CHICAGO – Due to support from State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago), Malcolm X College was awarded a grant for a Certified Recovery Support Specialist Success program to prepare students for work as behavioral and mental health professionals.

“As people are still processing the pandemic and other worldly tragedies, mental health services are more important now than ever,” Van Pelt said. “It is crucial that we are training and preparing behavioral health personnel so they are equipped to serve the masses.”

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CHICAGO – State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) released the following statement after the U.S. Senate Confirmation Hearings for Ketanji Brown Jackson:

“Ketanji Brown Jackson’s confirmation hearings are nothing less than inspirational. Black women have so often been overlooked and unheard, and they are rarely considered for such positions. I am in awe that I am living to see a Black woman with an ethnic name nonetheless, advance to the highest court known to our nation.

“With her background as a public defender, I am excited to see her perspective included amongst the other judges. She is a well-educated and very experienced woman who will be a dynamic addition to the court if she is confirmed.

“While she is the first Black woman to receive a nomination, I hope she will not be the last. I look forward to seeing her flourish as a judge.”

CHICAGO – In order to combat the opioid epidemic, members of the Illinois Senate Democratic Caucus are supporting the 2022 State of Illinois Overdose Action Plan, a comprehensive, equity-centric outline to change how Illinois deals with overdoses.

This plan prioritizes outreach to and engagement with individuals who are at risk for both fatal and non-fatal overdose due to drugs like synthetic opioids, heroin, cocaine, methamphetamine and other substances.

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CHICAGO – Thanks to support from State Senator Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago), Garfield Park Conservatory will receive $749,500 for its Child Wild Nature Exploration Garden.

“The Garfield Park Conservatory is one of the largest, most beautiful botanical conservatories not just in Chicago, but in America,” Van Pelt said. “I am pleased that it is receiving the maximum amount in funding in order to support its facilities and exhibitions.”

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