Erica Green: Candidate profile

Bio

Name: Erica Green

City: Carol Stream

Website: www.ericalgreen.com

Twitter: @EricaGreenX

Facebook: erica.green.9476

Party: Democrat

Office sought: DuPage County Board District 6

Age: 48

Family: I am a daughter, sister, friend and a mom

Occupation: Psychotherapist and drug counselor who does emergency room psych evals. International disaster relief coordinator.

Education:

-B. S. in Psychology with undeclared minor in photojournalism

-MA in Professional Counseling,

Focus on genetics: Smith-Magenis Syndrome

-MA in Clinical Psychology

Focus Health Psych and Trauma (International Torture survivors)

-MPH in Maternal & Child Health

Focus Art Community Mental Health & Occupational Hazards

-Ph. D. (completed 1st year) International Psychology and organizational mgt.

Focus disaster relief management

Civic involvement: Township Precinct Committeewoman and Delegate

Elected offices held: 2x elected VP of Health, United Nations Association

Questions & Answers

1. Why are you running for this office? Is there a particular issue that motivates you?

I am running for DuPage County Board District 6 because I am an experienced disaster relief coordinator and full-time health provider. Like many, I have seen the gaps in health delivery, especially when opioid related deaths and mass violence, for example, remain on the rise. There are definite limitations on what a provider can do. I think it takes local health policy and coordination on the community level to tackle some of the big challenges we face. I have researched and worked to minimize disease transmission in several cities around the world. With this in mind, I feel a sense of duty to act when the crisis is in DuPage, my hometown.

2. If you are an incumbent, describe two important initiatives you've led. If you're not an incumbent, describe two ways you would contribute to the board.

My contributions include a research-based perspective on disease tracking, mental health, addictions, and health promotion. I would also work with the emergency response committee on crisis prevention and intervention. I truly respect the tireless work our first responders and whether they are equipped to take on the changing dynamic of our society is a question.

3. Is there a specific service or amenity that is lacking in the county? If so, how do you propose to provide and fund it?

I can speak on other topics, but the opioid issue comes to mind because it is now one of the leading causes of death in our county Because it has reached an epidemic level, many organizations are accepting requests for proposals and offering many cost-effective resources. I have been certified by one of these organizations to offer free Narcan training to the community. There are many other ways to offer affordable health education, as well. I believe we can turn the course of the epidemic with a few more strategic phases.

4. With DuPage County's budget being squeezed by state funding cuts and other factors, what initiatives would you support to increase revenue and/or save money?

I would propose a review of current vendors and possible renegotiation of terms for renewed contracts. I would also encourage a multiple bid policy on new county contracts. To take advantage of our current tech hubs (Fermi and Navistar), I would propose a discount to students in the local colleges. I would also propose increased courses in renewable energy. Students who receive a degree in STEM and stay in the county to work or create jobs would also receive an incentive.

5. The county has been focused on consolidation of services and government agencies. How effective has that effort been and how could it be improved?

Yes, there is concern about the consolidation of the election commission. The issues on the primary are one thing, but foreign breaches and consolidation transition. Like any project, the process could be improved by a clear understanding of the intent and identify key people for the roles to be filled. A timeline for the different phases of the transition is needed, as well as time for outcome review measures. As an extra measure, because of known hacking, I would allow time for additional system integrity checks and balances.

6. What is the single most important issue facing your district and how should the county address it?

Besides the health issues noted above and being able to afford medications, I would say the idea of raising taxes is another important issue. Research suggests we as a county, we are long overdue for tax increases. However, this would be very trying to many seniors and those on fixed incomes. I help my aging parents with how to take advantage of senior discounts, but the steps can be arduous and not intuitive. I propose identifying seniors in need of life circumstances services by basic wellness questions performed at routine doctor appointments. Otherwise, expecting families to pay more would negatively affect their quality of life.

7. Please name one current leader who most inspires you.

I find that on some level wisdom/inspiration can be gained from everyone. It's just a matter of being open to the lesson and willingness to act on it.

8. What is the biggest lesson you learned at home growing up?

Be yourself.

9. If life gave you one do-over, what would you spend it on?

I try to live without grudges/ regrets. For me ... living in the past limits future accomplishments.

10. What was your favorite subject in school and how did it help you in later life?

My favorite subject was biology and my degrees are science-related, mostly psychology. Both involve understanding the flow of nature. I use it all the time at work to understand behavior trends and find appropriate interventions.

11. If you could give your children only one piece of advice, what would it be?

Be courageous and surround yourself with positive people.