PEORIA – In an effort to serve those who are potentially impacted by COVID-19 and are recovering at home, OSF Healthcare is launching telehealth locations in Peoria and other locations throughout Illinois, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) announced Tuesday.

“By prioritizing the funding of telehealth services, we’re able to more easily serve areas of the state that have otherwise been overlooked,” Koehler said. “Simultaneously, this technology helps to prevent overcrowding in hospitals, allowing us to further reduce the spread of this virus within our communities. Thank you to the experts at OSF Health Care for their innovation and state officials for smoothly implementing this program. I urge residents to try to take advantage of this if they are able.”

According to OSF, this pandemic health worker approach safeguards hospitals from being overwhelmed with COVID-19 patients, limits the spread of contagion and protects access to quality healthcare for all.

The OSF PHW teams are serving East Central and North Central Illinois communities include Peoria/Bloomington, Champaign/Urbana, Evergreen Park, Danville, Galesburg, Kewanee, Monmouth, Ottawa, Mendota, Streator, Pontiac and Rockford. The OSF Hotline number is 833-673-5669 and is available now. More information can be found at www.osfhealthcare.org.

This collaboration was made possible through a partnership with the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and OSF HealthCare.

PEORIA – Because of the unforeseen circumstances brought on by the coronavirus outbreak, expiration dates for driver’s licenses and vehicle registration will be extended at least 30 days after Driver Services facilities reopen.

“It may not be practical for folks to renew licenses and registrations by the expiration date since these offices are currently closed. Thankfully, Secretary White acknowledged the obstacle Illinoisans face and took initiative to extend those expiration dates,” State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said. “I’m grateful Secretary White’s office is continuing to offer vital services during this public health crisis. Of course, I look forward to the day when these measures are no longer necessary.”

While Secretary of State Jesse White has closed all Driver Services facilities statewide through April 30 and extended all registrations, licenses, and ID renewals during the closure period, his office continues to offer many services through www.cyberdriveillinois.com.

Services available online include:

• Renewing a vehicle registration;
• Applying for a vehicle title and registration;
• Obtaining a duplicate driver’s license or ID card;
• Obtaining a driving record abstract;
• Renewing a standard driver’s license with the Safe Driver Renewal program.

There is currently no timetable for the reopening of offices and Driver Services facilities. Secretary White’s office will continue to rely on expert opinion to influence the decision making process.

Peoria – To alleviate some of the financial anxieties many families are facing in the midst of the coronavirus outbreak, the state tax filing deadline has been extended to July 15, a move State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) said will help take some financial and emotional pressure off Illinoisans.

“The decision by the governor to extend the Illinois state tax filing deadline is incredibly prudent,” Koehler said. “This will provide relief to workers who find themselves in uncharted territory as it pertains to their employment status and income. We have plenty of folks who are worried about where their next paycheck may be coming from. The last thing that needs to be on their mind at this moment is how they’re going to be paying their tax bill.”

Over the course of the past several weeks, Koehler has diligently worked to share vital information with constituents to help ease the burden that our communities are facing due to the coronavirus outbreak.

He encourages those with further questions to either contact his office via email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it., by calling (309) 677-0120, or visiting the Illinois Senate Democrats’ coronavirus resource hub at http://illinoissenatedemocrats.com/covid-19

PEORIA – Blood centers around the state are facing a decrease in blood donation appointments and cancellation of blood drives due to COVID-19. In response, State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) is encouraging those willing and able to donate blood.

“During this unprecedented moment, blood donation is more crucial than ever,” Koehler said. “We’re already facing a shortage due to the coronavirus outbreak, and we have to do our part so that those in need of a blood transfusion are taken care of.”

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center is closely monitoring the outbreak of COVID-19 and has emphasized that individuals are not at risk of contracting COVID-19 from donating blood. There is also no known risk to the safety of the nation’s current blood supply, only the adequacy of the supply at this time.

“Our ask right now is for people to make and keep appointments to help local patients and fight the blood shortage locally," said MVRBC Donor Relations Manager Jim Watts. “We are the sole provider of blood products to all Peoria area hospitals, and it’s of the utmost importance that we ensure that local patients are able to receive the blood products they need.”

Donor centers implemented a disaster plan and are strictly enforcing existing protocol to keep environments safe and healthy for workers and donors. Donor services staff are already required to change gloves between donors and offer hand sanitizer at each station. Additionally, they have expanded existing cleaning and health hygiene practices. Centers are encouraging donors to use the EarlyQ app on the day of donation to take the questionnaire about your health history at home.

The Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center advises those interested in donating not to give blood if they have been diagnosed with or are being tested for COVID-19, been within six feet of someone who has the virus or is being tested for the virus, or if you have a fever, cough, or shortness of breath.

Donor centers are following recommendations from local, state and federal health agencies to keep staff, volunteers, and donors safe. For questions or concerns, please contact the Mississippi Valley Regional Blood Center at 800-747-5401 or visit their website.