SPRINGFIELD – To provide people more accessibility to take care of their sexual health, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) is leading a measure to allow pharmacists to provide HIV tests and preventative medications to help reduce new HIV infections.

Simmons’ measure would allow pharmacists to dispense and administer drugs, order laboratory tests, and consult individuals related to HIV pre-exposure drugs (PrEP) and post-exposure drugs (PEP). Pharmacists would first have to complete an educational training course on the administration of tests and medications prior to being permitted to assist patients. 

“We are working to cut down on wait times and eliminate a well-documented systemic barrier to health care for people to get the potentially life-saving medication they need,” Simmons said. Doing so will especially help reduce new HIV infections among cisgender Black women, LGBTQ+ people, Latinos, and those who lack health insurance.”

Under current law, pharmacists in Illinois are not permitted to consult or assess individuals on HIV infections. Pharmacists are also not permitted to administer or dispense preventative medications without a prescription from a health care provider.

“Far too many people in Illinois lack regular access to a doctor,” Simmons said. “Increasing access to PrEP and PEP medication through community-based pharmacies will save lives.”

If passed, this bill may help reduce new HIV cases by up to 90% by 2030. Biomedical solutions PrEP and PEP medications are up to 99% effective in preventing HIV when taken as prescribed, according to the AIDS Foundation of Chicago.

House Bill 4430 passed the Senate Executive Committee and awaits further consideration.

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State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) issued the following statement on the death of transgender rights advocate Elise Malary:

I want to thank every single person in our 7th district community who stepped up this week to help search for our neighbor, friend, and activist Elise Malary; who had been missing for a week.

I am devastated to learn that it’s been confirmed by the Evanston Police Department that Elise was located and is no longer alive and with us. This is a grievous outcome as so many of you responded to the call. Together, we amplified news of Elise’s disappearance and refused to let another Black, transgender woman be reported missing, and soon after, forgotten.

I want to extend my deepest sympathy and condolences to Elise’s family and those in our district who got to know and love her. Our community has lost a beautiful person who clearly left a positive legacy in our community and touched many lives. Her legacy will forever influence each of us who knew her and the broader LGBTQ+ community.

A community vigil will be held this evening, Sunday, March 20 at 6:30pm at Clark and Farragut in Chicago in the Andersonville neighborhood. 

CHICAGO – State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) welcomed Governor JB Pritzker to the 7th district last week where they toured Good to Go, a restaurant in Evanston specializing in Jamaican cuisine.

“It was an honor showing Governor Pritzker one of the best restaurants in my community,” Simmons said. “We are proud to have one of the most diverse communities in Illinois and in the nation, where people from all around the world can prosper and share their rich culture through food and conversation. I am especially proud and appreciative that Governor Pritzker takes the time to visit and show genuine appreciation for all that these small businesses add to our community.”

Good to Go is owned by Tony and Lenice Levy. Lenice Levy recently received the businessperson of the year award from the Evanston Chamber of Commerce in February.

“As the first Black senator for the 7th District, I am especially proud of how many Black-owned small businesses we have across the district, and am especially proud that many are owned by Black women. I will continue to use my platform to lift up these small businesses and the remarkable entrepreneurs who run them.”

SPRINGFIELD - In an effort to support seniors and provide them with greater access to the resources they rely on, State Senator Mike Simmons (D-Chicago) initiated a measure that will create the Senior Housing Residents' Advisory Council.

“Our seniors have been through a lot the past couple of years,” said Simmons. We owe them a dignified and comfortable living, and this measure will bring together seniors from across Illinois to lift up some of these common systemic issues that they deal with so we can find improvements in how we deliver services to seniors, how we outreach to seniors, and how we make our state more livable for the seniors who have done so much for us.”

Senate Bill 702 would create the Senior Housing Residents' Advisory Council to evaluate available resources, services, and state outreach for seniors and review the impact of COVID-19 on senior living arrangements. The council will meet quarterly and comprised of a bi-partisan appointees including two seniors who reside in affordable senior housing developments, and two seniors who reside in assisted living facilities.

The measure originated from a people’s legislative council that Simmons held with a group of seniors in 2021.

“This bill will send a message to our seniors that they are loved and their mental and emotional health matter,” said Simmons. “I feel it is critical that my legislative work this spring addresses their concerns about how to keep them safe while also address vital issues in their community like isolation and access to essential services.”

Senate Bill 702 passed the Senate and moves to the House for further consideration.