PARK FOREST – A virtual event to raise awareness about mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic will take place Monday, April 19 at 6 p.m., hosted by State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) and State Senator Elgie Sims (D-Chicago).

“As the pandemic wears on, people are continuing to face mental health challenges,” Joyce said. “Tune in next week to learn about the resources and programs available for folks in our community who may need additional support. Now more than ever, mental health must be a priority.”

Joyce and Sims will join mental health experts George Brassea, a licensed clinical professional counselor at True Heights Treatments, and Stacey Jones, a licensed clinical professional counselor and community domestic violence programmer at Counseling Works, for the event.

Panelists will discuss how the pandemic has affected mental health, as well as warning signs of anxiety and depression. They will also offer tips and share resources to help the community improve their mental health.

CHICAGO HEIGHTS – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is reminding motorists who have been unable to visit a driver services facility to renew their driver’s licenses and purchase vehicle stickers online, especially while the Chicago Heights driver services facility is closed.

“Until drivers in Chicago Heights have a convenient facility to visit to renew and pay fees, I encourage folks to take full advantage of the online services available on the secretary of state’s website,” Joyce said. “While we work to reopen the facility in Chicago Heights, this is the best option for drivers.”

Online transactions can be conducted on the secretary of state’s website at www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

The secretary of state offers a wide range of services online, including purchasing license plate stickers and renewing driver’s licenses and ID cards.

To renew license plate stickers online, residents will need a registration ID and PIN, which are located on the renewal notice and registration card – which most people keep in their vehicle’s glove compartment. Vehicle owners may then visit www.cyberdriveillinois.com and click on “License Plates Renewal” under Online Services.

BRACEVILLE – To improve public infrastructure in the Village of Braceville, State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) secured a $454,165 Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) to help the village make much-needed improvements to stormwater drainage systems.

The Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced the Village of Braceville has been selected to receive CDBG funding for the east side of town storm water improvements. The grant is designed to assist low- to moderate-income communities with improvements that remove conditions detrimental to public health and safety.

“This grant helps the village continue to move forward with public infrastructure improvements,” Joyce said. “I applaud village officials on being proactive in applying for state funding opportunities, and I look forward to seeing this project develop.”

Throughout the grant application process, Joyce advocated on behalf of the village at the state level to help Braceville secure funding. Joyce believes this boost in funding will bring a welcome change to the community.

All grants this year are for water and sewer projects. To learn more about the CDBG program visit DCEO’s website.

KANKAKEE – Starting next week, 2,100 area residents will have the opportunity to get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine at local temporary vaccination sites, and State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) is urging eligible residents to reserve their slot at an upcoming clinic.

“Kankakee County residents have been in desperate need of more vaccines, and I have been working diligently to increase our community’s supply to keep up with our neighboring counties,” Joyce said. “As we continue to make strides toward ending this pandemic, I encourage folks who are eligible to take advantage of this vaccine clinic next week.”

On Monday, April 5, vaccines will be administered at Pembroke Fellowship Church, located at 13279 E. 5000S Rd. in Pembroke Township. This site requires residents to make vaccination appointments in advance here.

On Tuesday, April 6 and Wednesday, April 7, an additional vaccination clinic will be held at Kankakee Community College, located at 100 College Drive in Kankakee. The Kankakee appointments are full at this time, but residents can visit their website to check availability in case of a cancellation.