SPRINGFIELD – The COVID-19 pandemic further exacerbated the health inequities facing communities throughout Illinois. Zeta Phi Betta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter was awarded funding to implement health equity strategies, State Senator Doris Turner announced Thursday.  

“The residents across the 48^th District should have access to essential health care needs,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By working together, we can ensure we are putting our communities on a path toward greater post-pandemic healing.”

Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity (ARISE) is a joint initiative of the Illinois Department of Public Health’s Center for Minority Health Services and The Center for Rural Health, in collaboration with Well-Being and Equity (WE) in the World.

Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter in Sangamon County is one of the 18 organizations across Illinois awarded funding to address systemic health disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter is grateful to receive the ARISE Grant,” said Queen Drake, President of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter. “Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Kappa Sigma Zeta Chapter and their Foundation look forward to providing a platform centered around programs, speakers and educational materials on the importance of and educating our low income community on the importance of getting vaccinated and boosted.”

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DECATUR – To help save homeowners money on their utility bills, State Senator Doris Turner is hosting a free clinic with the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) from 5:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 27. 

“This event will provide residents with the opportunity to learn how to reduce their utility bills,” said Turner (D-Springfield).  “With so many families struggling, I’m glad to be able to connect them with available resources to help them save their hard-earned money.”

The clinic will take place at Turner’s Decatur Office located at 1210 S. Jasper St. in Decatur. Attendees are encouraged to bring copies of their gas, electric and phone bills for free, one-on-one consultations with CUB’s experts.

To help accommodate interested participants, Turner’s office is asking those interested to register for the event by calling her Decatur office at 217-706-5311 for a one-on-one consultation with a CUB professional to discuss lowering their electric, water, gas, phone, cable and internet bills.  Registration is recommended but walk-ins are welcome.

During the event, the representative will evaluate participants’ bills to determine if they are signed up with an alternative supplier or paying for unnecessary products or services. CUB will also let participants know if they are eligible for money-saving programs, like financial assistance, and share information about energy efficiency programs.

Turner encourages residents to take advantage of this free clinic to keep their utility usage and costs in check.

For more information on the program, visit www.citizensutilityboard.org or contact Turner’s office at 217-706-5311.

SPRINGFIELD – During Manufacturing Month, State Senator Doris Turner highlights the importance of manufacturing in Illinois.

“Our state’s manufacturers drive our region’s economy,” said Turner. “The 48^th District is lucky to be home to many up and coming businesses that ensure our state meets the demands of our global economy.”

The manufacturing industry supports $580 billion in annual economic impact and is the largest growing sector in Illinois. Manufacturers across the state employ more than 662,000 men and women on factory floors, earning an average wage of more than $79,400 and 92% of employees receive employer sponsored health care.

Last month, Turner joined lawmakers and area stakeholders such as Richland Community College President Cris Valdez to award T/CCI Manufacturing in Decatur the state’s first Reimagining Electric Vehicles tax credit. 

Turner is happy to see the city welcome this innovative industry that will help generate good-paying jobs throughout the region.

“Careers in manufacturing are the jobs of tomorrow,” said Turner. “We are fortunate to have world-class facilities across Central Illinois that help train and educate students for careers that sustain families and grow our economy.”

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SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is partnering with the Salvation Army of Springfield to host a resource fair for seniors and their loved ones to connect with available state and local resources on Tuesday, Oct. 11.

The event will take place from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Salvation Army of Springfield located at 1600 E. Clear Lake.

“Our resource fair is an easy way for seniors to learn, connect and enjoy a wide variety of services that our local non-profits, state agencies and health care facilities provide,” said Turner. “We are lucky to have amazing senior-based organizations in our community doing excellent work. I hope residents will take advantage of this informative resource and stop by.”

Seniors will be able to ask questions and obtain information from a variety of service and health care providers, state programs and local groups.

Walgreens will be on-site to provide flu vaccinations. Those interested should bring their insurance card or Medicare card to utilize these services, otherwise it will be $40 out-of-pocket cost.

Others organizations and vendors participating in the senior fair include:

• Updated information for veterans from the Illinois Department of Veterans’ Affairs
• The Illinois Treasurer’s Office will be available to assist residents in discovering unclaimed funds
• Alzheimer's Association will provide information regarding free care and support services
• Representatives from HSHS St. Mary’s Hospital and Memorial Hospital will be available to discuss and provide information on health related matters
• Staff from Turner’s office available to answer questions about Medicaid, state government operations and more

Turner urges residents with questions or concerns to contact her office at (217) 782-0228 or visit her legislative website at www.SenatorDorisTurner.com.