CHICAGO – The Illinois Legislative Black Caucus held a joint hearing Friday to discuss the need for cultural competency among professionals in the health care industry, where State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) advocated for increased implicit bias training and anti-racist practices to ensure equity for patients of color.

“Structural racism must be examined in every facet of the health care system,” Hunter said. “It’s crucial that Black and Brown patients have access to health professionals that look like them, or at the very least, understand their circumstances. We need more diversity in the industry, with professionals who understand the inequities Black and Brown patients face, especially in terms of maternal mortality.”

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CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity awarded business assistance grants last week, and State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) is hopeful this will help local businesses in need of a financial boost.

“It breaks my heart that business owners are still fighting this virus, physically and economically,” Hunter said. “I hope these grants provide some sort of relief. I will continue to advocate for financial support programs for businesses for as long as they are in need.”

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CHICAGO – The Senate Labor, Executive, and Commerce and Economic Committees held a joint hearing on diversity in labor unions Thursday, where State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) advocated for more diversity in labor unions and new strategies for capacity building.

“Women and people of color deserve the same trade and employment opportunities as everybody else,” Hunter said. “Labor unions need to be more intentional with their recruitment and training strategies. Looking at these issues through an equitable lens will not only level the playing field, but increase the success of business in the long haul.”

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CHICAGO – Monday, the Senate Human Services and Public Health Committees held a joint hearing on behavioral health issues and disparities in Illinois, where State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) advocated for more Black and Brown behavioral health professionals, as well as increased options for treatment in communities of color.

“Not only do Black Illinoisans have less access to behavioral health centers, they are less likely to have insurance and more likely to deal with doctors who don’t look like them,” Hunter said. “Many of these medical professionals have implicit biases and need to be trained on cultural competency.”

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