Mary Beatty, President of Women in Government, Marian Harkin, Irish member of the European Union and Rep. Bellock.

On January 26th Representative Bellock was the keynote speaker at a Cervical Cancer Summit in Brussels. She addressed the European Parliament as part of the “Women in Government” partnership with the European Cervical Cancer’s (ECCA) Pearl of Wisdom Campaign.

January is Cervical Cancer Awareness Month. Rep. Bellock has joined the fight by speaking in support of increased access to the most advanced screening and preventive technologies available, particularly targeting the prevention and awareness of HPV and cervical cancer for underserved women.

It has been proven that rates of cervical cancer can be significantly reduced by focusing on prevention through HPV vaccinations and regular screenings, including the Pap test and follow-up with a doctor if test results are abnormal.

I would deeply like to thank everyone for helping those struck by the disaster in Haiti. Our office received an overwhelming response to the Red Cross’s request for aid. It is very difficult to see the mass devastation in the news, but I very proud to see the wonderful outpouring of support America has shown to this underdeveloped nation that lie in ruins. I thank you all so very much for the donations.

If you still wish to donate to the Red Cross to assist in disaster relief there are several ways to do so.

To Donate By Credit Card:

Go Online to http://www.icrc.org/Web/eng/siteeng0.nsf/htmlall/helpicrc

www.redcross.org or www.chicagoredcross.org

By phone by calling 312-729-6120

Or you can mail a check to American Red Cross of Greater Chicago

75 Remittance Drive Suite 1907 Chicago, Il 60575 Memo: Haiti Relief Fund

You can also text Haiti to 90999 to donate $10 to Red Cross efforts in Haiti. The amount will be added to your phone bills.  This program is backed by the U.S. State Department.

Thank you very much for your assistance in aiding Haiti during this horrible disaster.

Sincerely,

State Rep. Patti Bellock



Rep. Bellock announces new protection for mental health care funding
Westmont, IL—Governor Pat Quinn signed into law legislation regarding mental health care funding co-sponsored by State Rep. Patti Bellock (R-Hinsdale). The legislation prevents potential fund sweeps from hurting mental health care facilities and services.

“With many social service agencies on the brink of shutting their doors, this is a small step in helping to prevent a complete lapse in mental health services,” stated Bellock. “Everyone’s trying to get their hands on a dwindling amount of resources; however, we can’t loose site of those who need it most,” she added.

Currently the law allows 50 percent of federal funding given to the state to be swept into the general revenue fund and be used for anything. The legislation requires all of the funding given by the federal government to remain in the Community Mental Health Medicaid Trust Fund, commonly referred to as the 718 Fund.

“This legislation ensures that 100 percent of the federal funding that has been allocated for metal health care will be used for that explicit purpose,” she added.

USO and AT&T Help Troops Stay Connected to Home on Thanksgiving Day and throughout the Holiday Season
WHAT: On Thanksgiving, 100 Naval Recruits will receive warm “home away from home” care when they’re served a Thanksgiving feast at the Museum of Science and Industry by the USO of Illinois and given the opportunity to call home with prepaid phone cards, donated by AT&T Illinois. After enjoying a Thanksgiving feast served by USO volunteers, service members will be able to call home to family members from a phone bank using the AT&T calling cards. Recruits will then tour the Museum, with a special visit to the U505 exhibit.
“AT&T recognizes and honors the tremendous sacrifice these brave men and women make in serving our country as well as the sacrifice their families make as they are separated from those they love, especially during the holidays,” said Paul La Schiazza, President, AT&T Illinois. “This Thanksgiving, our company’s donation of phone cards to the USO of Illinois will help U.S. military families connect to their loved ones across the country or across the world. On behalf of our 20,000 employees in Illinois, we give thanks for these soldiers and their families for their bravery and sacrifice.”
Joined by Oscar-nominated actor and USO of Illinois Goodwill Ambassador, Gary Sinise, AT&T Illinois made the donation of 500 prepaid phone cards at the 2009 USO of Illinois Gala in the name of U.S. military families – both military in active duty and family members with loved ones serving our country. The cards will be used on Thanksgiving day and throughout the holiday season and even sent overseas, as the USO distributes them to troops in need stateside, and stuffs them into USO Sweet Home Chicago Holiday Care Packages bound for troops serving overseas during the holidays.
“This is just another example of the amazing partnership that the USO of Illinois has with AT&T. For over 7 years, AT&T has donated prepaid calling cards to the USO and it’s just another way they help the USO bring a touch of home to those who serve our country,” said Tony Enrietto, President & COO, USO of Illinois.
WHEN: Thursday, November 26, 2009 – 11:30am – 1:30pm
WHERE: Museum of Science & Industry, 57th Street and Lakeshore Drive, Chicago
The USO of Illinois touches the lives of over 250,000 active duty military and their families, with programs and services that promote morale and welfare and provide recreational opportunities. The USO of Illinois is powered over 300 volunteers giving almost 20,000 hours of service and is a civilian, non-profit organization serving the needs of the military community since 1941 through the generosity of the American People.
For more than 87 years, AT&T has remained dedicated to supporting active military personnel, their families and veterans through charitable contributions, sponsorships, the hiring of military veterans and maintaining policies that support reservists who are called to duty.