URBANA – Evoking the civil rights spirit of the 1960s, disability advocates will embark on a "freedom ride" Sunday to push for an end to institutionalization of those with disabilities.

About 30 people with disabilities, senior citizens and their families will make the 700-mile trek around the state, ending Thursday in Springfield, to drum up support for the Community First Act. The legislation would compel the state to spend its money on support services allowing the disabled to live in their communities, rather than institutions or large group homes.

There were, by far, more suicides in Champaign County last year than in the past decade, and about a third involved young adults.

Champaign County Coroner Duane Northrup said 31 deaths were ruled suicides at inquests in 2004. That’s up from 18 suicides in 2003, which is also the average number for the past 10 years, he said.

SPRINGFIELD – Mental health providers, patients and their families are fighting a state decision to restrict access to two anti-psychotic medications.

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services has said that after Oct. 17, Medicaid patients would no longer be able to get new prescriptions for Zyprexa and Seroquel without prior authorization from the state.

CHAMPAIGN – With her 65th birthday coming up in December, Janice Wilson of rural Atwood says she’s been deluged by mail and phone solicitors selling Medicare supplement insurance plans.

“Every time the phone rings, you think, oh no, not another one,” she says.

You want to talk marketing blitz?