State Representative Tony McCombie (IL-71st) and 39 other members of the House Republican Caucus sent a letter to Governor Pritzker urging him to consider the devastating effects that ongoing social isolation is having on the mental and long-term health of individuals and families.
“We cannot forget the emotional, mental health, and physical toll this public health crisis having beyond the virus, itself,” said Rep. McCombie. “self-isolation often creates dangerous health outcomes for vulnerable individuals and the numbers prove it. We have increased numbers of suicide, substance abuse, domestic violence, and much more. These societal effects are deadly to Illinoisans as well, and these outcomes must be deterred.”
Throughout this pandemic, Rep. McCombie has been encouraging Stateline neighbors to look out for and support each other, she has corralled and dispatched local resources, created a COVID-19 website to inform the public, donated blood, as well as donating meals to public health officials and first responders. She has also urged for a thoughtful approach to the economic recovery which must now follow the Governor’s extended Stay at Home Orders.
The growth of the overall human toll linked to COVID-19 and its response can no longer be ignored,” the letter reads. “We must ensure our path forward finally takes a holistic approach to save not only the lives of those infected by the virus, but also the lives of those affected by the government’s response.”
McCombie has been calling on the Illinois House to reconvene for weeks, to work with the Governor on emergency decisions and a proper plan to best reopen the state. On Wednesday, legislators will finally convene for a special session.
The letter co-signed by Rep. McCombie can be found at Rep. McCombie’s website at repmccombie.com/human-toll-letter/