State Sen. Mattie Hunter, a constant champion for good health in the General Assembly, helped Illinois take strides toward improved public health when she passed out of the Senate four initiatives promoting awareness and education of important health issues such as asthma, breast cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).

“These are all important health issues we must pay attention to and get serious about combating with increased understanding," Hunter said. "Education and greater awareness of these problems to better and save lives is our goal.”

Hunter passed House Bill 1455, which declares November COPD Awareness Month in Illinois.

Continuing her long legacy of advocating for breast cancer awareness, Hunter also passed House Bill 3175, which requires the Department of Public Health (DPH) to organize and administer an education campaign that concentrates on minority women and informing patients awaiting surgery about opportunities and insurance coverage options regarding breast reconstruction and prostheses.

Hunter is additionally chief sponsor of legislation that would require doctors to inform individuals if dense breast tissue is found and provide them information about what it means. The proposal requires all mammogram providers to notify patients if they find dense breast tissue. The finding would be part of the mammogram reports already provided to patients. Furthermore, the patient would receive information prepared by the Illinois Department of Public Health regarding dense breast tissue.

Lastly, as someone who knows firsthand the challenges of asthma, Hunter is sponsoring Senate Resolution 237, which designates May 2013 as Asthma Awareness Month.

“Heightening disease awareness is the first step to improving health outcomes,” Hunter said. “That’s why I’m pushing these initiatives to proactively and progressively respond to these health crises in a way that produces results for the wellness of our communities.” 

SB 2314, HB 1455 and 3175 and SR 237 all received approval by the Illinois Senate. Hunter’s legislation, having passed both chambers of the General Assembly, now goes to Gov. Pat Quinn for his consideration.