Bridgeway is working to end the stigma of living with a mental illness. To that end, Bridgeway's Recovery Oriented System of Care program held its first Anti-Stigma campaign event on Saturday. Held in Standish Park, Bridgeway hosted a range of speakers and resources to encourage community members to seek mental health treatment when needed and to end the stigma against those that suffer from mental health issues. Among those speaking was Sue Tisdale, an advocate for Narcan training after her son died of an overdose. There was also Hank Boehme who shared his story of surviving childhood trauma and a stint in the Army that triggered substance abuse. Galesburg Mayor Peter Schwartzman also made remarks on the importance of Bridgeway's ROSC program for the community. There was a large host of community organizations and service agencies on tap to provide resources. Some of those included Family Planning, Narcotics Anonymous, ROE 33, PLFAG, and Jolt Harm Reduction. But there was al
Tim Shelley / Peoria Public Radio
Overall demand for COVID-19 vaccinations is strong in the Peoria area and statewide. But that high demand can mask a hesitancy among some groups to roll up their sleeves and get the shot. This is especially true among Black and Latinx communities.
It s an issue local public health officials are addressing on multiple levels in the quest for herd immunity through widespread vaccination.
More than 19,000 people have received at least one dose of the COVID-19 vaccine in the Tri-County area since December. That s included frontline healthcare workers and long-term care residents, so far.
There hasn t been a major lack of demand as of yet. But upon drilling down, enthusiasm is far lower among some communities.