Illinois State Capitol Building- Springfield – Studstill Media Photo
SPRINGFIELD –State Rep. Lance Yednock is sponsoring a resolution that support veterans who may be facing mental illness and requests the state to create a memorial for veterans who have been lost due to suicide. House Resolution 168 states support for veterans struggling with mental illness and suicidal thoughts and pays tribute to veterans who have lost their lives to suicide. The resolution encourages Illinois to create a memorial for veterans who have died of suicide at Oak Ridge Cemetery in Springfield where other war memorials commemorate Illinois’ veterans.
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SPRINGFIELD, ILL. – To help protect critical cancer screenings for women in Illinois, state Rep. Monica Bristow, D-Alton, passed a resolution in the Illinois House of Representatives supporting the funding and eligibility of the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program.
“It is extremely important that we take every step possible to reduce barriers in accessibility of screenings and detection of cancer, as breast cancer is the second leading cause of death in women,” said Bristow. “This bipartisan resolution is sponsored by men and women of both parties in the House, because cancer knows no political affiliation, race, or economic status. While we have made improvements in what insurance companies will cover for women receiving these screenings, the funding for this program is critical and needs our support.”
House Resolution 74 states that eligibility and funding for the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program should be broadened to further reduce barriers to breast cancer screening, detection and treatment for underserved women. It was adopted in the Illinois House of Representatives with unanimous support.
“When Illinois operated without a budget several years ago, IBCCP agencies were forced to reduce hours, waitlist women needing care or completely close their doors,” said Shana Crews, Illinois government relations director for the American Cancer Society – Cancer Action Network. “It’s gut-wrenching to think about how many cancer cases went undetected during that time and how many lives were permanently impacted. We’re thankful to Rep. Bristow for highlighting the need for sustained, reliable IBCCP funding, and we urge our lawmakers to commit to upholding it.”
Villa presents House Bill 205 in the Illinois House of Representatives, where it passed with strong bipartisan support. Villa’s measure now moves to the state Senate for consideration.
State Rep. Karina Villa, D-West Chicago, has sponsored legislation to include mental health programs in school curriculum. The measure, which outlines the importance of the connection between mental and physical health in schools, has passed the Illinois House with bipartisan support, according to a news release from Villa’s office.
“Through my experience as a school social worker, I know firsthand the importance of early intervention with children and providing counseling for their mental health needs,” Villa stated in the news release. “I am proud that the first piece of legislation I passed out of the House will help to teach our children about mental health and wellness by increasing mental health education in schools.”
The bill now advances to the state Senate. For more information, contact Villa’s constituent services office at 630-326-9319 or StateRepKarinaVilla@gmail.com.
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When I met earlier this year with Tamar Friedman, her discomfort was obvious, not just in her face but in the constant motion of her hands as she gently rubbed fingers together in an effort to ease the tingling sensation in them.
“It’s so hard,” she said, when I asked what it’s like to keep up with her duties as a school social worker, wife and mother of two small children while also dealing with this ongoing pain.
But what caused even more stress as the 45-year-old Naperville woman battles a debilitating, nerve-destroying disease is the energy she’s had to exert over the past year to get help from her health insurance company.
That’s what Friedman was forced to do ever since learning just before Christmas the treatment approved by her neurologist was denied by Blue Cross Blue Shield, despite the fact the company had previously paid for a six-month trial her family insist made a world of difference in her health and her life.
The disease is not well-known, says her sister Heather Friedman, which is part of the problem. Tamar was enjoying an active life with husband Jason Dyhouse, a band teacher at Granger Middle School, and their two children, ages 4 and 8, until about 20 months ago when she began experiencing tingling in her feet that gradually turned into painful spasms traveling up her body, along with crushing headaches that led to dizziness and blurred vision.
After months of doctor visits, including a trip to Mayo Clinic, she was finally diagnosed at the University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center with autoimmune small fiber polyneuropathy, a relatively new disorder only recently linked to antibody FGFR3, which attacks and damages small nerves in the body.
Also only recently, according to the Friedmans, a medical study showed that an extremely expensive intravenous infusion of healthy blood plasma would successfully lower the levels of antibody that were causing her symptoms.
The insurance company, they said, refused to cover the treatment at first because it was considered off-label. But after Friedman was hospitalized almost a year ago, Blue Cross agreed to a six-month trial of intravenous plasma infusions, delivered by a nurse in her home, four days at a time once a month for half a year.
The infusions were life-changing, Tamar Friedman says. As the antibody causing her disorder decreased to normal levels and her nerves regenerated, symptoms were almost completely eliminated. That’s when her doctor requested insurance coverage for a six-month continuation of the treatment at half-dose.
But Blue Cross refused the doctor’s request, and after he appealed the denial in October, Friedman received a letter from the insurance company days before Christmas informing her that appeal was also denied. Although the insurance company had paid for the initial treatment that got excellent results, Blue Cross Blue Shield claimed the intravenous plasma treatment had not been deemed medically necessary.
Repeated attempts for a response from Blue Cross Blue Shield were not successful.
“Getting the denial was awful,” said Friedman. “It is hard enough to deal with a debilitating disease … you feel so powerless. And these people are making decisions that affect my life and my kids’ lives.”
As each week passed and her symptoms worsened, Dyhouse, her husband, said he had to once more take over her household duties as his wife “just tried to get through each day.”
In early January, Friedman’s parents paid $11,000 out of their own retirement fund for a treatment which, like before, brought tremendous relief. But also like before, symptoms gradually returned.
Because the couple depends on two incomes, Friedman has no choice but to continue working at Currier Elementary School in West Chicago, which she says has been “so understanding” of her situation.
Still, at the end of the work day, “I am depleted … all I want to do is lay down and sleep.”
The family, however, chose not to lie down for the insurance company. After Friedman’s doctor submitted yet another request for coverage, the couple hired a health care advocate. Also, state Rep. Stephanie Kifowit, D-Oswego, got involved. She contacted a government liaison with Blue Cross Blue Shield about what she described as “a serious situation” and was told the insurance company would “research the case and review Friedman’s file.”
Things can fall through the cracks, which is why follow-up is so important, of course. But if you are not getting the response you feel is necessary, Kifowit insisted, call your elected officials.
“We make laws,” she said. “But what most people forget or fail to understand is that we are also here to be an advocate” for residents.
Because elected representatives have “a lot of contacts with industries and government liaisons,” Kifowit added, ”we can cut through the red tape and get it in the hands of people who need to know how to fix it.”
Some or all of the above must have made a difference in this case: A couple weeks ago Friedman said she was notified verbally that six more treatments were approved, which will give her at least 24 weeks of relief.
While there have been some cases of the disease going into remission, “no one really knows for sure what will happen because it’s so new,” Friedman said, fully aware that “we may have to go back to the drawing board and keep requesting.”
Still, Kifowit expressed optimism this medical dilemma appears to be heading toward a positive outcome.
And that’s what the Friedmans are holding on to for now.
“I certainly don’t like the process. And it’s unfortunate we have to go to such lengths,” said Tamar. “But I’m so grateful relief will be coming.”
STATE LAWMAKERS ARE WORKING ON A COUPLE OF BILLS TO HELP INCREASE ORGAN DONATION IN ILLINOIS.
THERE’S A REAL NEED FOR LIVE ORGAN DONORS TO PROVIDE KIDNEYS AND BONE MARROW TO THOSE WHO ARE SICK SAYS VILLA PARK REPRESENTATIVE DEB CONROY. HER BILL MAKES SURE DONORS AREN’T DISCRIMINATED AGAINST WHEN IT COMES TO LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUMS AND TAKING TIME OFF OF WORK. ADDITONALLY:
A SECOND BILL OFFERS A TAX CREDIT TO EMPLOYERS WHO GIVE WORKERS 30 DAYS PAID LEAVE FOR AN ORGAN DONATION SAYS MEGAN CRAIG WITH THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF ILLINOIS.
PEOPLE WANTING TO DONATE A KIDNEY OR BONE MARROW TO HELP SAVE A LIFE OFTEN RUN INTO ROADBLOCKS AT WORK.
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STATE LAWMAKERS ARE WORKING ON A COUPLE OF BILLS TO HELP INCREASE ORGAN DONATION IN ILLINOIS.
THERE’S A REAL NEED FOR LIVE ORGAN DONORS TO PROVIDE KIDNEYS AND BONE MARROW TO THOSE WHO ARE SICK SAYS VILLA PARK REPRESENTATIVE DEB CONROY. HER BILL MAKES SURE DONORS AREN’T DISCRIMINATED AGAINST WHEN IT COMES TO LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUMS AND TAKING TIME OFF OF WORK. ADDITONALLY:
A SECOND BILL OFFERS A TAX CREDIT TO EMPLOYERS WHO GIVE WORKERS 30 DAYS PAID LEAVE FOR AN ORGAN DONATION SAYS MEGAN CRAIG WITH THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF ILLINOIS.
PEOPLE WANTING TO DONATE A KIDNEY OR BONE MARROW TO HELP SAVE A LIFE OFTEN RUN INTO ROADBLOCKS AT WORK.
01-All No Sub,02-Pol,15-Health,19-Legal,24-ILGA,25-Working,26-Delivered,06-RK Email 11,HL,HL New,RKPRS HL
STATE LAWMAKERS ARE WORKING ON A COUPLE OF BILLS TO HELP INCREASE ORGAN DONATION IN ILLINOIS.
THERE’S A REAL NEED FOR LIVE ORGAN DONORS TO PROVIDE KIDNEYS AND BONE MARROW TO THOSE WHO ARE SICK SAYS VILLA PARK REPRESENTATIVE DEB CONROY. HER BILL MAKES SURE DONORS AREN’T DISCRIMINATED AGAINST WHEN IT COMES TO LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUMS AND TAKING TIME OFF OF WORK. ADDITONALLY:
A SECOND BILL OFFERS A TAX CREDIT TO EMPLOYERS WHO GIVE WORKERS 30 DAYS PAID LEAVE FOR AN ORGAN DONATION SAYS MEGAN CRAIG WITH THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF ILLINOIS.
PEOPLE WANTING TO DONATE A KIDNEY OR BONE MARROW TO HELP SAVE A LIFE OFTEN RUN INTO ROADBLOCKS AT WORK.
01-All No Sub,02-Pol,15-Health,19-Legal,24-ILGA,25-Working,26-Delivered,06-RK Email 11,HL,HL New,RKPRS HL
STATE LAWMAKERS ARE WORKING ON A COUPLE OF BILLS TO HELP INCREASE ORGAN DONATION IN ILLINOIS.
THERE’S A REAL NEED FOR LIVE ORGAN DONORS TO PROVIDE KIDNEYS AND BONE MARROW TO THOSE WHO ARE SICK SAYS VILLA PARK REPRESENTATIVE DEB CONROY. HER BILL MAKES SURE DONORS AREN’T DISCRIMINATED AGAINST WHEN IT COMES TO LIFE INSURANCE PREMIUMS AND TAKING TIME OFF OF WORK. ADDITONALLY:
A SECOND BILL OFFERS A TAX CREDIT TO EMPLOYERS WHO GIVE WORKERS 30 DAYS PAID LEAVE FOR AN ORGAN DONATION SAYS MEGAN CRAIG WITH THE NATIONAL KIDNEY FOUNDATION OF ILLINOIS.
PEOPLE WANTING TO DONATE A KIDNEY OR BONE MARROW TO HELP SAVE A LIFE OFTEN RUN INTO ROADBLOCKS AT WORK.
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State Rep. Karina Villa is a 40-year-old Democrat representing West Chicago. She’s one of dozens of fresh faces at the Illinois State Capitol this year and also one of seven lawmakers in the House of Representatives whose election flipped a red seat blue — from Republican to Democrat.
Villa was a school social worker for 15 years — and said that’s actually what prompted her to make a run for the state legislature. Instead of just complaining, she wanted to be a part of “the solution.”
“I saw, under the last administration, how mental health services in general were dwindling,” she said. “It was a lot harder to access services for my students. Families that I worked with were in a middle class family in DuPage County were struggling with just meeting basic needs.”
Social service agencies –- including mental health services — are still licking their wounds after they were decimated by a nearly 3-years-long budget stalemate between former Republican Governor Bruce Rauner and Democratic lawmakers.
But, Villa believes this is a unique time for mental health in the state, and across the country, that could inspire some real change.
“When I started my career so many years ago, I remember it was just so hard to bring light to mental health,” said Villa. “People wanted to sweep the problem under the rug. Now, the brilliant thing about being here in Springfield at this time is that people want to talk about it. It’s a bipartisan issue on both sides of the aisle. People are now willing to look for solutions and put resources behind this problem.”
That momentum is something Villa intends to use. Her first piece of legislation, introduced early last month, would require schools to specifically discuss mental health within the health curriculum for all students. The idea is to help children and teens recognize the signs of conditions like depression or anxiety.
When presenting the proposal to lawmakers, Villa shared a story about a fifth grade student who she had concerns about for years. It wasn’t until an in-class assignment where students read a TIME magazine article about mental health that the student made an important discovery.
“That student had to be excused from the class and came to see me and he was in tears,” she told lawmakers. “He looked at me and he said ‘Miss Villa, I finally know what’s wrong with me. I have depression. I need you to call my parents and I need you to tell them that that’s what I have’.”
Villa said that’s what she wants to see happen more often. One in five children have or will have a serious mental illness, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. Villa believes students should be more aware of the signs and symptoms not only for their own benefit, but to also to help remove the negative stigma associated with mental illinesses.
Those who are opposed to the legislation don’t have a problem with the idea of it, but want to be sure this will not be another unfunded mandate for public schools.
“The way that her bill is written, it’s more goals for what mental health curriculum is doing and we think that will be better placed in the Illinois learning standards,” said Zach Messersmith with the Illinois Statewide School Management Alliance. He said if this particular goal is placed within the health curriculum, he’s concerned schools may be forced to purchase new textbooks or other tools.
Villa, who has spent years working in schools, said she appreciated the concern but she did not want this to become a burden on schools and did not have any specific curriculum in mind. The example given with the TIME magazine article would be a sufficient tool for educators.
The measure has failed to generate any Republican co-sponsors. It did pass out of the mental health committee unanimously where lawmakers on both sides of the aisle applauded the freshman lawmaker.
“Rather than hazing you, I’m going to praise you,” said state Rep. Will Guzzardi (D-Chicago). “I think this is a great bill.”
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Working for Illinois Caucus 