Duckworth Diary: February 17, 2015

Statement

Dear Neighbors,

I was proud to attend the bill signing ceremony for the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans (SAV) Act. I co-introduced this bill in the House and it passed unanimously in both the House and Senate. The legislation provides more resources to prevent Veteran suicide and ensures our nation's heroes receive the care and support they deserve. It also creates a student loan repayment program for those who are interested in studying mental health.We must work together to make sure Veterans mental health remains a top priority. Read more about this crucial legislation here.

My office also held two information sessions on the Congressional Art Competition in Elgin and Hanover Park. The competition recognizes and encourages artistic talent in the nation and in each congressional district. One winner from the 8th Congressional District will receive two roundtrip tickets to Washington, D.C. to take part in the national reception and have their artwork displayed in the U.S. Capitol.

Our region recently had an outbreak of the measles at a local day care, and I want to be sure that our neighbors in the 8th District know about the preventive measures for health issues like these. I have seen firsthand the devastation of preventable diseases such as measles and polio. We need to work together to educate parents and provide the resources necessary so that all children can be vaccinated in the United States and throughout the world. If you or someone you know is affected by this outbreak, please contact the Cook County Department of Public Health at 708-633-8030.

This past week, I became an original cosponsor on the House Resolution: Vaccines Save Lives. This resolution supports the fact that scientific and medical communities agree that vaccines are both safe and effective, and that there is no substantial evidence to suggest that vaccines cause life-threatening or disabling diseases. The discovery of vaccines and immunology has saved millions of lives and prevented the suffering of millions more.

Finally, I was proud to insert our neighbor Holly Schlesser's story for the Congressional Record. This past fall Holly, from Streamwood, Illinois, donated a part of her liver to a friend's 8 month old baby, Madison. Holly and Madison's mom, Tanya, are the wives of firefighters in Streamwood. Madison was born with a rare genetic disorder that led to liver failure. Thanks to Holly Schlesser's selfless gift she now has real hope of growing up healthy and strong alongside her twin brother.

Their story is also an important reminder about the incredible difference that organ and tissue donors can make. There is a large and heartbreaking gap between the supply and demand for lifesaving organs and tissue. I am so grateful for the more than 5 million Illinoisans who have decided to become organ and tissue donors and encourage other Americans to follow the example they set.

I hope you are having a great week.

Sincerely,

Source