NAPERVILLE – After months of discussion, negotiation and development of a plan to support sexual assault survivors, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is pleased to see the Illinois State Police Division of Forensic Services has unveiled a sexual assault evidence tracking system to allow survivors to track the status of their medical forensic exams, also sometimes called      “rape kits.”

“Survivors have been forced to live day in and day out without any knowledge on the progress of testing their kits,” Ellman said.            “I hope this new tracking system helps them feel more control           over the progress of their cases.”   

Through ISP’s new tracking system, survivors of sexual assault will be able to monitor the status of the evidence in their case, from collection at the hospital, through law enforcement pick-up and submission to the forensic lab, and ultimately to the State's Attorney's office, where final results will be received. The system, called CheckPoint, can only be accessed by unique case numbers and passwords to ensure privacy of survivors.  

“The CheckPoint system will allow survivors to have real-time information about their evidence while protecting their privacy,” said ISP Director Brendan F. Kelly. “This point-by-point knowledge of the location of their evidence will help to empower survivors and foster public trust in the system. ISP DFS personnel remain committed to supporting survivors of sexual assault through transparency and accountability.”  

]Currently, any survivor of sexual assault who seeks a forensic medical exam at a health care facility that has implemented the CheckPoint system is able to track the progress of their evidence in the system.

In 2018, the Sexual Assault Evidence Tracking and Reporting Commission recommended the tracking system in its final report. The report can be found here.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging female small business owners to sign up for the      Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s        “All in for Women: BIG Webinars.” During women’s small business month, the webinars focus on women-owned businesses,      instructing owners on how to navigate eligibility and the application process for business interruption grants offered by the state.

“As women, it’s our responsibility to lift each other up and make      sure that we have access to these  grants and other opportunities,” Ellman said. “If you own a business and are thinking of applying for a BIG grant, take one of these seminars.”

The Business Interruption Grant program is a $636 million program created to provide economic relief  for small businesses hit hardest by COVID-19. The program uses federal funds provided by the CARES Act to help offset COVID-19 related losses for Illinois small businesses.

In the second round of grants, $220 million will be allocated to provide relief for all types of small businesses, including women-owned small businesses. Funding can be used to help businesses with working capital expenses, including payroll costs, rent, utilities, and other operational costs.

“These funds have and will continue to give businesses the ability to reopen with the new guidelines and provide a safer environment for employees and customers,” Ellman said.

In these webinars, women-owned businesses will learn about eligibility, program details, and the application process. Technical assistance support will also be provided for the last 30 minutes of every session.

A total of four webinars are being offered over the course of the month. The dates and time of each webinar is listed below along with links to register.

Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2 p.m. Register HERE

Saturday, Oct. 10, 10 a.m. Register HERE

Tuesday. Oct. 20, 2 p.m. Register HERE

Tuesday, Oct. 27, 2 p.m. Register HERE

NAPERVILLE – Now that summer has come to an end and flu season begins, State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging all Illinoisans, especially older adults, to get a flu      shot to lower the burden on our healthcare system, so it can better combat a potential resurgence of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Getting yourself a flu shot is a simple way to prevent yourself from getting the seasonal flu,” Ellman said. “Getting your shot will also help lower the burden on our healthcare system as it continues to fight COVID-19.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, older adults and people with chronic health issues are more likely to develop serious complications resulting from an influenza infection. While flu seasons can vary in severity, people 65 years and older tend to be the most vulnerable. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 70% to 85% of seasonal flu-related deaths have occurred in adults 65 years and older.

“If you’re an older Illinoisan, this is a simple way to prevent any potential serious health issues as we move into the fall,” Ellman said.

Most insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, cover one flu shot per flu season. It is always advisable to consult a health care provider before seeking medical treatment. You can find out where to get a flu vaccine with Vaccine Finder.

NAPERVILLE – September is National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, and State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville)      is addressing the stigma attached to mental health issues and the mental health crisis in Illinois.

“Sadly, there’s still a lot of stigma surrounding people with mental health issues in America,” Ellman said. “We need everyone to look      at mental health the same way they do physical health and make sure anyone who needs help knows they’re not alone.”

The goal of National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month is to      raise awareness of the realities of suicide, help open up a conversation about mental health and connect individuals with mental health resources.

Research by the National Alliance on Mental Illness shows that about half of individuals who die from suicide are diagnosed with a mental disorder, but about 90% show symptoms of mental illness. Since the COVID-19 crisis began, the Center for Disease Control estimates that one quarter of young adults have contemplated suicide. If you, or someone you know is experiencing crisis or suicidal thoughts, call the national suicide hotline at 1-800-TALK (8255) or text NAMI at 741-741 to speak with a crisis counselor.

“There are so many people who are dealing with serious mental health issues, but they’re often afraid to ask for help,” Ellman said. “If you or anyone you know is experiencing mental health issues, please use the resources that are available, especially during these uncertain times we find ourselves living through.”