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From
Logan-Mason Mental Health
Tearing
down the barriers
to mental health treatment
Facts
you want to know
[MAY
11, 2002] May
is Mental Health Month, a national observance dedicated to raising
awareness about mental health.
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Recovery
from mental illness is a complex and highly individual process.
Unfortunately, the stigma surrounding mental illness can prevent
people from seeking or receiving appropriate care.
People
with mental illnesses are too often disregarded and, at worst,
ignored by their communities. They face discrimination in health
insurance, housing and employment, all of which present obstacles to
recovery.
In
the words of former U.S. Surgeon General David Satcher, "We
have allowed stigma and a now unwarranted sense of hopelessness
about the opportunities for recovery from mental illness to erect
these barriers. It is time to take them down."
Across
this nation, we fund community treatment programs just enough to
keep people out of expensive hospitals but not enough to support
their recovery from mental illness. Yet people with such disorders
can and often do recover, when given the chance. For those with
severe disorders, community-based housing supports, medical care,
effective medications and job training programs enable these
individuals to lead full, productive lives — but these services
are in short supply and lack adequate funding. We must commit
ourselves to making these needed resources available.
Another
way to help turn the tide is to change public opinion, which is
shaped largely by the way the media depict people with mental
illness and their treatment. According to a National Mental Health
Association survey, based on what respondents have seen in the news
and entertainment media, only one-third of the public believes that
most people can be helped with treatment. In addition, only 18
percent feel that people with mental illnesses are portrayed in
entertainment programs as coping successfully with their illnesses.
The
fact is that the treatments for mental illness are at least as
successful as they are for physical illnesses such as heart disease,
and recovery is possible. The treatment success rate for clinical
depression is more than 80 percent, and the success rate for
schizophrenia is 60 percent. The treatment success rate for heart
disease, however, is lower — between 41 and 52 percent. So why do
we discriminate against people with mental illness? In part, because
of the continuing fear, misconceptions and stigma associated with
psychiatric disorders.
Mental
disorders in children are just as real, common and treatable as they
are for adults. Left untreated, children’s mental health disorders
can lead to problems at home, trouble in school and the community,
substance abuse and even suicide.
[to top of second column in this
article]
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For
five years Childhood Depression Awareness Day has been an
opportunity for mental health affiliates, partners and people who
care about children to come together and focus on childhood
depression. The awareness day was observed May 7, with the theme
"Mental Health Matters — Now More Than Ever."
Logan-Mason Mental Health provided green ribbons for people to wear
to draw attention to childhood depression and also to raise
awareness about other mental health problems affecting children.
The
following are key facts and statistics for children and families:
• One in five children have a diagnosable mental, emotional or
behavioral disorder. And up to one in 10 may suffer from a
serious emotional disturbance. Seventy percent of children,
however, do not receive mental health services (SGRMH, 1999).
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common
mental disorders in children, affecting 3 percent to 5 percent of
school-age children (NIMH, 1999).
• Teen-age girls are more likely to develop depression than teen-age
boys (NIMH, 2000).
• Alcohol, marijuana, inhalants and club drugs are the most frequently
used drugs among middle- and high-school youth (SAMHSA, 2000)
• Research has shown that use of club drugs such as Ecstasy and GHB can
cause serious health problems and, in some cases, death. Used
in combination with alcohol, these drugs pose even more danger (NIDA,
1999).
• Children and adolescents increasingly believe that regular alcohol and
drug use is not dangerous (SAMHSA, 2000).
• Among middle- and high-school students, less than 20 percent of young
people between the ages of 12 and 17 report using alcohol in the
previous month, and less than 4 percent report drinking heavily in
the previous month (SAMHSA, 2000).
• Young people are beginning to drink at younger ages. This is
troubling particularly because young people who begin drinking or
using drugs before age 15 are four times more likely to become
addicted than those who begin at age 21 (SAMHSA, 2000).
Logan-Mason
Mental Health, 304 Eighth St., provides various fact sheets, which
are also available by clicking on the following titles: "Key
Facts and Statistics," "Child
and Adolescent Depression," a "Youth
Depression Checklist," "Depression
and Suicide," and "Youth,
Depression and Alcohol and Drug Use."
Now
is the time to get involved and actively endorse community-based
treatment and support programs. We can all work together to end the
discrimination that people with mental illness face every day. We
can support policies that fund mental health services, help
individuals in their recovery and encourage those in need to seek
treatment.
[Provided
by Logan-Mason Mental Health]
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Walk Day
observed at schools
[MAY
8, 2002] In
celebration of National Physical Fitness and Sports Month in May,
University of Illinois Extension in Logan County sponsored a Walk
Day on May 6 for local elementary students. Children in county
elementary schools were invited to participate by walking with their
class at recess that day.
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A
total of 12 schools, 61 teachers and 1,124 students in Logan County
schools participated in this Walk Day activity, walking a total of
over 46 miles.
Five
classes were selected from a random drawing to win bags of trail mix
to eat on their walk. The winners were the first grade at Zion
Lutheran School in Lincoln, taught by Joanne Stamm; third grade,
Chester East Lincoln, taught by Myrna Leith; fifth grade, Central
Elementary, taught by Rebecca Bailey; fifth grade, Northwest
Elementary, taught by Marla Williams; and special education, Central
Elementary, taught by Christa Healy.
The
first-grade class at Northwest Elementary in Lincoln, taught by
Sharon Cline, was drawn and won a pizza party for their class.
[to top of second column in this
article]
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Walking
is the best way to start a new fitness program this spring because
almost everyone can do it, it’s free and it’s easy. Health
experts tout physical fitness in general as having many benefits,
including an association with a decreased risk of breast cancer,
improved cardiovascular health, and lowered resting pulse rate and
blood pressure.
Walk
Day is an annual event the first Monday of May, sponsored by
University of Illinois Extension. For further information about how
to get involved next year, please contact Patty Huffer at the Logan
County Extension office, 732-8289.
[News
release]
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Logan-Mason
Mental Health
helps parents and kids hear
drug prevention messages
I
lived the perfect life--perfect family, lots of friends, selective
high school, and fun weekends when I’d smoke pot with my
"secret" friends that nobody knew about. Then one day I
introduced them to one of my school friends, the only one of my
school friends who also smoked pot. A week later, I was busted for
drugs when I found out that the word was out and my former best
friend had told my school that I smoked. I became angry, depressed
and upset with the world for months. Finally, I’m beginning to
forgive people and live my life again. I’m proud to say that I’ve
been clean for 6 months today. I’m living for my future, my
parents, my few true friends who stuck close to me, and for myself.
I owe it to myself to live a good life, and not to give it up to
drugs. It’s still a daily struggle to stay on track but I’m
happy with myself that I did.
By Kristi Lessen
[APRIL
27, 2002] Recently,
I overheard this story. I wasn’t touring a drug rehabilitation
center or watching a documentary on public television. I was
monitoring a bulletin board on a new teen-focused website called Freevibe.com. Hundreds of similar responses from kids speaking out
on the issue of drugs, violence and prevention land on this and
other computer bulletin board sites every week. Kids know what they
are talking about, and they know where to go when they want to vent.
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As
the prevention specialist of Logan-Mason Mental Health, I understand
that it is critical to become involved with our kids, supervise
their free time and pay attention to their activities, whether they
are visiting a friend, at soccer practice, watching TV or surfing
online.
Whether
parents, neighbors or teachers, we all have the responsibility and
opportunity to listen to and serve as a positive influence on kids.
This is just one of the main messages to adults from the White House
Office of National Drug Control Policy in its National Youth
Anti-Drug Media Campaign.
Logan-Mason
Mental Health is proud to help extend those efforts here and has
joined the five-year initiative to reduce youth drug use, especially
among middle-school-aged adolescents (approximately 11 to 13 years
old). The integrated communications campaign delivers anti-drug
messages to kids and parents through advertising, the Internet,
movies, music, television, public-education efforts and community
partnerships.
[to top of second column in this
article]
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As
part of the national campaign, Logan-Mason Mental Health is
empowering parents and other adults to get involved in kids’
lives. The local efforts, such as the Healthy Communities
Partnership Alcohol, Tobacco, and Other Drugs Task Force, are
designed to complement the national anti-drug campaign and will help
provide a surround-sound effect that cannot be ignored.
To
join us in this critical effort to foster healthy kids and healthy
communities, contact Kristi Lessen at 735-2272.
[News
release]
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New study on
alcohol consumption is wake-up call to
underage drinking
problem
[APRIL
20, 2002] When
young people make up a significant percent of alcohol consumers, it
is clear that America has a problem with underage drinking. A study
released by the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse at
Columbia University further illustrates the nation’s complacent
attitude about underage drinking and the fact that alcohol is simply
too easily obtainable for youth.
|
Although
many communities, including parents, turn their backs on underage
drinking, accepting it as a "rite of passage," startling
statistics show that this is a dangerous approach to an issue that
likely touches every teen. For too many, alcohol is the forgotten
and ignored drug problem. Alcohol kills more young people under the
age of 21 than all the other illicit drugs combined.
Today
we know more than ever about the serious effects of underage alcohol
use. The earlier children drink, the more likely they are to become
alcoholics later in life and the more likely they are to drive drunk
and suffer unintentional injuries. As many as eight young Americans
die in alcohol-related traffic crashes daily. Underage drinking also
costs America more than $52 billion every year.
It
is time for parents and communities to wake up and start working
together to address an issue that is killing our kids. Alcohol
remains the leading drug problem among our nation’s youth. You
love your kids and want what is best for them, but sometimes it can
be hard to demonstrate how much you love them, particularly as they
grow up and become more independent.
Research
shows that one of the best ways you can help your kids avoid alcohol
use is by spending time with them. Here are some helpful suggestions
for knowing what is going on in your child’s life:
[to top of second column in this
article]
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• Be a good role model for your kids. There is no such thing as "do
as I say not as I do" when raising children. If you abuse
alcohol, your children are observing and learning from your
behavior. On the other hand, if you are a living, day-to-day example
of your value system, your children will learn and emulate the
honesty, generosity and openness that you want your children to
have.
• Create "together time." Start a tradition or fun, weekly
routine to do something with your child, such as going out for ice
cream or to the movies.
• Eat meals together as often as possible. Mealtime is a great
opportunity to talk about the day’s events, unwind and reinforce a
family bond. Studies show that kids whose families eat together at
least five times a week are less likely to be involved with drugs
and alcohol.
• Try to be home after school. The "danger zone" for drug use
and other risky behavior is between 4 and 6 p.m. If you can, arrange
to have flextime if it is available at your workplace. When your
child will be with friends, make sure there is adult supervision.
If
you would like more tips on communication and parenting, visit www.theantidrug.com,
a website designed to help parents learn how to talk to their
children about staying clean, safe and drug-free, or you can call
Kristi Lessen at Logan-Mason Mental Health, (217) 735-2272.
[Press
release]
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Health
Matters A
monthly feature from Logan County Health Department
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[MAY
1, 2002] Protect
the skin you’re in
— The sun may be 93 million miles away, but its ultraviolet, or
UV, rays take only eight minutes to reach earth. These rays are
strong and can damage your skin and lead to skin cancer. Just a few
serious sunburns can increase your risk for getting skin cancer.
And, over time, UV exposure can make your skin wrinkled and
leathery.
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Choose
your cover — More and more people are looking for ways to
protect themselves from the sun’s UV rays. Fortunately, there are
many year-round options to protect your skin. So choose one or more
of the following "covers."
Seek
shade — Whenever possible, avoid the midday sun, when the UV
rays are the strongest and do the most damage. Remember, trees,
beach umbrellas and tents are all good sources of shade. Use these
options to prevent
sunburn, not to seek relief once it’s happened.
If you can’t avoid the midday sun or find shade, try one of these
other options.
Rub
it on — Sunscreen is not just for the pool or the beach.
Remember to bring it with you whenever you go outside — even on
cloudy days. Use sunscreen that provides protection against both UVA
and UVB rays and has a sun protection factor, or SPF, of at least
15.
To
be most effective, sunscreen needs to be applied generously 30
minutes before going outdoors and should be reapplied throughout the
day, especially after swimming or exercise. After all, many sunburns
occur when outdoor activities last longer than expected.
Don’t
like lotions? Try other varieties of sunscreen, such as sprays,
wipes and gels. Concerned about acne? Look for sunscreens that are
made especially for the face and won’t clog your pores.
Use
your head — Not all sun protection comes in a bottle. When
outdoors, try wearing a hat. Since almost 80 percent of skin cancers
occur on the head or neck, wearing a wide-brimmed hat is a great way
to shade your face, ears, scalp and neck from the sun’s rays. If
you choose a baseball cap, make sure you use a sunscreen with an SPF
of
at least 15 to protect exposed areas. When you’re out in the sun,
it’s easy — just use your head!
[to top of second column in this
article]
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Shield
your skin — When enjoying your favorite outdoor activities, it’s
important to shield your skin with extra clothing. A shirt, beach
cover-up and pants are all good choices for cover. Keep in mind,
however, that a typical T-shirt actually has a SPF rating
substantially lower than the recommended SPF 15. So if your clothes
don’t completely shield your skin, add some sunscreen and seek
some shade whenever possible.
Grab
your shades — Grabbing a pair of shades is more than cool; it’s
also the best way to protect your eyes from harmful UV rays.
Sunglasses protect the tender skin around the eyes and reduce the
risk of developing cataracts. For maximum eye protection, look for
sunglasses that block both UVA and UVB rays. Give wraparound lenses
a try.
They’re
great for keeping those damaging rays from sneaking in at the sides.
Remember,
covering up is your best defense. Studies show that reducing your
exposure to the sun’s dangerous rays can decrease your future risk
of getting skin cancer. At the beach, on the ski slopes or anywhere
outdoors, you can keep your skin protected while having fun in the
sun all year-round.
[Information
in this article is provided by Center for Disease Control and
Prevention. (CDC, 1998)]
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Red
Cross
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Red
Cross blood drives in May
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[APRIL
30, 2002] The
American Red Cross will have two blood drives in May at the Lincoln
Sports Complex. On May 1, hours will be from noon until 5 p.m. On
May 15, the hours will be from noon until 6 p.m.
If
donors would like an appointment for either drive, they may call
(800) 728-3543. Walk-ins are always appreciated.
|
During
April, the following people reached goals in their blood donations:
Joe Hickey, five gallons; Nancy Uphoff, five gallons; Judy M.
Hensley, three gallons; Barb Chrismore, two gallons; Rachel Stroud,
two gallons; Rita White, one gallon; Mary Harmsen, one gallon;
Donald Emmons, one gallon; Beau N. Hanger, one gallon; and Shirley
Bree, one gallon.
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Events
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May
2002
Wednesday,
May 15
SPONSOR:
American Red Cross
WHO: Public
WHAT:
Blood drive
WHERE:
Lincoln Sports Complex
WHEN:
noon-6 pm
Thursday, May
23
SPONSOR:
YMCA
WHO: Public
WHAT:
Central Illinois Community Blood Center blood drive
WHERE:
YMCA activity center on Wyatt Avenue
WHEN:
3-7 pm
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June
2002
Wednesday, June
12
SPONSOR: Abraham
Lincoln Memorial Hospital
WHO: Public
WHAT:
"Update on Asthma," presented by Melissa Hardiek, M.D.
WHERE: Abraham
Lincoln Memorial Hospital
WHEN: 6:30-8 pm
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Honors
& Awards
|
Public
health awards presented to
Judy Horn, Logan County state’s attorney’s
office and Lincoln Christian College
[MAY
9, 2002] Every
year in April the Logan County Health Department celebrates Public
Health Week. In conjunction with the observance, the Health
Department presents awards to recognize individuals, organizations
or businesses that have supported and promoted the mission of the
Logan County Health Department in the continuation or advancement of
its services or programs. The award recipients have collaborated
with or assisted with existing or new programs, projects or
services.
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The
Goodwill Award is a certificate that is presented to an individual,
organization or business. This year a certificate was presented to
Judy Horn, RN for her continued support of public health and the
mission of the Logan County Health Department.
|
The Partnership Award was presented to the Logan County state’s
attorney’s office and Lincoln Christian College for their
collaboration with Logan County Health Department on projects and
programs throughout the
past year.
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Announcements
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Domestic
abuse and violence prevention meeting
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[MAY
13, 2002] The
Domestic Abuse and Violence Task Force of Logan County will have its monthly meeting at the Logan County Health Department, 109
Third St., on Monday, May 20. The group will meet at 8 a.m. in
conference room B. The public is invited to attend.
For more
information, contact Debby Cook, DAV task force chairperson, at
(217) 735-2317.
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Toy-lending
library for children with disabilities
[MAY
7, 2002] Lekotek
is a toy-lending library provided by United Cerebral Palsy Land of
Lincoln for children with disabilities. UCP offers over 1,000 books,
games and adapted toys for children to use for learning during play.
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If
you are interested, the
Lekotek leader will meet with you at the Logan County Health Department
so that she can assess your child’s needs and offer educational
toys for your child to borrow for a month. At the end of the month,
the Lekotek leader will return to assess your child’s progress and
offer new adapted toys.
Lekotek
services will be available at the Logan County Health Department on
Friday, May 17, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
For
more information, you may also contact Carrie at UCP of Lincoln
Land, (217) 525-6522, Ext. 3308.
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Mobile
health unit schedule
The
Rural Health Partnership has announced the schedule for its mobile
health unit for 2002.
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Morning:
9-11 a.m. |
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Afternoon:
1-3:30 p.m. |
Monday |
1st and 3rd |
Hartsburg |
1st and 3rd |
Emden |
|
2nd and 4th |
San Jose |
2nd and 4th |
Greenview |
Tuesday |
Weekly |
Chestnut |
Weekly |
Mount Pulaski |
Wednesday |
Weekly |
New Holland |
Weekly |
Middletown |
Thursday |
1st and 3rd |
Elkhart |
Weekly |
Atlanta |
|
2nd and 4th |
Friendship
Manor-Lincoln |
|
|
Friday |
1st, 2nd,
4th |
Village Hall-Latham |
1st |
Beason |
|
|
|
2nd and 4th |
Broadwell |
|
3rd |
Maintenance/ special
events |
3rd |
Maintenance/
special events
|
The
mobile health unit does not operate on the following dates for
holidays
during 2002: Jan. 21 (Martin Luther King Jr. Day), Feb. 18 (Presidents’ Day),
March 29 (Good
Friday), May 27 (Memorial Day), July 4 (Independence Day), Sept. 2 (Labor Day), Oct.
14 (Columbus Day), Nov. 11 (Veterans Day), Nov. 28-29
(Thanksgiving break) and Dec. 24-25 (Christmas break).
For more
information on the mobile health unit schedule and services, contact
Dayle Eldredge at (217) 732-2161, Ext. 409.
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Community
resource list
This
family resource list to save and use is provided by the Healthy
Communities Partnership and the Healthy
Families Task Force, 732-2161, Ext. 409.
Agency |
Phone number |
Address |
Lincoln
agencies |
911 |
911 (emergency)
732-3911 (office -- non-emergency)
|
911 Pekin St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Abraham Lincoln
Memorial Hospital
|
732-2161
|
315 Eighth St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
American Red Cross
www.il-redcross.org |
732-2134 or
1 (800) 412-0100
|
125 S. Kickapoo
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Catholic Social
Services
www.cdop.org |
732-3771 |
310 S. Logan
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Lincoln/Logan County Chamber
of Commerce
www.lincolnillinois.com |
735-2385 |
303 S. Kickapoo St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Community Action (CIEDC) |
732-2159
|
1800 Fifth St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Crisis Pregnancy Center/
Living Alternatives |
735-4838 |
408 A Pulaski St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
DCFS (Department of
Children
& Family Services) |
735-4402 or
1 (800) 252-2873
(crisis hotline)
|
1120 Keokuk St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Heartland Community
College
- GED program |
735-1731 |
620 Broadway St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Housing Authority |
732-7776
|
1028 N. College St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Illinois Breast &
Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP)
www.logancountyhealth.org |
735-2317 or
1 (800) 269-4019
|
109 Third St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Illinois Employment and Training Center (replaces JTPA office) |
735-5441 |
120
S. McLean St., Suite B
Farm
Bureau Building
Lincoln,
IL 62656
|
Lincoln Area YMCA
|
735-3915 |
319 W. Kickapoo St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Lincoln/Logan Food
Pantry |
732-2204
|
P.O. Box 773
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Lincoln Parents’
Center |
735-4192 |
100 S. Maple
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Lincoln Park District |
732-8770 |
1400 Primm Rd.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Logan County Department
of Human Services (Public Aid)
www.state.il.us/agency/dhs |
735-2306 |
1500 Fourth St.
P.O.
Box 310
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Logan County Health
Department
www.logancountyhealth.org |
735-2317 |
109 Third St.
P.O. Box
508
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Logan-Mason Mental
Health |
735-2272 or
735-3600
(crisis line)
|
304 Eighth St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Logan-Mason
Rehabilitation Center |
735-1413 |
760 S. Postville Drive
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
The Oasis
(Senior Citizens
of Logan County) |
732-6132 |
501 Pulaski St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Project READ
|
735-1731 |
620 Broadway St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Salvation Army |
732-7890
|
1501 N. Kickapoo
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Senior Services of
Central Illinois |
732-6213 or
1 (800) 252-8966
(crisis line)
|
109 Third St.
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
U. of I. Extension
Service
www.ag.uiuc.edu |
732-8289 |
980 N. Postville Drive
Lincoln, IL 62656
|
Springfield
agencies |
Department of Aging
www.state.il.us/aging |
785-3356 |
421 E. Capitol, #100
Springfield, IL 62701-1789
|
American Cancer Society
www.cancer.org |
546-7586
(24 hour) |
1305 Wabash, Suite J
Springfield, IL 62704
|
Community Child Care
Connection
www.childcaresolutions.org |
(217) 525-2805 or
1 (800) 676-2805
|
1004 N. Milton Ave.
Springfield, IL 62702-4430
|
Hospice Care of
Illinois |
1 (800) 342-4862
(24 hour) or
732-2161, Ext. 444
|
720 N. Bond
Springfield, IL 62702
|
Illinois Department of
Public Health
www.idph.state.il.us |
(217) 782-4977
|
535 W. Jefferson
Springfield, IL 62761
|
Legal Assistance
Foundation |
(217) 753-3300 or
1 (800) 252-8629
|
730 E. Vine St., Suite
214
Springfield, IL 62703
|
Sojourn Shelter &
Services Inc.
|
732-8988 or
1 (866) HELP4DV
(24-hour hotline)
|
1800 Westchester Blvd.
Springfield, IL 62704
|
U. of I. Division of
Specialized Care for Children
www.uic.edu |
524-2000 or
1 (800) 946-8468
|
421 South Grand Ave.
West
Second Floor
Springfield, IL 62704
|
Logan County
libraries |
Atlanta Library |
(217) 648-2112 |
100 Race St.
Atlanta, IL 61723 |
Elkhart Library |
(217) 947-2313 |
121 E. Bohan
Elkhart, IL 62634 |
Lincoln Public Library
www.lincolnpubliclibrary.org |
732-8878 |
725 Pekin St.
Lincoln, IL 62656 |
Mount Pulaski Library |
792-5919
|
320 N. Washington
Mount Pulaski, IL 62548
|
|
(updated
2-15-02) |
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