400,000 people in the U.S. will experience STEMI this year, the most serious type of heart attack, according to the American Heart Association. OSF HealthCare, in collaboration with local EMS providers, is taking steps to better care for the heart attack patients through the LIFENET System.

LIFENET is a state-of-the-art system designed to connect EMS teams and hospital personnel so that a patient can receive treatment as quickly as possible. EMS crews in the field use a cardiac monitor/ defibrillator to obtain a 12-lead ECG which is then securely transmitted over the internet. LIFENET enables paramedics to alert hospital care teams and provide them with critical patient data so they can quickly identify STEMI patients, determine where to route them for care, and have staff prepared before the patient arrives, reducing time to treatment

STEMI (ST segment elevation myocardial infarction) poses a serious threat to the heart muscle and can result in death or serious disability for the patient. The more quickly patients receive treatment the more likely they are to have a positive outcome. It is important to keep the door to balloon (D2B) time – the interval from patient arrival at the hospital to inflation of the balloon catheter within the patient’s blocked artery – as short as possible.

“OSF hospitals have improved their ‘door to balloon time’ for heart attack patients significantly over the last few years. The greatest opportunity to further decrease this time is to reduce the time it takes for EMS to diagnose the patient and transfer them to the most appropriate level of care,” said Donald B. McElroy, MD and CEO of the Cardiovascular Service Line for OSF HealthCare. “LIFENET technology will directly reduce the ‘EMS to transfer to appropriate level of care’ time.”

OSF HealthCare is providing the LIFENET System to local communities through a major donation to regional hospitals and EMS providers, many of whom that otherwise may not have had the resources to fund it.
Heart attack patients throughout Illinois will benefit regardless of the hospital they are treated at.

Hospitals and EMS agencies receiving LIFENET Systems, including their OSF HealthCare hospital region, are:

OSF Saint Francis Medical Center, Peoria: (Hospitals) – Pekin Hospital, St. Margaret’s Health (Spring Valley), Illinois Valley Community Hospital (Peru), Graham Hospital (Canton). (EMS Agencies) – B.Y.E. Ambulance, Elmwood; East Peoria Fire Dept.; Eureka-Goodfield Fire Protection District; Morton Emergency Medical Services; Peoria Area EMS System; Peoria Heights Emergency Medical Services; Washington Fire Dept.; West Peoria Fire Dept.; Mendota Fire Dept.; Peru Volunteer Ambulance Service; 10/33 Ambulance Service (Spring Valley); and Utica Fire Protection District.

OSF St. Joseph Medical Center, Bloomington: (Hospitals) – Dr. John Warner Hospital (Clinton). (EMS Agencies) – Armington Fire & Rescue; Bloomington Fire Dept.; Bloomington Township Fire Protection District; Carlock Fire Protection District; Clinton Ambulance Service; Congerville Emergency Medical Transport; Dale Township Fire Protection District (Bloomington); Danvers Emergency; Downs Community FPD; El Paso Emergency Squad; Hopedale Rescue Squad; Hudson Fire Dept.; Leroy Emergency Ambulance; Lexington Ambulance Association; Mackinaw Rescue Squad; Minier Rescue Squad; Mt. Hope Funks Grove (McLean); Normal Fire Dept.; Putnam County Emergency Medical Services; and Towanda Community Fire Protection District.

OSF Saint James – John W. Albrecht Medical Center, Pontiac: Duffy-Baier-Snedecor Ambulance Service (Pontiac). The majority of EMS agencies in this region already have LIFENET technology.

OSF St. Anthony Medical Center, Rockford: (Hospitals) – Rochelle Community Hospital, Mendota Community Hospital. (EMS Agencies) – Capron Rescue Squad; Harlem-Roscoe Fire Protection District (Roscoe); Kirkland Fire Dept.; Leamons Ambulance Service, Inc. (Lena); OSF Lifeline Ambulance Service, LLC (Rockford); Rochelle Fire Dept.; Rockford Fire Dept.; and South Beloit Fire Dept.

OSF St. Mary Medical Center, Galesburg and OSF Holy Family Medical Center, Monmouth: The EMS agencies in the region already have LIFENET technology

public is invited to join the Peoria Public Library Board of Trustees at a 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, December 10 for a ribbon cutting ceremony as Peoria Public Library Lincoln Branch is opened after being restored and expanded.

A day of festivities is planned with short remarks by dignitaries, performances by Garry Moore and the Peoria Public Library storytellers and appearances by Curious George. Visitors may enter a drawing to win one of three Nooks or a stack of books. Entertainment and prizes are paid for through the generosity of the Friends of Peoria Public Library.

A 12,000 foot addition contains the majority of materials, new computers and reading spaces, a dedicated children’s storytime room, youth area, computer lab, and the new entrance to the library branch. The original Carnegie library, joined to the new addition by a glass passageway, has been returned to its opening day appearance and will offer reading spaces, two study rooms and a space for some books. A “green” wall frames the original building, separating it from the addition.

Lincoln Branch closed in late July so that the original building could be renovated while furnishings and materials were moved into the new addition. This will be the first time full library service has been available at Lincoln Branch as extended hours will be put in place and take effect immediately.

Lincoln Branch will be open on weekends year round and open until 8:00 p.m. several evenings a week, providing much needed service for the many groups and students who desired library service in the southern portion of Peoria. Hours are Monday, Tuesday and Thursday open 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. and closed on Wednesday; Open Friday and Saturday from 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. and Sunday from noon to 5:00. The branch is closed on Wednesday in order to be open evenings and weekends.

Visitors may apply for or renew library cards at the Grand Opening and check out materials. The branch will also feature the same amenities that have been installed at other library locations. Self-check offers speedy check out. Wifi throughout the building as well as tables with power outlets allow visitors to use their own devices to access the Internet and library databases.

Lincoln Branch is the third of the five building projects to be completed and opened in the $28 million Peoria Public Library building program. McClure Branch and Lakeview Branch are both still closed, with McClure Branch slated to open next.

Cold weather has arrived in Central Illinois and Peoria County Animal Protection Services (PCAPS) reminds pet owners that animals, particularly those outdoors, need special care during the winter months.

· Outdoor dogs need proper shelter consisting of a structure with four sides, a roof, a floor, and a door covering. The shelter should be small enough to retain the animal’s body heat and large enough for the animal to lie down comfortably.
· Provide a windbreak and use wood shavings or straw as bedding. Blankets, rugs, or towels retain moisture and freeze, which causes discomfort for the pet and does not make for good outdoor bedding.
· When the temperature dips below 10º bring your pet inside. Even though a dog or cat might survive temperatures that low, they will be extremely uncomfortable.
· Pets need fresh water available at all times – snow does not count. Give your pet more food because the extra calories help to keep it warm.
· Be careful of the salt used to melt snow because it can irritate your pet’s feet.
· Be alert to antifreeze spills. Antifreeze tastes sweet and attracts animals but is almost always deadly.

City, County, and State laws require owners provide proper care for their animals. Pet owners will be ticketed or have their animals impounded if they fail to provide proper food, water, shelter, or medical care. If you see an animal suffering in the cold weather, please call PCAPS immediately at 672-2440.

For more information, please call Lauren Malmberg, Peoria County Animal Protection Services Director, at (309) 672-2440.

A bipartisan pair of lawmakers argued for a six-year federal highway bill, saying an agreement between Democrats and Republicans was in reach.

Reps. Aaron Schock (R-Ill.) and John Carney (D-Del.) said in an interview on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” television show that it was time for Congress to move on transportation.

“We’re trying to find a way to pay for a payroll tax extension,” Schock said. “If we’re going to do that, why is it that when it comes to a five or six-year infrastructure bill, which is going to cost about $400 billion, we say we don’t have the money. If it’s a priority, we’ll find the money for it.”
Rep. Carney agreed.

“We can work together,” he said. “The challenge is going to be what are the pay-fors. Historically, these would be the kind of things that frankly you borrow for.”

The lawmakers were touting a letter calling for passage of the highway bill they said has garnered 110 signatures.

“All we need is 218,” to move forward with a bill, Schock said.

He made the case that a surface transportation bill, which traditionally funds highway and road projects using money generated by the federal gas tax, would be different than other stimulus efforts by the Obama administration.

Schock said only 8 percent of the $897 billion 2009 stimulus was spent on infrastructure.
“We paid for all sorts of things this year,” Schock said. “Where there’s a will, there’s a way.”

State Representative Ann M. Williams (D-11th District) will host her first LGBT Breakfast to bring together the Illinois LGBT community and discuss priorities for the 2012 legislative session

WHAT: The event will be a roundtable discussion to bring together the LGBT community in Illinois and gather input from community groups and citizens alike for the next legislative session. It will begin with a welcome by Representative Ann Williams, to be followed by a roundtable discussion with the LGBT groups and constituents in attendance. Approximately 40-50 participants are expected to attend.

WHO: Hosted by: Illinois State Representative Ann M. Williams (11th District)
In Attendance:Randy Hannig: Director of Public Policy for Equality Illinois
John Knight: Director of the Gay & Lesbian Right Project for ACLU
Jamal Edwards: Chief Executive Officer for Howard Brown Health Center
Jim Bennett: Midwest Regional Director for Lambda Legal
Ramone Gardenhire: Director of Government Relations, AIDS Foundation
Representatives from various LGBT-related community groups
Constituents from the Chicago area

WHEN: Monday, December 12, from 7:30 a.m. – 9:00 a.m.

WHERE: Wishbone Restaurant, 3300 N. Lincoln Ave, Chicago

ABOUT: Ann M. Williams is an Illinois state representative for the 11th District and is currently serving her first term. Her legislative accomplishments have included a cancer-treatment parity bill to increase access to oral chemotherapy and legislation to promote alternative energy sources. She is a Democrat and a strong supporter
of marriage equality, environmental protection, renewable energy and reproductive rights.

Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) awarded her “Good Neighbor” Business of the Month for November to Associated Bank. The bank was nominated for their efforts to promote The Center for Prevention of Abuse’s Annual Duck Race.

“All businesses are facing challenges right now. I believe that it is important to recognize the businesses that go the extra mile and give back to our community,” Gordon said. “The organizations that serve the neediest in our community would not be as strong without the continued support of businesses like Associated Bank.”

Associated Bank was nominated by The Center for Prevention of Abuse for the work they do promoting the center’s annual Duck Race. Each branch found unique ways to encourage their customers to support the event.

“Each year The Center for Prevention of Abuse has its largest fundraiser, The Duck Race. Associated Bank’s staff at each branch uses their imagination and creativity to celebrate Duck Days, offering customers duck cookies, duck dog biscuits, hot dogs, drinks, prizes, and even windshield washes to encourage customers to support the Duck Race to benefit The Center for Prevention of Abuse. Their staff also participates in volunteer work at The Center, working on the grounds and deep cleaning inside of the shelter,” explained nominator Carla Payne, Director of Development. “Associated Bank truly cares about their community, cares about people young and old, and believes in giving back. Kudos to Associated Bank for being a great neighbor!”

For more information about Gordon’s “Good Neighbor” Business of the Month Award, or to receive a nomination form, please contact Rep. Gordon’s constituent services office at 309-681-1992 or e-mail her at repjgordon@gmail.com. Nomination forms are also available at her website, www.housedem.state.il.us/members/gordonj or www.facebook.com/repjgordon.

State Rep. Jehan Gordon (D-Peoria) is encouraging area residents this holiday season to consult the 2011 Safe Shopping Guide that has been released Attorney General Lisa Madigan.

“During the busy holiday season parents and grandparents are always looking to get their loved ones the perfect holiday gift,” Gordon said. “Children want fun, popular Christmas presents, but parents first need to make sure that gift does not include any hazardous parts. When shopping for that perfect holiday gift, please take a moment to consult the Attorney General’s 2011 Safe Shopping Guide to make sure that everyone has an enjoyable and safe holiday season.”

This years Safe Shopping Guide highlights gift ideas that have been recalled due to safety concerns. Items include toys, cribs, strollers, and clothing. This year’s safety guide also includes notices about potentially dangers items such as button batteries, firepots and fuel gel that are found in many popular gifts.

“The holiday season is an exciting time of the year,” Gordon said. “If you have any questions about the safety of a product, I encourage you to check to make sure that they are safe for children to use. I wish everyone a fun and safe holiday season.”

A copy of the Attorney General’s report on safe shopping can be accessed at: http://www.illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/consumers/2011_Safe_Shopping_Guide.pdf.

For more information, or a copy of the safe shopping guide, please contact Rep. Gordon’s constituent services office at (309) 681-1992 or via e-mail at repjgordon@gmail.com.

The hill portion of Grandview Drive will be closed Wednesday, Thursday and Friday, December 7, 8, and 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. for tree removal and trimming. For more information, contact the Parks Division at 309.682.6684

The Salvation Army & U.S. Marine Corps Provide Toys To 1,000 Children

The Salvation Army, U.S. Marine Corps., and the Peoria Civic Center will hold its annual Share the Spirit Party tonight, December 6, from 5:30 to 7:00 p.m. Over 1,000 children will receive a toy collected through this year’s Toys for Tots campaign. New, unwrapped toys were collected by the local U.S. Marine Corp. during the months of November and December. The toys are then distributed at the Share the Spirit Party to children whose families applied for Christmas toy assistance through The Salvation Army. Clowns, inflatables from Fun on the Run, Ronald McDonald, and a visit from Santa and refreshments are also planned.

The Share the Spirit Party is a collaborative effort of the U.S. Marine Corp., The Salvation Army, and the Peoria Civic Center. Each year the Civic Center has donated the Exhibit Hall to host the party. Area businesses including Pizza Hut, the Willow Knolls Theatres and McDonalds donate the drinks, pizza and popcorn to this annual event.

The City of Peoria and Peoria County will host a joint legislative breakfast December 9, from 8:30 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. at Brewer’s Distributing, 2421 W. Townline Rd. , Peoria IL . City and County officials will meet to discuss their respective and joint legislative proposals with area legislators. State Senators Dave Koehler and Darin LaHood, and State Representatives David Leitch, Don Moffitt, and Mike Unes are expected to attend.

In addition to several other initiatives, the 2012 joint City/County state legislative initiatives include:
· Illinois fiscal concerns
· Personal Property Replacement Tax
· DCEO flexibility
· Enterprise Zone extension
· Code enforcement associated with heritage neighborhoods and economic development
· County-wide Election Commission

For more information on this legislative breakfast, call Peoria County Administration at (309) 672-6056 or City Hall at (309) 494-8554.