CHAMPAIGN, IL (Chambana Today)— With a call to “Walk As One,” the Champaign Community Coalition gathered for its September meeting, centering discussion on juvenile justice, community safety, youth well-being, and urgent public health concerns. Led by Tracy Parsons, Community Relations Manager & Compliance Officer with the City of Champaign, the meeting brought together law enforcement, public health professionals, educators, and local advocates to address pressing challenges — and opportunities for healing and collaboration.
The meeting opened with updates from key local law enforcement leaders. Champaign County Sheriff Dustin Heuermann issued a timely reminder about school zone speed limits and traffic safety as students return to classrooms. “We’ve seen a tragic increase in fatalities this year — many due to failure to wear seat belts,” Heuermann reported. “This isn’t just a Champaign-Urbana issue. It’s county-wide.”
University of Illinois Police Lt. Jason Bradley echoed safety concerns, emphasizing patience and awareness: “We’ve welcomed 9,000 new freshmen and 2,000 upperclassmen back to university housing. Please be patient while they figure their way.”
Greg Manzana, Deputy Chief with the Champaign Police Department, highlighted the upcoming Community Police Academy, launching September 10. Open to adults 18 and over, the academy offers hands-on experience with K-9 units, bomb squads, SWAT teams, crime scene investigation, and more. Sessions will also include insights from the State’s Attorney’s Office and Public Defenders.
Law enforcement also warned residents of an ongoing car theft ring targeting Kia and Hyundai vehicles, urging continued vigilance.
Organ Donation Story Brings Silence and Reflection
Rose Grimm, Outreach Specialist with Gift of Hope Organ and Tissue Donor Network, introduced a powerful moment of reflection by inviting a kidney recipient to share his story. The man recounted how a 6-year-old girl — who tragically died on a playground — was a perfect donor match. Her gift saved his life.
Jim McFarland, also representing Gift of Hope, shared sobering statistics: 4,000 Illinois residents are currently waiting for organs, with minority communities disproportionately affected. He urged attendees to talk with family about organ donation. “Let your people know your wishes,” he said.
Community Health, School Attendance, and Public Engagement
Representatives from Promise Healthcare discussed the organization’s four local clinics, each offering primary care and partnering closely with the Champaign-Urbana Public Health District to meet community health needs.
James Harden, Champaign Unit 4 School’s Executive Director of School Improvement and Engagement, delivered a strong message on school attendance: “Missing 10 days classifies a student as chronically absent. In Champaign, there are about 10,000 students — and 1,000 of them aren’t in school regularly. That’s 10%, and it’s unacceptable.”
Harden emphasized the importance of community engagement in keeping students connected to their education.
Information Exchange: Upcoming Events and Initiatives
The meeting also served as a hub for community resource sharing, including:
- FACES (Family and Community Engaged STEAMM) – promoting family involvement in science and technology education.
- Black Mental Health and Wellness Conference – addressing racial disparities in access and stigma.
- Rosecrance – International Overdose Awareness Month – highlighting recovery services and overdose prevention.
As the meeting closed, Parsons emphasized unity and action: “This coalition is about walking together — not just talking together. We move forward by lifting each other up.”
