SPRINGFIELD – Pharmacists would be able to administer long-term mental health treatment to patients thanks to legislation introduced by State Senator Michael E. Hastings.

“At this time, only physicians are legally allowed to treat their patients using the injection method,” Hastings (D-Tinley Park) said. “However, because there are sometimes cases that happen to be a bit more urgent, this legislation would allow pharmacists to administer the treatment rather than the patient waiting around for an appointment with a physician.”

Senate Bill 1715 ensures that pharmacists, in addition to physicians, would be able to administer long-term mental health treatments via injection efficiently and safely, as long as a prescription from a physician is present.

“It’s no secret that we have a societal problem on our hands with the accessibility of mental health treatment,” Hastings said. “We must make sure those who need help are able to receive it as quickly and safely as possible. This is a necessary step as we in the Illinois Senate look to make mental health treatments more accessible to those in need.”

This legislation now goes to the House for consideration.

SPRINGFIELD – A new measure in Illinois may soon raise the minimum age to purchase tobacco to 21 years old.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings helped pass House Bill 345, prohibiting the purchase or possession of alternative nicotine products, electronic cigarettes and tobacco products by individuals under the age of 21.

Hastings said this law could dramatically lower the number of people who start smoking and become addicted to smoking by preventing sale during the brain’s developmental teen years.

“More than 90 percent of smokers pick up smoking before the age of 21,” Hastings said. “This new law will help us curb teen tobacco use and help save lives.”

Raising the minimum age for purchase of tobacco products from 18 to 21 is a fast-growing, nationally-recognized youth tobacco prevention strategy. Illinois will be joining California, Hawaii, New Jersey, Maine and Oregon as states that have enacted statewide Tobacco 21 laws.

“This initiative is a major step forward in improving the health of residents and improving our quality of life in our state,” Hastings said. “Tobacco 21 will double down on our efforts to reduce the number of teen smokers, moving us one step closer to a healthier, smoke-free Illinois.”

Limiting access to cigarettes has proven effective in reducing the rate of tobacco use among teens. In October 2014, Evanston became the first Illinois community to adopt Tobacco 21. Since then, tobacco use among high schoolers has dropped by 37.5 percent in that community.

HB 345 now goes to the governor’s desk for approval.

SPRINGFIELD – A package of legislation to improve accessibility to mental health treatment was announced this morning at a news conference with Illinois lawmakers.

State Senator Michael E. Hastings is the sponsor of two pieces of legislation that are a part of this initiative.

“It’s no secret that we have a societal problem on our hands with the accessibility of mental health treatment,” Hastings (D-Tinley Park) said. “We must make sure those who need help are able to receive it as quickly and safely as possible. This package is a necessary step as we in the Illinois Senate look to make mental health treatments more accessible to those in need.”

SB 1715 ensures that pharmacists, in addition to physicians, would be able to administer long-term mental health treatments via injection efficiently and safely, as long as a prescription from a physician is present.

Under SB 1716, it would be a requirement for both the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and any Medicaid managed care organization to cover any mental health treatments listed in a published Mental Health Manual, making treatment more easily accessible. At this time both the Department of Healthcare and Family Services and Medicaid managed care organizations have their own unique preferred drug lists.

“The inaccessibility of necessary treatments is a major reason we have so many people suffering from mental health disorders,” Hastings said. “As lawmakers we must take it upon ourselves to make treatment as affordable and accessible as possible, and we will continue to make strides with similar legislation.”

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Michael E. Hastings (D-Tinley Park) is pleased to announce that two community parks will receive $400,000 in funding for additional development.

“Clean and well-developed parks and recreation facilities are an integral part of every community in the South Suburbs, providing endless benefits for my constituents,” Hastings said. “The improvements funded by this grant will provide a space for families and friends to gather and enjoy time together.”

The Leigh Creek South Park at Heather Glen sponsored by the New Lenox Community Park District and the Saint Boniface Park sponsored by the Tinley Park Park District will both receive development funds via the State of Illinois’ Open Space Lands Acquisition and Development program (OSLAD).

The two parks in the 19th District that were recognized are among 89 local outdoor recreation projects, representing $28,974,000 in funding assistance provided by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources’ OSLAD program.

“I’m thankful the Illinois Department of Natural Resources recognized communities in my district as being worthy of development funding,” Hastings said. “These projects add further value to the communities of the 19th District, and I look forward to taking an active role I their progress.”