State Senator Mattie Hunter speaks out this week on April marking the 27th annual Alcohol Awareness Month.

“In a nation and culture where the public is consistently bombarded with media images glorifying this oftentimes dangerous substance,” Hunter said, “now more than ever, our citizens must be equipped with knowledge of what the choice to consume and/or abuse alcohol entails for themselves and others.”

Alcohol is one of the U.S.’ most commonly abused drugs, although for all citizens over age 21 it is legal. As a result of the popularity and frequent overuse of this highly addictive substance, National Alcohol Awareness Month was established by the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Inc. in 1987 and has been observed every April since. A critical part of the observance of Alcohol Awareness Month is the Alcohol-Free Weekend that’s celebrated every first weekend in April to foster greater recognition of how alcohol consumption and abuse might affect individuals, families, businesses and communities.

State Senator Mattie Hunter reflected this week on April’s designation as National Autism Awareness Month.

“Right now, an estimated 29,000 children in Illinois live with autism spectrum disorders, and the effects of these conditions on the individuals coping with them, their families and communities are sweeping,” Hunter said. “That’s why the time for commitment to autism awareness is now.”

Autism spectrum disorders are classified as chronic, neurologically based developmental disabilities of which the cause is still undetermined. They typically manifest during early childhood. These conditions impact mildly to severely the afflicted individuals’ cognitive, social and emotional functioning on a variety of levels. Those diagnosed with ASDs typically do not appear physically different; however, they traditionally communicate, interact, behave and learn in ways atypical in comparison to their peers.

State Senator Mattie Hunter had much to say in response to Gov. Pat Quinn's budget address on Wednesday.

Recognizing Illinois’ critical financial situation and the need to prioritize, Hunter elaborated upon some of her priorities in respect to the state’s fiscal plan.

Hunter took special interest in mental health, aging and human and health services funding in the governor’s budget plan.

“Overall funding for human services has been consistently slashed in previous budget proposals, and health care has also seen dramatic cuts,” Hunter said. "These represent important issues for me and the communities of the 3rd Senate District. I was glad to see his proposal emphasize these areas. Going forward, we must remain mindful of their significance when we craft a final budget.”

Illinois legislators wear red to spread awareness of cardiovascular disease

State Senator Mattie Hunter, clad in a striking scarlet dress, participated in the American Heart Association’s Go Red For Women demonstration at the Illinois State Capitol yesterday. All state legislators and statewide elected officials were asked by the Conference of Women Legislators (which Hunter is a proud member of) to don red as part of an annual Statehouse event to spread awareness of heart disease, the number one killer of both men and women in Illinois.

“It was disheartening, to say the least, to be reminded today of the fact that per the American Heart Association, most women are unaware that heart disease is their number one potential health threat and killer,” said Hunter. “I’m happy to be involved and do my part to spread awareness.”

Senate Majority Caucus Whip Hunter was also adamant, “As a proud black female, it is unsettling that we as a community are particularly oblivious to this issue and thus not empowered to take charge of our health. Heart disease claims the lives of more than 20,000 black women annually, but only 36 percent of African American women know that this poses their greatest health risk; and only 52 percent recognize the signs and symptoms of a heart attack. This is an absolute shame and something we have to turn around, which is why I’m ‘going red’.”

Go Red For Women is the American Heart Association’s platform for educating women on their risk factors of heart disease. Over the last ten years, more than 600,000 lives have been saved because of Go Red. Throughout the last ten years, Go Red For Women has funded gender-specific research studies showing women’s responses to treatments and medications and has published women-specific guidelines on treatment and prevention of cardiovascular disease.

To learn more about Go Red For Women, visit www.goredforwomen.org.

About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke – America’s No. 1 and No. 3 killers. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies, and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation’s oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country.