SPRINGFIELD – To increase the chances of survival during cardiac arrest, State Senator Doris Turner is leading a measure that would require AEDs in nursing homes.

"Facilities entrusted with caring for individuals need to be able to demonstrate to loved ones that the health and well-being of the resident is foremost in everybody's mind," said Turner (D-Springfield). “This would give nursing home residents and their families peace of mind that if something were to happen, there are the necessary tools on site to revive them.”

House Bill 1287 would require nursing homes to have an automatic external defibrillator by Jan. 1, 2030. Additionally, Turner’s measure requires all facility staff certified to use an AED to have completed courses in CPR and AED usage.

Under current law, AEDs are required in public schools, fitness centers, horse racing facilities, police departments and dental offices. According to the American Heart Association, of the people with cardiac arrest who receive a shock from an AED within the first minute, nine out of 10 survive.

“The data shows us that AEDs can save lives,” said Turner. “Let’s prioritize the lives of our seniors and nursing home residents by requiring lifesaving devices in facilities.”

House Bill 1287 passed the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and heads to the full Senate for further consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure to improve teachers’ awareness of mental health resources.

“Teachers’ mental health is important too,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have to ensure everyone knows there is help out there.”

House Bill 3000 would require all school districts serving students in grades 6-12 to have the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (988), the Crisis Text Line, and the Safe2Help Illinois helpline on all employee IDs.

Turner’s measure builds on a 2021 law expanding suicide and crisis helpline awareness in schools by ensuring all employees in school districts have this information on their ID cards. Currently, this information is required to be in student handbooks or planners and on student IDs if schools issue them.

SPRINGFIELD – The CAP 1908 Innovation Center is set to receive nearly $2 million, thanks to strong support from State Senator Doris Turner.

“Springfield has a rich history that deserves to be shared,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Continued investments in our downtown bring jobs, opportunity and joy to our community. CAP 1908 has done a phenomenal job boosting small businesses that will have a lasting effect on our neighborhoods.”

Rebuild Illinois Downtowns and Main Streets Capital Program provides grants for construction, repair and modernization of public infrastructure and amenities to boost jobs, improve quality of life and stimulate economic activity for communities that have experienced historic disinvestment.

The Springfield Project’s CAP 1908 Innovation Center will receive nearly $2 million to support operations as a business incubator and accelerator, offering a co-working space and wide range of small business and organization programming on Springfield’s east side.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner secured more than $17,000 in grants to provide resources for five public school libraries in Central Illinois.

“Ensuring school libraries are equipped with fundamental resources allows students to expand their knowledge and interests,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “When we invest in our schools, we invest in our students.”

More than $1.3 million was awarded to 2,484 Illinois public school libraries through the Secretary of State’s School District Library Grant Program. Resources and services supported through the grant include library books, e-books, audiobooks, periodicals, multilingual materials, technology and programs.