Ellman encourages overdose education, highlights resources on International Overdose Awareness Day

NAPERVILLE – In recognition of International Overdose Awareness Day, State Senator Laura Ellman is encouraging Illinoisans to familiarize themselves with resources available to help identify and address overdoses.

“Opioids are killing people at record rates,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “We all know someone who has lost a loved one to an overdose. While we work to address the underlying causes of the opioid epidemic, it’s important that we save as many lives as we can in the meantime. By educating ourselves and learning how to respond to a crisis, we can make a real impact in our communities.”

Ellman has fought to combat the opioid epidemic across Illinois. In the spring 2021 legislative session, Ellman passed Alex’s Law, named for 25-year-old Naperville resident, Alex Green, who died of an opioid overdose in 2018. Alex had been with others at the time of his overdose, but none of the individuals on the scene called 911 for assistance. This meant the officers who arrived on scene were not able to identify what had happened until it was too late. Alex’s Law protects people seeking help for an individual experiencing an opioid overdose from being arrested, and is meant to help bystanders take quick action without fear.

Another piece of legislation sponsored by Ellman that was signed into law this summer is on track to make naloxone, an opioid overdose reversal drug, more accessible to all Illinoisans. The measure prohibits insurers and Medicaid from charging a copay for the drug. Naloxone can be lifesaving for people overdosing on opioids, but can often cost up to $140 for two doses. According to the CDC, more than 100,000 people in the United States died from an opioid overdose in 2020 – and in one out of three cases, a bystander was present who could have saved the person’s life if naloxone had been accessible.

Ellman encourages Illinoisans to learn more about the resources available in the case of an overdose, and to educate themselves on how to spot and respond to an overdose. Signs of overdose often include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Awake but unable to talk
• Slow, shallow, or erratic breathing
• Slow or erratic pulse
• Choking or gurgling sounds
• Vomiting
• Pale or clammy face
• Blue or purple fingernails or lips

If a person under the influence of opioids is displaying these symptoms, the best thing to do is act quickly by administering naloxone, if on hand, and call 911.

“When someone is overdosing, time is of the essence,” Ellman said. “I’m proud of the work we’ve done in Illinois to make help and necessary resources more accessible to those experiencing an emergency, and I hope residents will take advantage of the availability of resources and information in preparation to help a neighbor in need.”

More information about opioid overdoses is available on OverdoseDay.com, and Illinois residents can find free naloxone near them by visiting the Illinois Department of Public Health’s website and clicking on ‘Naloxone Distribution Locations’.

Ellman to host Tennis Shoe Town Hall in Naperville

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is hosting the second in a series of three Tennis Shoe Town Halls in Naperville to offer residents an opportunity to ask questions and raise concerns about issues that matter most to them.

“I always really look forward to these kinds of events,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Spending time with neighbors and having conversations about the things they care about help me serve our community to the best of my ability.”

The town hall will be held Saturday, Sept. 3 from 9 to 10:30 a.m. at the Riverview Farmstead Preserve in Naperville. Community members who wish to participate are invited to meet at the Riverview Farmstead Preserve shelter, near the parking lot, at 9 a.m. sharp and be prepared to explore the trails. Community members of all abilities are welcome.

“I’m excited to hit the trails and enjoy the beauty of our community with neighbors from across the district,” Ellman said.

More information about the event is available on Ellman’s Facebook page, and any questions or concerns ahead of the event can be directed to Ellman’s office at 630-601-9961.

Ellman announces more than $17 million in Rebuild Illinois grants slated for local infrastructure projects

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman announced more than $17 million in funding for road and bridge improvement projects across the 21st District.

“By repairing and replacing our aging infrastructure, we quite literally keep our communities connected,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “In order to get to work, go to school, or visit our loved ones, we need safe and reliable roads and bridges.”

As part of IDOT’s latest Multi-Year Plan under Rebuild Illinois, local communities will see 14 infrastructure projects totaling $17,089,000 over the next six years.

Some of the most vital projects coming to the area include:

• $9,332,000 for replacement of the Washington Street bridge in Naperville
• $1,972,000 for improvements on 87th Street in Naperville
• $183,000 for bridge repairs on IL-38/Roosevelt Road at Winfield Creek
• $379,000 for improvements on Batavia Road in Warrenville

The multi-year plan has allocated $34.6 billion in construction projects across Illinois over the next six fiscal years. 

The $34.6 billion will go to highway reconstruction and preservation, bridge improvements, strategic expansion, system support such as engineering and land acquisition, and safety and system modernizations. Over six years, the funding will be dispersed to improve more than 2,500 miles of roads and nearly 10 million square feet of bridges.

“Without safe, well-maintained infrastructure, our communities become inaccessible—not only to those of us that live here, but those who want to visit and take advantage of the great things our community has to offer,” Ellman said. “Through this investment in our infrastructure, we will create jobs and foster opportunities for our local economy to thrive.”

To find a full list of projects slated for the 21st Senate District, visit IDOT’s website.

Ellman, Yang Rohr to host Heroes & Helicopters event

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman is partnering with State Representative Janet Yang Rohr to host a Heroes & Helicopters event to celebrate local first responders and connect community members with the heroes who protect them every day.

“This is a great opportunity for our neighbors to get to know more about the brave men and women who keep us safe,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Especially for kids, the large and sometimes loud vehicles used by first responders, or their unusual equipment or gear, can be a little scary. This event is meant to not only put residents in touch with our many local safety services, but to build trust in heroes from across our community.”

At this family-friendly event, there will be several public safety vehicles and a medical helicopter for kids to see up close. Residents will also have the opportunity to learn more about the numerous community safety services and organizations and gain familiarity with local first responders.

The event will be held at the Frontier Sports Complex, 3380 Cedar Glade Dr., Naperville, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug. 20. More information is available on Ellman’s Facebook page, and questions can be directed to her office at 630-601-9961 or SenatorLauraEllman.com.