MEMORIAL DAY

 

"Our nation owes a debt to its fallen heroes that we can never fully repay, but we can honor their sacrifice." –Barack Obama

7TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT CHECK-IN PHONE BANKS

Make wellness calls to our most vulnerable neighbors in IL-07 during the COVID-19 pandemic, to make sure they have access to resources to stay safe and healthy. Orientation, training, resources are provided to make your calling easy to do from the comfort of your home. Sign up here.

DPOP Good Neighbor Virtual Phone Bank

We need your help to make well-being calls to 39th District seniors. Join us every Wednesday or Friday at 2:00 PM.
 
We have made more than 4,900 calls and spoken to more than 1,000 people, but there are thousands more that we need to reach. This will be perhaps the easiest and most rewarding phone bank you'll ever do - checking in with our senior citizens to make sure they are safe and have the supplies they need during this coronavirus pandemic. We will provide training documents, a list of resources, FAQs, and more.
 
Sign up today. We will be hosting Zoom socials and virtual phone banks on Wednesdays and Fridays, from 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM.
 
Invitations to the Zoom meetings and details will be emailed after you register.

Sign up at: Good Neighbor Community Wellness Calls

Senate Dems COVID-19 Website

The Illinois Senate Democrats have put up an excellent webpage with a list of resources, including links to the Illinois Department of Public Health, the CDC, and more.
 
We urge you to book mark this site. Should you have any problems, use the link within to contact your state senator. Stay home and stay healthy, everyone!
 
 

Mental Health Resources

If you or a loved one are struggling with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and need emotional support, text TALK to 552020 for English or HABLAR for Spanish.

This service is free and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. People seeking assistance will remain anonymous and will provide only their first name and zip code, which enables the service to link you to a counselor in your area who is knowledgeable about available local resources.

For this and other resources: www.dhs.state.il.us.
 
In the western suburbs, you may also visit NAMI at https://namimetsub.org or call 708-524-2582.
 

Update from Senate President Harmon

The governor’s Stay at Home Order means that many of us are disconnected from our usual social circles. It’s important that we follow recommendations from state and federal health officials and stay home as much as possible.

However, there are many ways to feel more connected to your community while practicing social distancing—help out your neighbors safely by donating your dollars, time, or talent to COVID-19 relief efforts.

Here are some ways you can lend a (clean) hand:

Volunteer with Serve Illinois

Serve Illinois connects healthy volunteers with community service opportunities. During the COVID-19 outbreak, several civic and faith-based organizations, especially those organizations that focus on homelessness, meal delivery, and senior citizens, are in need of extra help. Find a statewide list of volunteer needs here: www2.illinois.gov/sites/serve

Check on Your Family, Friends, and Neighbors

Seniors and immunocompromised individuals are at especially high risk during the COVID-19 outbreak. For many of them, simple errands—like going to the grocery store or the pharmacy—may put their lives in danger. Call, text, or video chat your friends and loved ones to ask how you can help. Even if they have everything they need, it could comfort them to hear a friendly voice.

Give Blood

Social distancing measures have resulted in the cancellation of many blood drives in the state, but a blood shortage would only worsen the health care crisis we are facing right now. The American Red Cross is looking for healthy, eligible individuals to donate blood. Sign up to donate or volunteer here: www.redcrossblood.org

Assist Your Local Food Bank

With schools closed and many Illinoisans out of work, some households are running low on food. That’s why local food pantries are especially important right now. Whether you’re in need of assistance or you’d like to donate, use this online locator to find your nearest food bank. Oak Park: www.gobeyondhunger.org Greater Chicago area: www.chicagosfoodbank.org

Donate Supplies to First Responders

Health care workers across Illinois are in need of personal protective equipment, or PPE. If you or your business would like to donate unopened, factory-made masks, gowns, gloves, or other protective gear, contact Serve Illinois here.

Note: The state is not accepting homemade supplies, but your local first responders might be able to use these items—contact them directly for more information.

Help Others in Little Ways, Too

Make sure everyone has access to basic necessities by buying only what you need—no need to hoard.

  • Order delivery from local restaurants or buy a gift card from your favorite boutique to keep small businesses afloat.
  • Complete the census online or by mail to ensure our communities receive the funding they need.
  • Stay home as much as possible to protect others from the spread of coronavirus.

During these challenging times, we must remember to stick together. Social distancing doesn’t have to mean complete isolation—there are safe ways to remain active in your community, even from home.

As always, please reach out to my office with questions and concerns. My staff is working remotely, but we are still answering calls and emails—contact us by calling (708) 848-2002 or visiting www.donharmon.org.

Contact DPOP

Helpful Links

Don Harmon
State Senator
Committeeman
Eileen Lynch
Committeewoman
Karen Fischer
Executive Director
Contact Officials
Resources
Village of Oak Park