Letters to the Editor
Peyton Bernot – Letter to the Editor
I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who participated/voted/ran in the 2011 school board race. It was a very interesting race with all the candidates vying for a seat on the Gillespie CUSD #7 School Board. Over these past 4 months I have learned a lot about myself, the school district, the residents, the parents, and the taxpayers that live within the community. For the duration of 10 weeks I walked and knocked on people’s doors in Gillespie, Benld, Mt. Clare, Sawyerville, Eagarville, East Gillespie, Hornsby, Wilsonville, and Dorchester to get a feel of the resident’s major concerns about the school board and school district and also to introduce myself. I have heard your concerns and I plan to act on them accordingly. This will be a long process for all of us. Change does not happen overnight and there are 6 other members on the school board that I will be working with. Moreover, I am deeply honored for the public electing me to represent you, the taxpayer, resident, and/ or parent on the community’s school board and the Benld City Council.
I look forward to working with the other members of the school board. I anticipate disagreements on many items but the disagreements will be on a professional level. As the first 18 year old to be elected to the school board in this community while still in high school, this will be a learning process for all of us. I will ask the tough questions and I will state my principles in a courteous and professional manner. I will work tirelessly to improve the quality of education in all three of our schools. I will advocate fiscal responsibility, and hold high accountability to the administrators in this district. First and foremost we all must work together, no matter what, to construct the new elementary school in Gillespie. In order for the students of this district to reach the goals we set for them, the community and the school board members must all work together as a collective group, even if some disagree on certain issues.
Finally, I would like to thank the residents of Benld in Ward 3 for electing me to honorably serve them on the Benld City Council. I know the City of Benld has its problems but I will look into every grant obtainable by the city for us to utilize the money on sidewalks, infrastructure, water lines, etc. With the Build Benld Committee we will accomplish many goals. I am also very enthused to be working with Mayor Jeff Hendricks, and the other Alderman serving on the council. The council and mayor must all work together to accomplish things that will benefit our town, community, and the residents within it.
But please do not ever hesitate to call me to give me constructive criticism, or ask any questions whatsoever. I want to keep in touch with everyone who has a concern. My cell phone number is 217-825-9340.
Thank you so very much,
Peyton Bernot
Comments
Dear Editor,
Domestic Violence within Macoupin County is prevalent. It is destructive and can be both physical and psychological. It can affect anyone of any age, gender, race, or sexual orientation. It may include behaviors meant to scare, physically harm, or control a partner. While every relationship is different – domestic violence generally involves an unequal power dynamic in which one partner tries to assert control over the other in a variety of ways. The following statistics are all according to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence.
We can see domestic violence inside the home: through the use and control of household pets. In one study, 85% of survivors who experienced co-occurring animal abuse reported that the behavior of their pets had changed. An even higher percentage of survivors who reported partners had harmed or killed their pet, have also reported their partner for domestic violence. We can also see an increase usage of firearms within the intimate partner violence home. A survey of contacts by the National Domestic Violence Hotline found (of those with access to firearms):
- 10% said their abusers had fired a gun during an argument.
- 67% believed their abusers were capable of killing them.
We can see domestic violence inside our schools: as partner violence is not exclusive to the home. There are many instances of violence between dating partners that begin in high school. Nearly 1.5 million high school students in the United States are physically abused by dating partners every year. Within those relationships, 13.4% of male high school students report being physically or sexually abused by a dating partner.
We can see domestic violence inside our community: Macoupin County provides a specific set of needs for those victims and survivors of domestic violence. There are several complex concerns within a violent relationship that come to light once action has been taken. Safe Families sees a few main re-occurring concerns within the county:
- Survivors have fewer financial resources, making them more financially dependent on an abusive partner.
- The lack of rental units or other affordable housing options makes it more difficult for survivors to leave spouses or co-habiting abusers.
The Macoupin County Safe Families program provides support for residents as they journey the emotional endeavors to leave behind domestic violence. As a contributor to that experience, we will be hosting a Domestic Violence Awareness Walk on October 7th on the Carlinville Square. An event shirt will be included with a ticket sale. The online tickets will close 09/29 at 5pm. Tickets will be sold at 9am day-of event at the Safe Families booth. More information about the Awareness Walk can be found on our website at mcphd@mcphd.net. We urge Macoupin County residents to join us and rally against domestic violence together.
Juliet Wooldridge and Lilly Booth
Domestic Violence Advocate Coordinators
Community Health Worker
Macoupin County Safe Families
Comments
Dear Editor,
Community Health Centers are the backbone of our nation’s primary health care system. We design innovative, integrated primary care based on what services communities need most — ensuring access to affordable, quality healthcare for over 30 million people. In addition to creating jobs and saving lives, collectively we save American taxpayers $24 billion a year in health care costs by preventing and managing chronic diseases.
Community Health Centers are not ordinary medical clinics; we are also problem-solvers who reach beyond the exam room to care for the whole person by providing access to necessities like food, transportation, and housing. Community Health Centers care for everyone, regardless of insurance status. Nationwide during hurricanes, floods, and fires, and locally during the pandemic, Community Health Centers are first on the scene and are vital to keeping America healthy.
The 2023 theme of National Health Center Week is ‘The Roadmap to a Stronger America.’ Community Health Centers serve as the beacon of strength, service, and care in their communities. In moments of pain and loss, we offer support and love. In moments of triumph, we offer hope and a vision for the future. This year’s National Health Center Week theme takes us on a virtual road trip across America, highlighting the achievements and amazing work being done at Community Health Centers in every state and territory. Celebrate the uniqueness of our community and get to know others as we journey across the U.S. together!
Each day of National Health Center Week is dedicated to a particular focus area. We will be working with community partners to recognize and celebrate each of the following focus groups in our community.
- Sunday, 8/6: Public Health in Housing Day
- Monday, 8/7: Healthcare for the Homeless Day
- Tuesday, 8/8: Agricultural Worker Health Day
- Wednesday, 8/9: Patient Appreciation Day
- Thursday, 8/10: Stakeholder Appreciation Day
- Friday, 8/11: Health Center Staff Appreciation Day
- Saturday, 8/12: Children’s Health Day
As part of National Health Center Week 2023, we invite you to support Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc. to celebrate our mission and accomplishments.
Christy Blank
CEO/Public Health Administrator
Macoupin Community Health Centers, Inc.
Macoupin County Public Health Department
Comments
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