Lawmakers to Host Hearing on Psychedelics for Behavioral Health and the Illinois Cure Act

CHICAGO – State Representative Lindsey LaPointe, Chair of the House Mental Health & Addiction Committee, will host a hearing on Tuesday, Dec. 10 on “Psychedelics as Behavioral Health Treatment”, to shed light on the potential of psychedelics to alleviate mental health, addiction, PTSD and trauma issues. The hearing will include insight from behavioral health professionals and consumers, along with testimony on the importance of House Bill 1/Senate Bill 3695, known as the Illinois CURE Act sponsored by State Representative La Shawn K. Ford and State Senator Rachel Ventura.

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Ventura encourages residents’ feedback after Prescription Drug Affordability Board Town Hall

BOLINGBROOK – State Senator Rachel Ventura co-hosted a Prescription Drug Affordability Board community town hall alongside Citizen Action Illinois and State Representative Dagmara Avelar on Thursday at the Levy Center, providing an opportunity for residents to give input about potential price capping of prescription drugs.

“We cannot continue to put profits over people and this legislation alleviates that. I highly encourage residents to give their feedback and ask their representatives about Prescription Drug Affordability Board as it directly impacts them,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “Governments and corporations should be giving back to their communities and I want to support and carry legislation that does that.”

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Ventura encourages residents to attend town hall on St. Joseph Hospital acquisition

JOLIET – State Senator Rachel Ventura will be co-hosting a community town hall with representatives from Ascension Illinois and Prime Healthcare on Oct. 16 to discuss the recent acquisition of St. Joseph Hospital.

“I highly encourage residents, local leaders and health care workers to attend this town hall, which will provide an opportunity to learn about future plans for the hospital, services provided and how extensive care programs may be changed,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By providing this space for questions and comments, I hope we can alleviate some of the confusion surrounding this new acquisition and make sure all community members’ concerns are heard.”

The free event will be held on Wednesday, Oct. 16 from 2-4 p.m. at the Joliet Public Library Black Road Branch located at 3395 Black Road in Joliet. Coffee and donuts will also be served.

Residents with questions can contact Ventura’s district office at 331-290-0443 or on her website.

Additionally, the full slideshow presentation provided by Prime Healthcaremay be found here: Prime-Ascension_IL_Elected_Officials_Town_Hall_October_2024.pdf.

Ventura encourages participation in newly revived Cycle Rider Safety Training Program at Joliet Junior College

JOLIET — State Senator Rachel Ventura recently announced starting this month, Southern Illinois University is hosting its Cycle Rider Safety Training Program motorcycle classes on a limited basis, including at Joliet Junior College.

“We are excited to see this popular safety training program for new motorcyclists come back to Will County,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “By offering these courses, and encouraging drivers to see motorcycles on the road and – in turn – reducing motorcycle crashes, we can help prevent loss of life and give the best safety training available to new riders.”

The Illinois Department of Transportation’s Cycle Rider Safety Training Program, which was established in 1976, offers motorcycle-riding skills at three levels, from novice users and intermediate operators as well as advanced techniques for seasoned riders.

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