SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — A new bill in Springfield could create an end-of-life care peer support program within the Illinois Department of Corrections.

Sponsors and advocates said peer-to-peer hospice programs can provide an opportunity for penance for past offenses through service to others and healthy coping mechanisms for feelings of loss and grief.

"This bill ensures access to basic comfort measures, things like blankets, music, books and increased opportunities for human connection and connection with loved ones within those same security parameters," said Rep. Nicolle Grasse (D-Arlington Heights).

A limited number of Illinois prisons have already started peer-to-peer programs, but the services are not available for incarcerated women.

"Right now, a terminally ill person in IDOC isn’t receiving any form of true end-of-life care," said Yosef Moore, diversion and reentry policy analyst for Access Living. "No one is attending to their mental, emotional, or spiritual needs. Instead, a human being is left to die alone." 

This plan passed out of the House Judiciary Criminal Committee on a partisan 10-5 vote. House Bill 4434 now moves to the House floor for further consideration.

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