SPRINGFIELD — State Senator Mattie Hunter has been appointed co-chair of the state’s Medicaid Managed Care Oversight Commission to ensure Medicaid beneficiaries receive high-quality and affordable care.

“Medicaid is a vital lifeline for many Illinoisans that provides access to essential health care services,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This commission will play a critical role in addressing systemic challenges, upholding the integrity of the program and promoting equitable health care access for all Medicaid beneficiaries.”

With Hunter’s leadership, the Medicaid Managed Care Oversight Commission was established through the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus’ Health and Human Services Pillar in 2021.

The commission is tasked with evaluating the effectiveness of the state’s Medicaid program including reviewing health outcome data and diversity contracting goals, expanding care coordination with a focus on social determinants of health, and assessing culturally competent services. The panel will submit an annual report of its findings and recommendations to the General Assembly.

Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force members (L-R): Dr. Kalyani Perumal, Dr. Niva Lubin-Johnson, State Senator Mattie Hunter, Jackie Burgess-Bishop, Marion Shuck and Elizabeth Lively.

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter, co-chair of the Illinois Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force, spoke at a town hall Tuesday to share the task force’s progress and findings related to the prevention, detection and treatment of kidney disease.

“Kidney disease is largely preventable, yet it remains a leading cause of death in the United States,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “It is important to ramp up public awareness efforts surrounding risk factors, early detection, living donations and more to help end this health crisis.”

The town hall fostered community awareness and engagement through presentations, panel discussions and Q&A sessions. Members of the health equity, awareness and early detection, dialysis, and transplant and donation subcommittees highlighted research and progress on each topic.

The Kidney Disease Prevention and Education Task Force, created through legislation led by Hunter, is charged with raising public awareness and presenting solutions to reduce the prevalence of kidney disease and racial disparities in diagnoses and outcomes.

“This is a very personal issue to many people, including me — as a teen, I watched the impact this disease had on my mother,” said Hunter. “I am grateful to highlight the work this task force has accomplished as we move toward a more proactive approach to kidney health.”

A second town hall will be held Thursday, Nov. 30 from 1-3:30 p.m. at The Park Church, 801 Concord Ave., Rockford. Virtual attendance is available through Zoom.

CHICAGO — State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) issued the following statement in response to a CBS investigative report that examines the disparate impact crime has on Black women in Chicago:

“I am heartbroken, but unfortunately not surprised, by the results of this report. Violence against Black women isn’t a new problem — it is a persistent and pervasive one that our community has been grappling with for far too long.

“Hearing these women’s stories and seeing the shocking statistics from 2022 alone proves that we are not doing enough. This is a crisis, and we must work collaboratively to dismantle the systemic issues that perpetuate crime and victimization. As chair of the Task Force on Missing and Murdered Chicago Women, I am working to bring together law enforcement and community leaders to gain their perspective on how we can effectively address violence against women.

“While we have the data to show the scope of this problem, these aren’t just statistics — they are real people whose lives and the lives of their loved ones have been changed forever. Their fear and anger and loss are felt all over our city. We cannot accept a reality where Black women continue to be victimized.”

CHICAGO — High school students will have an opportunity to visit one of the most prominent historically Black universities in the U.S. thanks to State Senator Mattie Hunter. The Chicago chapter of the Jackson State University National Alumni Association will take 40 students to JSU in November.

“As a Jackson State University alumna and member of the Chicago alumni chapter, I value the opportunity to help students experience the environment of an HBCU and learn more about an institution that may culturally resonate with them,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This is a chance for students to explore all of the possibilities available to further their education.”

Jackson State University is hosting their annual High School Day on Nov. 4, which will give students an opportunity to meet with enrollment and academic representatives and connect with student organizations on campus.