line of duty. 

“I want to extend my greatest gratitude to these individuals who keep our communities safe,” said Joyce. “They put their lives on the line each day and deserve the utmost respect and recognition for their service.”

Joyce urges residents to recognize the contributions of first responders in their communities with ceremonies and activities.

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.