SPRINGFIELD – To alleviate obstacles to affordable and accessible healthcare in Central Illinois, State Senator Doris Turner is calling on the governor’s office to use its statutory authority to defend people’s right to healthcare.

About a year ago, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois cut Springfield Clinic from its network, devastating more than 55,000 Blue Cross customers, many who are still struggling to find new doctors or file continuity of care requests with Blue Cross.

“Residents in the Springfield area have the right to affordable and accessible healthcare,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “A year later, I am still hearing from families, local businesses and individuals that matters are getting worse. It appears like the Blue Cross providers directory is out of date and that they are a significantly inadequate provider network to meet the health needs of Central Illinois residents.”

Turner sent a letter to the governor’s office asking for them to find a remedy to take quick action regarding BCBSIL’s provider directory and failure to meet network adequacy regulations or prohibit the company from selling inadequate plans for the 2023 plan year.

SPRINGFIELD – The Village of Stonington and South Fork Township will receive vital funding, thanks to State Senator Doris Turner.

Turner (D-Springfield) fought to secure funding to support the municipalities as they make improvements to the Stonington Community Center and Kinkaid Senior Center to better serve residents in the area.

“These facilities serve as an opportunity to foster active living and encourage a sense of community,” said Turner. “I am grateful to work with Supervisor Dennis Foli and Mayor Bruce Dowdy to secure this funding and serve the residents of these areas.”

Turner made a request for this funding to be released swiftly. The Village of Stonington will receive $100,000 and South Fork Township will receive $75,000 both to make infrastructure improvements to these key facilities.

“The investments we are making in the Christian County area will help enhance and strengthen the lives of residents,” said Turner. “This is a small way for us to improve the quality of life and sense of community.”

Turner advocated for this project during capital infrastructure negotiations.

SPRINGFIELD – During National Diabetes Month, State Senator Doris Turner is urging residents to take their health into their own hands by educating themselves and others on detection and available resources to help combat the disease.

According to the American Diabetes Association, in Illinois more than 1.3 million people have diabetes, which is 12.8% of the population.

“There is a significant chance that you have a loved one, friend or neighbor that has been diagnosed with diabetes,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “During National Diabetes Month, we must raise awareness and educate ourselves on available treatment, resources and possible dangers of this condition.”

According to the Mayo Clinic, changing an individual’s lifestyle can be a major step in preventing diabetes. Some tips include being more physically active, eating healthy plant foods and fats such as olive oil, nuts and seeds, making healthier choices and seeing your doctor regularly.

“Working with your health care professionals will provide you the personal care you may need to improve your health,” said Turner. “Take some time to bring attention to diabetes and advocate for a cure.”

To learn more about National Diabetes Month and the condition, visit https://diabetes.org/.

LITCHFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner joined Deputy Governor Andy Manar and community stakeholders Monday to announce the award of $8.6 million for a new South-Central Illinois Training & Innovation Center.

The funding will be used to redevelop a warehouse in the City of Litchfield’s Industrial Park and will create a regional training center, providing Career and Technical Training for school districts in Montgomery & Macoupin Counties. The center is expected to launch in fall of 2023.

“We are laying the groundwork for helping people in Litchfield and across Central Illinois meet their full potential and receive the training they need to land a good-paying job,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Ensuring that centers for career and technical education have state-of-the-art facilities is essential for us to build a vibrant economy in our own backyard. I am thrilled to support this amazing opportunity for Montgomery and Macoupin County families, businesses and communities.”

The Center will offer training to both high school students as well as displaced workers located in the region. In partnership with Lincoln Land Community College and Lewis and Clark Community College, students will have the opportunity to earn college credits and industry credentials while still in high school – helping them meet the needs of regional workforce demands while preparing them for postsecondary success.

“Providing students and displaced workers with training opportunities to prepare them for good-paying jobs is a key economic development strategy and focus of the Pritzker Administration,” said Manar. “Establishing a Training & Innovation Center will provide fantastic workforce opportunities for Litchfield and the surrounding region while solidifying the area as a training hub.”

The Center will offer training in auto technology, welding as well as an Illinois Laborers’ & Contractors apprenticeship program focused on the trades. The warehouse will be retrofitted to offer state-of-the-art facilities including a full-scale auto garage, welding center and separate modules different areas within the trades – all designed for hands-on learning.