Senate passes Edly-Allen legislation requiring basic Alzheimer’s training for guardians

SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mary Edly-Allen’s measure requiring training related to Alzheimer’s and dementia for public guardians passed the Senate on Wednesday, taking an essential step toward ensuring guardians have the necessary tools to provide compassionate care.

“The emotional toll of Alzheimer’s and dementia cannot be overstated as these diseases not only rob individuals of their memories and cognitive function, but also take away their independence,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “This legislation puts in place a basic requirement for publically appointed guardians so they know the best methods of care for those diagnosed with these terrible diseases.”

Senate Bill 216 would require public guardians to undergo at least one hour of training on how to recognize, care for and interact with patients who have Alzheimer’s or dementia. The training must be completed within six months of the guardian’s appointment and renewed annually.

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New Edly-Allen bill cracks down on harmful, abusive “deepfakes”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen recently introduced legislation to crack down on abusive and harmful use of digital imitations known as digital forgeries.

“We must protect victims of this digital harassment by providing them with a new avenue to seek justice,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “With these new technologies being rapidly developed to perfectly imitate others, we have to find ways to combat identify theft and defamation toward its victims.”

Deepfake technology is used to create extremely realistic digital imitations, which are increasingly being used to falsely portray people participating in pornographic activity without their consent. Victims are routinely humiliated, abused and blackmailed as the result of the creation and dissemination of deepfake videos.

Senate Bill 1392 would create the Civil Digital Forgeries Act, causing individuals who create digitally forged material with intent to distribute and cause harm to face legal consequences. The measure further helps victims of these harmful acts to seek justice by compensation for emotional distress damages.

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Edly-Allen holding open house for new district office

GRAYSLAKE – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen invites constituents to visit her new district office in Grayslake at an open house on March 5.

“I am beyond excited to work with my constituents in the 31st district in this new location,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). “With this new building, I plan to hold regular meetings and form new legislation with my constituents and community in mind.”

The open house will be held from 1-3 p.m. at 10 North Lake St. Suite 112 Grayslake, IL 60030. Edly-Allen will be joined by Representative Laura Faver Dias, whose office is located in the same building.

“My job is to represent our communities and district. I invite my constituents to stop by to meet me and learn about the resources our office provides,” said Edly-Allen.

For more information, contact the district office at 847-548-5631.

Edly-Allen addresses the importance of CPR for women

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mary Edly-Allen, along with the members of the Illinois Senate Women’s Caucus, participated in a CPR training course led by Illinois Heart Rescue and the American Heart Association Thursday.

According to the American Heart Association, about 90% of people who suffer out-of-hospital cardiac arrests die, making it important for the general public to learn how to perform hands-only CPR.

“For far too long, CPR training has only included male mannequins, perpetuating the stigma against giving CPR to women,” said Edly-Allen (D-Libertyville). ”This training was vital because it highlighted the importance of looking out for cardiac arrest symptoms in women – not just men.”

Statistics show that women are less likely to receive bystander CPR. From 2021-2022, 19% of men in Illinois who were experiencing cardiac arrest received CPR from a bystander, compared to just 9% of women. Overall, men were 1.23 times more likely to receive bystander CPR in public settings, and their odds of survival were 23% better than women’s.

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