A MESSAGE FROM ILLINOIS FIRST LADY PATRICIA BLAGOJEVICH
Welcome to First Lady Patricia Blagojevich’s website. Here you will find links that will
take you to information on different projects and initiatives that the First Lady has undertaken
since her husband became Governor in January 2003. First Lady Blagojevich is committed to spreading
the Governor’s message through her involvement with issues that directly affect the well-being of
Illinois’ citizens. Whether you are looking to learn more about Pediatric Vision Awareness, or to
find out more about the State Beautification Initiative, or to become involved in fight against breast
cancer, this website can help you find what you’re looking for. Please take some time to browse
through this website and familiarize yourself with the First Lady and her goals for improving our
Great State.
“Please join with me in working to educate and improve the lives of parents and children in Illinois.
After all, our children are our future and the future is in our hands.”
News
12/01/08 - First Lady Patricia Blagojevich announces December selection for Children’s Reading Club as How the Grinch Stole Christmas First Lady Patricia Blagojevich today announced December’s selection for her Children’s Reading Club – How the Grinch Stole Christmas by Dr. Seuss. 11/24/08 - Governor and First Lady Blagojevich Launch Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe Campaign to Provide Winter Items for Needy Children Annual drive to begin at Christmas tree-lighting ceremony, featuring performance by the Goodman Theatre CHICAGO – In an effort to help children this holiday season, Governor Rod R. and First Lady Patricia Blagojevich today launched the annual Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe giving campaign with the lighting of the Christmas tree at the James R. Thompson Center. The Keep Our Kids Warm and Safe drive is an effort to collect winter clothing, car seats and food for children in need. Governor Blagojevich and the First Lady were joined by Illinois Department of Health and Family Services Director Barry Maram, Illinois Department of Central Management Services Director James P. Sledge, and Greater Chicago Food Depository Agency Programs and Services Director Angel Laluz.
Food Allergy Awareness Campaign
To kick off Food Allergy Awareness Week, First Lady Patricia Blagojevich will launch "Ask Before You Eat," a statewide education campaign designed to prevent unintentional and potentially-life threatening harm to children with food allergies. This sweeping initiative will promote public awareness through a new brochure, promotional wristbands for children and adults, posters, print and web-based advertisements. Awareness efforts will also target child care centers, community learning centers, park districts, summer camps and after-school programs. Nationwide, some 3 million children suffer from food allergies, including 1 out of 17 children less than 3 years of age. Food allergy reactions in children can range from mild symptoms like skin irritations to anaphylaxis, a sudden and severe response that can end in death. Click here to learn more about food allergies
Child Abuse Prevention Month
First Lady Patricia Blagojevich today applauded the collaboration of state and community-based initiatives as the key to supporting families and preventing child abuse, as Governor Rod R. Blagojevich proclaimed April as Child Abuse Prevention Month in Illinois. In partnership with Prevent Child Abuse Illinois, over 100 events throughout April will call attention to effective prevention efforts in communities across the state. To learn more, visit the Prevent Child Abuse Illinois website at www.PreventChildAbuseIllinois.org.
Reading Club
Book of the Month – How the Grinch Stole Christmas
The Grinch, whose heart is two sizes too small, hates Who-ville's holiday celebrations, and plans to steal all the presents to prevent Christmas from coming