New Steps Will Help Expand Access and Quality of Healthcare

CHICAGO - Governor Pat Quinn today signed a law to expand health and wellness services in communities throughout Illinois. The law provides certification standards for community health workers to help bridge a vital link between healthcare providers and the unique needs of Illinois' communities. Today's action is part of Governor Quinn's agenda to protect and improve the health of the people of Illinois.

"Community health workers are trusted frontline public health professionals who have a close understanding of their communities' needs," Governor Quinn said. "This new law recognizes the vital role these professionals play in the health care system, and helps ensure the best possible delivery and quality of services in neighborhoods across our state."

"With more people now able to access healthcare under the Affordable Care Act, if workforce shortages are not addressed, it could limit access to services and quality healthcare for all Illinoisans," Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck said. "Illinois is already experiencing workforce shortages with many safety net and rural health providers being challenged to deliver adequate care for those in their communities. Community health workers can help fill this void, connect people to services and higher-level health providers, which can ultimately increase the health of the state."

House Bill 5412, sponsored by State Representative Robyn Gabel (D-Evanston) and State Senator David Koehler (D-Peoria), defines "community health worker" and creates the Illinois Community Health Worker Advisory Board to recommend certification requirements for these healthcare professionals to ensure quality care for Illinois' residents. This 15-member volunteer board comprised of current community health workers, physicians, nurses and other healthcare professionals will recommend rules to standardize the criteria and process to become a certified community health worker. These workers do not provide any direct care or treatment that requires a license, but can be invaluable for linking specific health and wellness services to residents of individual communities.

The legislation was recommended in the Illinois Alliance for Health Innovation Plan in January. The Alliance was a state-led group of health policy leaders, providers, insurers and stakeholders assembled by the administration of Governor Quinn. The plan recognized the important contribution community health workers make to our healthcare system and recommended the legislation to ensure these workers all meet the same standards to provide the best services to Illinois residents. The law is effective immediately.

"This new law will help people in the community by creating a path for these workers to become respected members of the healthcare team," Representative Gabel said. "Their role is critical because they help implement the patient's healthcare plan, and help patients better understand their conditions to achieve a path of good health."

"Community health workers have become an increasingly important part of our healthcare system," Senator Koehler said. "It will help both the people working in these important jobs and the public to give community health workers legal recognition and to establish training requirements."

Governor Quinn is committed to helping to ensure all people have access to quality healthcare in Illinois, especially those in underserved communities.

In May Governor Quinn announced a $14.5 million investment to build and renovate community health centers to help meet the healthcare demand in underserved communities throughout Illinois. A total of $30.5 million in funding from Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! program has been distributed since 2011 to community health centers. These centers fill a void by providing care for those whom other providers often do not serve, including the low income, uninsured or homeless; or those with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse problems or special medical needs.

The Governor also signed The Community Health Center Construction Act in 2009 to provide funding to repair outdated buildings, convert vacant commercial space, build new health center facilities and purchase new equipment for additional healthcare services.

LECLAIRE, Iowa - The Quad Cities' British Auto Club will have their 27th Annual Heartland British Auto Fest in LeClaire, Iowa on the Levee for the second year on Saturday, August 2nd. The event goes from 9am-4pm with free admission for spectators. Show registration and car clean up is from 9am to noon. Voting by participants must be completed by 2pm and awards presentation is at 3:30pm. First and second place trophies will be awarded to all 16 classes. Also, a trophy will be awarded for best of show and for the entrant traveling the longest distance. Door prizes will be handed out throughout the afternoon. In addition, a DJ will be providing 50s, 60s and 70s rock 'n roll. For more information or to pre-register, call Jerry Nesbitt 309-788-3136, Larry Hipple 309-755-2784, or Jim Shepherd 563-349-0668.

Also on Saturday, the LeClaire Riverfront Farmer's Market is 3-6pm in the Civic Center parking lot at 127 S. Cody Road. Special activities include a cooking demo by Chef Steph from Mississippi River Distilling Co., free recycled art activity for the kids by Reusable Usables, and live music by Silly C. Many great vendors will be in attendance with fresh, organic produce, sweet corn, baked goods, kettle corn, wood fire pizza, and much more!

Find a complete list of LeClaire's events at: http://www.visitleclaire.com/events.html

Situated at the intersection of I-80 and Hwy. 67 just north of the Quad Cities, LeClaire offers a complete shopping and dining experience. Relax along the scenic streets of this historic river town that exudes turn-of-the-century charm. LeClaire has great events including First Friday, weekly Farmer's Market, car shows, and the Tug Fest in August. Attractions include the Buffalo Bill Museum, Antique Archaeology - "Home of the American Pickers", Wide River Winery and The Mississippi River Distilling Co. Nature lovers enjoy the scenery at Lock and Dam #14 - bald eagles in the winter and pelicans during the spring and fall.

For more information: www.visitleclaire.com

DES MOINES, IA (07/31/2014)(readMedia)-- The 2014 Iowa State Fair Parade is set Wednesday, August 6. The Parade will begin at 6:15 p.m. in downtown Des Moines and is the kick-off to this year's "Amazingly Amusing" Fair, August 7-17.

The Greater Des Moines Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) will serve as this year's Parade Marshal in honor of over 100 years of service to the Des Moines Area. The CVB draws millions of visitors to the area each year and serves as a resource for many local events including amateur, collegiate and professional sports in tandem with the Des Moines Area Sports Commission, a division of the CVB. In the last several years, the CVB has collaborated with the Iowa State Fair to bring even more events to the area including the NAIA Wrestling Tournament, Percheron Horse Association of America's World Congress and National Junior High Finals Rodeo.

The CVB is led by President and CEO Greg Edwards. In addition to his role with the organization, Edwards serves as Chair of the Susan G. Komen Foundation's Des Moines Affiliate, as a board member for the Greater Des Moines Partnership, Iowa Destination Marketing Alliance and the Travel Federation of Iowa, and Past Chair of Destination Marketing Association International.

The Iowa State Fair Parade is the state's largest, showcasing nearly 200 floats, animals, vehicles, novelty and performing units. Staging will take place at the State Capitol complex. Parade entrants will then travel west on Grand Avenue to 13th Street. Dispersion will take place between 13th and 18th Streets.

Highlights of the gala event will be re-broadcast on parade night throughout central Iowa on KDSM Fox 17 beginning at 10 p.m.

"Nothing Compares" to the 2014 Iowa State Fair, August 7-17. The Fairgrounds are located at East 30th and East University Avenue, just 10 minutes east of downtown Des Moines. Discounted gate admission tickets are on sale now through our convenient print at home ticket option at iowastatefair.org. For more information, call 800/545-FAIR or visit iowastatefair.org.

Lt. Governor's tent highlights Illinois Reads authors

SPRINGFIELD - July 31, 2014. Lt. Governor Sheila Simon today announced plans for the 2014 Illinois State Fair, which include a Back-to-School Book Drive, a book giveaway and readings by Illinois Reads authors, including Newbery award-winning author Joan Bauer. Simon also will present the annual Agriculture Day awards and make her fourth annual appearance with her band, Loose Gravel.

"The Illinois State Fair is a much-loved tradition, and it is one that my family and I have enjoyed for many years," said Simon. "This year I am excited to showcase Illinois authors, including a recipient of the Newbery Award, in my tent. I encourage families to stop by and promote a love of reading for all generations of fairgoers."

As an ambassador to Illinois Reads, Simon is partnering with the Illinois Reading Council to showcase live readings, a book giveaway and a book drive at her tent during the 10-day fair. Visitors may drop off new or gently used children's books to be donated to Springfield schools, and also register to win the 35 books selected for Illinois Reads 2014, a literacy project aimed at children and adults.

Illinois authors selected for Illinois Reads 2014 and 2013 will appear in Lt. Governor Simon's tent, including Joan Bauer, a New York Times bestselling author, whose awards include the Newbery Honor Medal and the Chicago Tribune Young Adult Literary Prize. She will read from her youth novel "Rules of the Road," named one of the top young adult books of the quarter century by the American Library Association. Bauer is originally from River Forest (see complete reading list below).

On Governor's Day, Lt. Governor Sheila Simon and Loose Gravel will perform from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. at the Shed. The Carbondale-based blues band debuted at the state fair three years ago and is the only group fronted by a constitutional officer to perform.

On Ag Day, Simon will celebrate Illinois' rich agricultural heritage by presenting the Ag Day Awards to families who have farmed in the state for at least 100 years. A resident of southern Illinois, Simon is chair of the Governor's Rural Affairs Council and advocates for agriculture education. Simon's husband, Perry Knop, comes from a family that has farmed over a century near Steeleville.

Lt. Governor Simon's tent is located at the intersection of Main Street and Brian Raney Avenue, across from the Emmerson Building and will be open Friday, Aug. 8 to Sunday, Aug. 17, from 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. For more information about Illinois Reads, please visit www.IllinoisReads.org.

LT. GOVERNOR SIMON'S STATE FAIR EVENTS

EVENT: Ag Day Awards
DATE: Tuesday, Aug. 12
TIME: 12:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Director's Lawn, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield

EVENT: Loose Gravel performance
DATE: Wednesday, Aug. 13
TIME: 4:30-6:30 p.m.
LOCATION: The Shed, Illinois State Fairgrounds, 801 Sangamon Avenue, Springfield

AUTHOR APPEARANCES AT THE LT. GOVERNOR'S TENT

Friday, Aug. 8

EVENT: "Hollywood on Lake Michigan" by Michael Corcoran

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

A retrospective on a century of Chicago's relationship with the movies. Author Michael Corcoran is a certified Chicago tour guide and lecturer. Recommended for students in grades nine through12.

EVENT: "The Fourth Stall" by Chris Rylander

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

A humorous tale of crime, betrayal and school. Author Chris Rylander lives in Chicago. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

EVENT: "The Supremes at Earl's All-You-Can-Eat" by Edward Kelsey Moore

TIME: 3 to 5 p.m.

The New York Times bestseller tells the tale of three small-town Indiana women as they stick together through 40 years of life, love, and the blues. Author Edward Kelsey Moore was born in Indiana and lives in Chicago. Recommended for adults.

Saturday, Aug. 9

EVENT: "Rules of the Road" by Joan Bauer

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Awkward, 16 year-old Jenna learns life lessons as she drives her crusty old employer cross country in a bid to save the family business in this New York Times bestselling novel. Newbery Award-winner Joan Bauer is originally from River Forest. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

EVENT: "Winnie Finn, Worm Farmer" by Carol Brendler

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

Winnie Finn is determined to win a prize at the county fair for her worms, even though there's no worm prize... Carol Brendler has lived in Palatine, Oak Park and Mokena. Recommended for students in kindergarten through second grade.

Sunday, Aug. 10

EVENT: "The Journal of Best Practices" by David Finch

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

The New York Times bestselling story of the author's journey of self-improvement after he and his wife learn he has Asperger Syndrome. David Finch lives in Northern Illinois. Recommended for adults.

EVENT: "Peep!" by Kevin Luthardt

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

A young boy makes a new friend when a baby duckling hatches and starts following him around. Author, muralist and University of Illinois graduate Kevin Luthardt lives in Illinois. Recommended for children up to age 4.

Wednesday, Aug. 13

EVENT: "Charlie Collier, Snoop for Hire: The Homemade Stuffing Caper" by John V. Madormo

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Twelve-year-old private eye Charlie Collier is on the trail of a lost parrot in this puzzle-filled first installment of an ongoing series. Author John Madormo, lives in Naperville. Recommended for students in grades three through five.

Saturday, Aug. 16

EVENT: "1 Zany Zoo" by Lori Degman

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Foxes who steal keys, beavers who cook chili and hyenas who play the blues are some of the things you might see before the gates open at this zany zoo. Author, mother and special education teacher Lori Degman lives in Vernon Hills. Recommended for children up to age 4.

EVENT: "The Bully Book" by Eric Kahn Gale

TIME: 1 to 3 p.m.

Eric Haskins must find the mysterious Bully Book to figure out how he has been turned into the school's punching bag. Born in suburban Michigan, Eric Kahn Gale lives in Chicago. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

EVENT: "Dark Life" by Kat Falls

TIME: 3 to 5 p.m.

Set in a world where the oceans have risen and humanity lives partially undersea, a young ocean floor farmer must defend his home from outlaws. Kat Falls teaches at Northwestern University and lives in Evanston. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.

Sunday, Aug. 17

EVENT: "Dark Life" by Kat Falls

TIME: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Set in a world where the oceans have risen and humanity lives partially undersea, a young ocean floor farmer must defend his home from outlaws. Kat Falls teaches at Northwestern University and lives in Evanston. Recommended for students in grades six through eight.