Murphy urges residents to take advantage of free, convenient COVID-19 testing site in Hanover Park

• Events
• District event
• In the district
• Coronavirus

HANOVER PARK – To help Illinoisans keep themselves, their families and their communities healthy, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) announced the Illinois Department of Public Health will operate a temporary COVID-19 testing site Saturday, Dec. 12 from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Hanover Park Metra Station, located at 1975 W. Lake St.

“Widespread testing is an important part of controlling the spread of COVID-19, and it’s the best way we can make sure we aren’t putting ourselves and others at risk,” said Murphy. “Getting tested is fast, easy and free, and I urge everyone to take advantage of this opportunity.”

Anyone will be able to get tested at the site for free, regardless of symptoms. No appointment is necessary, but daily testing supplies are limited, so residents are encouraged to visit early.

The most common symptoms of COVID-19 are fever, cough and shortness of breath. Other symptoms may include chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat and new loss of taste or smell.

However, people with COVID-19 can spread the virus before they start showing symptoms, and some individuals may be asymptomatic. For this reason, IDPH recommends testing for anyone who has recently been part of a large gathering or has been in contact with someone who has tested positive for the virus.

For more information about COVID-19 testing, visit http://www.dph.illinois.gov/testing. 

Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission briefed on federal aid spending during pandemic

• Budget
• Government accountability
• Coronavirus
• Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission

SPRINGFIELD – To monitor the progress of Illinois’ economic recovery, the bipartisan, bicameral Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission met with representatives from the Governor’s Office of Management and Budget (GOMB) on Tuesday to discuss how the state is disbursing aid received through federal COVID-19 relief programs.

“Across the state, local governments, regional health departments, small businesses and residents are facing financial struggles as a result of the pandemic,” said State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines), the Senate co-chair of the commission. “Federal funding is intended to help our communities stay afloat, and it’s critical that the aid is administered carefully and efficiently to ensure that purpose is fulfilled.”

At Tuesday’s meeting, GOMB Director Alexis Sturm provided an update on the $3.5 billion in federal aid directed to the State of Illinois for COVID-19 response in the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security Act.

This funding was used to support the state’s pandemic response and create a variety of assistance programs for residents, small businesses and local governments, including the Business Interruption Grant program, the Emergency Rental and Mortgage Assistance programs, and the Local Coronavirus Urgent Remediation Emergency program.

Over $1.7 billion of this funding has already been disbursed. The remaining funds have been allocated and are expected to be distributed by early spring.

Over the past five months, the commission has been joined by representatives from a variety of state agencies to ask questions, offer suggestions, and ensure these agencies are advancing the state’s recovery and addressing the needs of the people of Illinois.

In December, the commission began livestreaming their meetings to give the public the opportunity to view the discussions.

The meeting schedule for the Restore Illinois Collaborative Commission can be found here. The livestream can be viewed when proceedings begin at https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp. 

Murphy collects holiday cards to uplift residents of local long-term care facilities

• Seniors
• Events
• District event
• In the district

DES PLAINES – To help older adults stay connected to their community and spread cheer safely this holiday season, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is collecting holiday cards to deliver to the residents at local long-term care facilities.

“We may not be able to visit our older neighbors in person this year, but we can still show them we care,” said Murphy. “A handwritten note or card is a great way to help those living at long-term care facilities get into the holiday spirit.”

Murphy is encouraging residents of the Northwest Suburbs to write cards, which can be homemade or store-bought, to help bring joy to older adults who may be feeling lonely or isolated during the holidays. Children are also invited to participate.

“It only takes a few minutes, but a heartfelt holiday greeting can make all the difference to someone who may be struggling during this challenging time,” said Murphy. “Your kind words could bring a smile to a neighbor’s face.”

Cards can be delivered to Murphy’s office through Friday, Dec. 18:

State Senator Laura Murphy
880 Lee St. Suite 100
Des Plaines, IL 60016

Cards can be dropped through the mail slot. For more information, contact Murphy’s office at 847-718-1110 or visit www.SenatorLauraMurphy.com. 

Murphy sponsors blood drive with free antibody testing for all donors

• Events
• Des Plaines
• In the district

DES PLAINES – To help patients in need of donated blood and support efforts to find an effective treatment for COVID-19, State Senator Laura Murphy (D-Des Plaines) is hosting a blood drive Tuesday, Dec. 8 from 2 to 6 p.m. at the Prairie Lakes Community Center, located at 515 E. Thacker St. in Des Plaines.

“At the beginning of the pandemic, blood donations hit a critical low, putting thousands of Illinoisans at risk,” Murphy said. “Now, blood donation is even more important, as researchers think it may have potential as a COVID-19 treatment. I urge anyone who is able to donate to make an appointment.”

All successful blood donations will be tested for COVID-19 antibodies. Researchers hope blood containing antibodies—also known as convalescent plasma—may help treat people with severe COVID-19 by boosting their ability to fight the virus.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates about 17.2 million units of blood are used in transfusions every year for accident victims, cancer patients, hemophiliacs, surgery patients and more. In March, the CDC issued a statement encouraging healthy people to donate blood at blood centers that adhere to public health and safety guidelines.

Murphy has partnered with Versiti Blood Center of Illinois to host the event. To ensure the safety of all staff and donors, masks will be required.

Appointments are preferred, but walk-ins may be accommodated. To schedule an appointment to donate, visit http://bit.ly/BloodDrive-12-8-20.