SPRINGFIELD – Additional Illinois hospitals can provide stroke care, thanks to a new law carried by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Every second counts, so quick access to care can mean all the difference when treating a stroke,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Expanding the list of hospitals allowed to provide stroke care is a proactive and life-saving measure that will improve the level of care for patients experiencing a stroke.”

According to the CDC, a stroke occurs when the blood supply to an area of the brain is blocked or when a brain blood vessel bursts. Strokes are a leading cause of death and a major cause of serious long-term disability. Patients who arrive at the emergency room within three hours of their first symptoms show better outcomes three months after a stroke than those who delayed care.

Ellman’s new law adds Primary Stroke Centers, Thrombectomy Capable Stroke Centers and Thrombectomy Ready Stroke Centers to the list of hospitals that can provide stroke care in Illinois. The law also sets guidelines for establishing and maintaining specific facility designations, suspending and restoring designations, and sets an annual fee.

SPRINGFIELD – High school students could soon be required to learn about the dangers of fentanyl thanks to a measure sponsored by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Increasing awareness through education is an effective way to combat the ongoing opioid epidemic,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “Educating high school students, hopefully before they are exposed to fentanyl, could mean all the difference between a dependency on addictive opioids and connection to a non-addictive medication.”

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, a lethal dose of fentanyl is smaller than a drop of water. Opioids, including fentanyl, heroin, and other drugs such as hydrocodone or oxycodone, are involved in 70% of fatal drug overdoses.

Under current law, elementary and high school health classes are required to discuss consumer health, personal health habits, alcohol and drug use, but are not required to receive specific instruction on fentanyl or other synthetic opioids.

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman passed a measure Wednesday to help reduce the threat of radon for property renters.

“This measure outlines a period of time where renters are allowed to test for radon,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “The 90-day time period enables renters to test for radon and protect their families from the dangers of excessive radon.”

Radon, a natural occurring element, is not immediately produced or detectable. Illinois laws such as the Illinois Radon Awareness Act and the Illinois Real Property Disclosure Act offer protections for homebuyers and prospective buyers, but there are no current protections for renters.

“Proactive measures against this deadly gas are needed to decrease the onset of its harmful effects, which can include lung cancer,” said Ellman. “If radon exceeds limits, renters can seek mitigations to protect their families.”

House Bill 2217 passed the Senate Wednesday.

NAPERVILLE – The DuPage Habitat for Humanity is set to receive $400,000 thanks to the Illinois Housing Development Authority’s Home Repair and Accessibility Program supported by State Senator Laura Ellman.

“Habitat for Humanity is known for building beautiful modernized homes for our most vulnerable community members,” said Ellman (D–Naperville). “I’m glad to see such a hardworking organization receive this funding to continue to be a treasured resource in DuPage County.”

The Home Repair and Accessibility Program is designed to assist low-income families by providing funds to manage health, safety, accessibility and energy efficiency repairs to their homes. Eligible homeowners may receive up to $45,000 to cover necessary repairs through a five-year forgivable loan.