NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) would like to draw attention to drug addiction treatment options for citizens of DuPage County after news of a sudden increase in fatal and non-fatal overdoses over the past three weeks.

“As the state continues with the Stay at Home Order, we need to remember there is another epidemic that has been spreading across our communities, the opioid epidemic,” Ellman said. “Though COVID-19 continues to be an unprecedented threat, we need to remain attentive to the opioid epidemic and ensure that everyone knows help is available."

2019 data revealed that the age of people dying from opioid overdoses has increased. The average age of those who’ve died is 36, higher than it was last year. Many of those who died were living alone, having personal or marital difficulty, depression and recent drug rehab or treatment.

NAPERVILLE – State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) encouraged DuPage and Will County residents to fill out the 2020 Census, protecting their representation in government and share of federal funding.

“The census is essential for the federal government to determine how much funding will be given to both Will and DuPage County,” Ellman said. “Filling out the census has never been easier with the new online option. It only took me about five minutes to fill out.”

NAPERVILLE – Every April, individuals and organizations across the nation recognize the importance of volunteering. State Senator Laura Ellman (D-Naperville) is encouraging local residents to help give back to the community during this public health crisis by volunteering.

“Volunteering has been absolutely crucial during this uncertain time,” Ellman said. “You can safely maintain social distancing guidelines while helping your local communities. Help of any kind has and will continued to be valued by the individuals working on the front lines of this pandemic.”

NAPERVILLE – Thursday, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) announced the launch of a $1.2 million plan to increase its services for domestic violence and sexual assault survivors during the current COVID-19 pandemic.

“During this uncertain time when all Illinoisans are expected to stay home, many don’t have a home that is safe to stay in,” Ellman said. “Unfortunately, domestic violence is a reality that many experience, or fear they will experience due to the Stay at Home Order. Survivors need to know help is available.”.

The plan expands the role of the Domestic Violence Helpline by creating a one-stop access point for shelter needs. Survivors may call the Helpline directly at 1-877-TO END DV (1-877-863-6338 voice or 1-877-863-6339 TTY) and be connected to shelter through existing Domestic Violence Prevention and Intervention (DVPI) shelter services or to emergency shelter through available hotels and motels. Survivors also may contact their local domestic violence programs for shelter assistance.

In addition, DVPI providers will receive a three-month advance of their current grant to support continuations of services and respond to the needs of domestic violence survivors, such as hotels, emergency supplies, transportation, food, technology supports and other related services.

IDHS will provide the Illinois Coalition Against Sexual Assault with a grant advance to enhance the capacity of local rape crisis centers statewide to aid sexual assault survivors. The agency also will advance grant funds to Partner Abuse Intervention Program grantees for program costs related to COVID-19. More information about COVID-19 is available at www.CoronaVirus.Illinois.Gov .

Other available resources highlighted by Senator Ellman include:

• Family Shelter Service (DuPage County) www.familyshelterservice.org (630) 469-5650 HOTLINE

• Guardian Angel Community Services (Will County) www.gacsprograms.org/groundwork (815) 729-1228 HOTLINE

• National Domestic Violence Hotline www.thehotline.org (800) 799-SAFE (7233)

• Naperville Police Department https://www.naperville.il.us/services/naperville-police-department/community-education-and-crime-prevention/domestic-violence-resources/d