SPRINGFIELD – In recognition of National Breast Cancer Awareness Month, State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging women to get their yearly mammogram.

“Early detection is the most effective way to prevent breast cancer,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Getting regular mammograms can help catch breast cancer at its earliest stages.”

According to the Breast Cancer Research Foundation, more Black women die of breast cancer than any other racial or ethnic group. Breast cancer is also the leading cause of cancer death in women aged 20 to 59, according to Breast Cancer Prevention Partners.

Women over the age of 45 are encouraged to receive regular mammograms. They are also encouraged to consult with their health care provider about risk factors and whether additional breast cancer screening is required. Risk factors for breast cancer can be managed by remaining physically active, by maintaining a healthy weight, and by limiting intake of alcohol.

“If a woman believes there may be a problem, getting a routine mammogram or scheduling one improves the odds for treatment if it is necessary,” Turner said. “A simple screening can save lives.”

IDPH reminds the public that the department’s Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program 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 the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program, people can call the Women’s Health Line at 888-522-1282. The Health Line will walk people through the eligibility requirements and screening process.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner announced that Decatur, Springfield and Macon County are set to receive a combined total of more than $1 million to support community revitalization efforts.

“Revitalizing abandoned homes provides homeownership opportunities, bringing more housing options to the area,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Investing in housing across Central Illinois will boost our local economies, create jobs and uplift the communities.”

The Illinois Housing Development Authority recently approved $19 million to support affordable housing and community revitalization efforts across Illinois. Awarded under the Strong Communities Program, the initiative will provide funding to 68 units of local governments and land bank authorities for the acquisition, maintenance, rehabilitation and demolition of abandoned residential properties in their communities. The program is designed to support local revitalization efforts and attract further investment in communities that may lack the resources needed to tackle vacant, abandoned and deteriorated properties.

The second round of Strong Communities Program awardees include Springfield, Decatur and Macon County, with each entity receiving $337,000.

The grants are funded by the Rebuild Illinois capital plan and will leverage IHDA’s existing funding to increase property values, create jobs, help reduce crime, generate additional tax revenue and attract further community investment in underserved communities around the state. A total of $30 million in grant funding has been awarded through two application rounds.

“The Central Illinois Land Bank Authority is thrilled that IHDA invested in our "Abandonment to Rehab" program,” said Central Illinois Land Bank Authority Executive Director Mike Davis. “Decatur has hundreds of abandoned homes and 42% of renters have high rent burden.  The City has already invested $500k and it’s fantastic the state sees the potential for scaling up this program.”

To learn more about the Stronger Communities Program, click https://www.ihda.org/my-community/revitalization-programs/">here.

DECATUR – State Senator Doris Turner announced a new commercial manufacturing facility coming to Decatur, bringing more jobs to Central Illinois.

“This new facility will bring good-paying jobs right to our community while boosting the local economy,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Rising Pharmaceuticals’ move to Decatur exemplifies the city’s prime location in Central Illinois and continues Illinois’ commitment to being a leader in the manufacturing industry.”

Rising Pharmaceuticals is a leading provider of generic and specialty-branded pharmaceuticals in the U.S., focusing on the development, regulatory and commercial aspects of the product life cycle.

The New Jersey-based company is expanding its manufacturing footprint with a new facility in Decatur. The 230,000 square feet facility will manufacture and package sterile products, including injectables and ophthalmic products in response to critical pharmaceutical supply shortages across the country.

Visit Rising Pharmaceuticals’ website for more information.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is encouraging all eligible people to apply to this year’s Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program to help with utility costs. Applications will be accepted starting Oct. 2 through Aug. 15, 2024.

“Energy bill assistance is vital as utility costs continue to rise,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “No one should have to decide if they can heat their homes in the winter or put food on the table.”

Energy bill assistance offered through the Help Illinois Families Program in program year 2023 will provide $237 million to eligible families to assist with natural gas, propane and electricity bills. Last year's LIHEAP funding — which was available from September 2022 through May 2023 — provided assistance to a record number of 311,214 households.