Press Releases
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Morgan Winters Confirmed as Get Covered Illinois Director
Springfield–The Illinois State Senate confirmed the appointment of Morgan Winters as the Director of Get Covered Illinois. Get Covered Illinois, a division of the Illinois Department of Insurance (IDOI), is the official Health Insurance Marketplace for Illinois consumers to purchase quality, affordable health coverage. Get Covered Illinois is transitioning to become a fully independent State-Based Marketplace for plan year 2026.
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IEMA-OHS Commemorates 100th Anniversary of the Deadliest Tornado in Illinois
Springfield – On March 18, 1925, the deadliest tornado in U.S. history tore through southeast Missouri, southern Illinois, and southwest Indiana, leaving a 219-mile path of destruction.
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Chicago – The last day of Open Enrollment for the Get Covered Illinois Health Insurance Marketplace is Wednesday, January 15th.
TODAY: Multi-Agency Resource Center Opens to Help Residents Impacted by Severe Storms
"Helping our residents and our communities recover from a disaster is a priority for this agency," said IEMA Director Alicia Tate-Nadeau. "A storm of this magnitude has had a devastating effect on those who live in these communities. A MARC can help expedite the recovery process by bringing together multiple service providers in a single location to provide on-site assistance. We are grateful to the local health department and various state agencies for their insight and cooperation to ensure we continue to provide the necessary resources to the residents who are recovering from this severe weather event."
According to the National Weather Service (NWS), on Monday, August 10, a derecho produced wind gusts as high as 92 mph, and knocked down trees and power lines in numerous communities. In the Cook County town of Harvey, 94-percent of the community was without power for a week. The NWS also indicates this storm produced 15 confirmed tornadoes within the Chicago Warning Area.
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State and local agencies offering assistance through the MARC include:
Department of Human Services will assist residents seeking to replace Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits lost due to the storm. Literature will also be available to regarding mental healthcare, substance abuse programs, childcare needs and functional-needs support. For those who are unable to attend the MARC, but still need help with benefits, services or have eligibility questions can use the IDHS Customer Help Line 1-800-843-6154. Additionally, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has a free helpline for residents who need emotional support during a crisis. Illinoisans can text "TALK" to 55-2020 (or "HABLAR" for Spanish) for the Call4Calm service.
Illinois Department of Veteran Affairs will have representatives on hand to guide residents on the process to replace lost documents. Referrals will also be available for additional services offered by IDVA. For those unable to attend the MARC, but would still like assistance can contact IDVA at 800-437-9824.
The Cook County Bureau of Economic Development will provide information about its COVID-19 Community Recovery Programs, providing support to residents and businesses who have been impacted by the pandemic and other recent emergencies. Program areas include: housing, mortgage, food, utility, job placement, emergency cash, applying for grants, securing a loan, finding shelter and business planning. Monday, August 24, 4:00 pm is the last day to apply for the COVID-19 Recovery: Rental Assistance Program administered by the Housing Authority of Cook County (HACC). For more information about COIVD recovery programs, visit www.cookcountyil.gov/recovery, For more information about HACC, visit www.thehacc.org or call (312) 663-5447.
Cook County Health will share information about the medical services offered at Stroger and Provident Hospitals as well as its clinics in Blue Island, Robbins and Ford Heights. They will also provide details on financial assistance programs for health care.
Protecting the Community during COVID-19
Once your number is called, residents will be given a health screening and temperature check. Masks are required for all individuals participating in the MARC. If a resident does not have a mask when they arrive, one will be made available at the door. Once the resident passes their health screening, they will be paired with a Service Ambassador who can help the residents navigate the facility and ensure their needs are addressed.
Janitorial services will be on site to conduct cleaning and disinfecting of high-touch surface areas. Additionally, MARC representatives will be disinfecting their tables between each resident visit.
Emergency management officials are urging residents to be aware of the dangers associated with extended power outages and storm clean-up. To learn more about what to do before, during and after a storm visit www.ready.illinois.gov.
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Press Releases
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Illinois DCFS receives $9,200 and hundreds of childcare items from Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.
CHICAGO – Tonight, the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS) will join Sigma Gamma Rho Sorority, Inc.’s Centennial Regional Conference at McCormick Place in Chicago to accept a donation of $9,200 and hundreds of onesies, bottles, diapers, wipes and other childcare items.
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Illinois EPA Announces Expansion and Modernization of Vehicle Emissions Testing Network
SPRINGFIELD – Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) Acting Director James Jennings today announced updates to the Illinois Vehicle Emissions Testing Program, which include the reopening of the Forest Preserve Drive location in Chicago beginning Monday, March 17.
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SPRINGFIELD – Cahokia Mounds State Historic Site’s annual spring Native American Market featuring arts and crafts by more than 30 tribal-affiliated artists from across North America will take place April 5-6 at the Collinsville VFW, 1234 Vandalia St.