Illinois to increase Lyme disease awareness thanks to Murphy

• lyme disease

SPRINGFIELD – To raise awareness of Lyme disease, one of the most underreported and dangerous vector-borne diseases, a new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy will create the Lyme Disease Innovation Program.

“Every year, countless individuals face the challenges of living with Lyme disease,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “By increasing awareness, we can break down barriers, dispel myths and ensure that those affected receive the support, empathy and resources they need to navigate this often invisible illness.”

The Lyme Disease Innovation Program will raise awareness of the disease through community-based education to encourage people to get treatment as soon as possible to prevent worsening effects. Early detection is vital in the treatment and leads to improved treatment outcomes. Often times the disease is misdiagnosed, which results in delays in treatment.

Lyme disease is caused by a bacterial infection transmitted to humans through the bite of an infected tick. Symptoms include fever, headache and skin rash. If Lyme disease is not treated, the infection can spread to the heart, nervous system and joints.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 30,000 Americans report being infected with Lyme disease each year, but there could be as many as 300,000 cases annually as it is vastly underreported.
“Lyme disease can have a profound impact on individuals and their families, affecting their health, daily lives and overall well-being,” Murphy said. “Education empowers individuals to recognize the symptoms, take preventative measures and seek proper medical care.”

Senate Bill 1803 was signed into law Friday.

Murphy: Weapons of war do not belong in our communities

• assault weapons

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) released the following statement after the Illinois Supreme Court upheld the General Assembly’s assault weapons ban:

“The Supreme Court’s decision to uphold the assault weapon ban is a vital step toward protecting our communities. I have always supported commonsense gun laws aimed at keeping dangerous weapons out of the wrong hands.

“By banning the future sale of assault weapons, Illinois takes a step forward in preventing further gun-related violence which threatens our most fundamental human right – the right to life.”

Murphy urges local communities to apply for OSLAD grant

• Parks
• Grants
• OSLAD

DES PLAINES – State Senator Laura Murphy is urging communities across the 28th District to apply for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development grants.

“By investing in our local parks, we can create spaces that foster happiness, health and memorable moments,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “I encourage local agencies to apply for the OSLAD program to invest in our local parks so that our communities can continue to enjoy them for years to come.”

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will be accepting applications for Open Space Land Acquisition and Development, or OSLAD, grants through Aug. 31.

The program offers state-financed funding assistance to local governmental agencies for acquisition and/or development of land for public parks and outdoor recreation areas. A total of $56 million is available for this round of OSLAD grants. In addition, IDNR will once again provide funding to cover 100% of eligible projects located in economically distressed communities.

Applications are being accepted through Aug. 31 and should be submitted to IDNR. For more information on the OSLAD program, visit IDNR’s website.

Murphy’s new law will protect children with allergies and asthma

• Schools
• students
• after-school programs

SPRINGFIELD – A new law championed by State Senator Laura Murphy will allow after-school program employees to administer lifesaving medication to kids, such as inhalers and EpiPens.

“After-school programs don’t often have trained nurses on staff, which can leave children who have asthma or allergies without access to lifesaving medication,” said Murphy (D-Des Plaines). “Parents deserve to have the confidence that their children will be safe if they are enrolled in sports, art classes and other enriching programs just as they are in school.”

To ensure continuity between regular school hours to after-care, the law allows after-school program personnel to administer an EpiPen or asthma medication to children in distress. It ensures that the current training requirements of schools are carried over to after-school programs.

Prior to the legislation, if a child suffers an asthma attack, allergic reaction or other condition at school that prevents them from being able to self-administer, a school nurse or other trained personnel must be on hand to administer the medication. There was no such requirement for after-school programs.

“This law will empower after-school staff and provide them with the confidence to act in the event of an emergency situation,” Murphy said. “After-school programs offer incredible opportunities for our kids. They should be free to enjoy their time without the fear that they won’t have access to medicine if they need it.”

House Bill 2949 was signed into law on Friday.