March 18, 1997

SPRINGFIELD, IL — Illinois taxpayers have the opportunity again this year to contribute to special research funds for Alzheimer's disease and breast and cervical cancer by simply filling in the amount of their donation on their 1996 Illinois income tax returns.

"In the past, Illinoisans have shown their generosity to these worthy causes, Alzheimer's disease for 11 years and breast and cervical cancer for three years, " said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "Every dollar received moves us closer to finding a more effective way of dealing with these diseases."

Donations to the Alzheimer's Disease Research Fund support research to find more effective ways to diagnose and treat this debilitating disease, which afflicts about 200,000 people in Illinois. Since the fund first appeared on the 1985 state tax forms, $1.4 million has been donated to help fund 74 Illinois research projects.

Money contributed to the Breast and Cervical Cancer Research Fund is used for research that focuses on techniques for early detection, prevention and treatment. Breast cancer is diagnosed in about 8,700 Illinois women annually and claims the lives of 2,200 women a year. Nearly 700 women in Illinois learn they have cervical cancer each year and about 450 die annually with the disease. Since 1993, when the fund first appeared on tax forms, nearly $400,000 has been contributed to help fund 21 research projects at Illinois universities.

Taxpayers can donate $1 or more to the Alzheimer's disease fund (line 15c of their 1996 IL-1040 state income tax return, or line 7c on the IL-1040-EZ form) or the breast and cervical cancer fund (line 15e on the IL-1040 form, or line 7e on the IL-1040-EZ form). The amount pledged will either decrease the amount of a refund or increase the amount due. All donations are tax deductible.

A fund must generate a minimum of $100,000 each year in order to appear on the next year's tax form.

Direct contributions also may be made to either of the Department's funds by sending a check, payable to the Illinois Department of Public Health, to P.O. Box 4263, Springfield, IL 62708. Clearly mark the designated fund on the check.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments