EAST ST. LOUIS – In recognition of First Responders Day on Oct. 28, State Senators Christopher Belt and Kris Tharp urge residents to take time this week to express gratitude toward emergency personnel.

“Individuals working in public safety respond to calls of distress on a daily basis,” said Senator Tharp (D-Bethalto). “First responders exemplify courage and strength in our communities. This week and every week, thank one you know personally or when you see one out around town.”

First Responders Day recognizes the work of firefighters, police officers, 911 dispatchers, emergency medical technicians and paramedics and their commitment to improving public safety in Illinois. Senators Belt and Tharp remind residents to extend gratitude to first responders year-round for their dedication and remember those lost in the line of duty. 

“Public safety officers and first responders have made sacrifices in order to serve and protect their communities,” said Senator Belt (D-Swansea). “To show our appreciation, we must honor and express gratitude for their efforts.”

To support families of fallen first responders, Senators Belt and Tharp are sponsoring a measure in the Senate to ensure line of duty death benefits are fully funded. The measure is Senate Bill 4229 and can be discussed in the upcoming legislative session.

MARYVILLE – National Mammography Day is recognized during Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and State Senators Christopher Belt and Kris Tharp are reminding women to schedule this potentially life-saving exam.

“Early detection for breast cancer is vital to patient care,” said Senator Belt (D-Swansea). “National Mammography Day and Breast Cancer Awareness Month serve as a reminder for women to schedule their yearly exams, and this simple test saves lives.”

Breast cancer affects more than 250,000 women and 2,400 men in the United States every year. But unfortunately, the National Cancer Institute reported an estimated 9.4 million screenings that normally would have taken place in 2020 did not occur due to the pandemic.

“Mammograms are one of the best tools doctors have to screen for breast cancer,” said Senator Tharp (D-Bethalto). “I urge women to make an effort to ensure they are up-to-date on their breast screenings and to make mammogram appointments as needed.”

The Illinois Department of Public Health Breast and Cervical Cancer Program offers free breast exams and mammograms to uninsured and underinsured women. The program also supports diagnostic services and assists with referrals for treatment options.

To enroll in IBCCP, women can call the Women’s Health Line 888-522-1282 (800-547-0466 TTY). The Women’s Health Line will be able to walk women through the eligibility requirements and the screening process.

MARION – To support the families of fallen first responders, State Senator Christopher Belt joined Comptroller Susana Mendoza, downstate police, fire officials and families in Marion Thursday to advocate for a new state initiative to adequately fund line-of-duty benefits.

“Public safety officers and first responders have done much to protect their communities, and it’s right by them that they are honored for their sacrifice,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “Family members of fallen first responders deserve financial protection as a standard.”

In each fiscal year budget, the General Assembly appropriates a line item for line-of-duty benefits, but in the event insufficient resources are available, Senate Bill 4229 and House Bill 5785 guarantees families receive their owed benefits. Senator Belt is the chief Senate sponsor of the initiative.

“This legislation is critical, as grieving families shouldn’t be forced to wait long periods of time to receive benefits after their loved one has passed away,” said Belt.

EAST ST. LOUIS – To offer residents a secure option to discard documents with personal information, State Senator Christopher Belt is hosting an event with free shredding services in Madison.

“Shredding sensitive documents is a strong way to protect yourself and your loved ones from identity fraud,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “I encourage everyone in our community to gather documents and attend this free event.”

Free shredding services will be available from 10 a.m. until noon on Saturday, Oct. 15 at 320 Madison Ave. in Madison.

Questions should be directed to Sen. Belt’s office by calling 618-875-1212.