CHICAGO - In response to media reports of 74 heroin overdoses within a 72-hour time span, State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago) cautions the public from seeing the scenario as being an isolated event.

“The horrific cases of heroin overdoses in recent days unfortunately highlight how widespread and serious this crisis has become. This public health crisis affects more than patients rushed to hospitals. The financial burden hits taxpayers through health care and law enforcement costs,” said Hunter, member of the Senate Public Health and Human Services.

Family, friends and colleagues will gather at Trinity United Church of Christ on Tuesday, September 29, 2015, to celebrate the life and memory of State Representative Esther Golar (D-Chicago, 6).

The “singing legislator” passed on Monday, September 21, 2015, after serving for nine years in the Illinois House of Representatives.

Early Monday morning, State Representative Esther Golar (D-Chicago, 6) passed away. Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago, 3), who joined close friends with keeping an around-the-clock vigil for the past several weeks in her hospital room, released the following statement in memory of the remarkable woman.

“Representative Esther Golar was not only my colleague, but my dear friend. She was a genuine no nonsense person who looked out for the best interests of her district, Chicago and our state.

We sponsored many pieces of legislation together, such as funding for after school programs, summer jobs for youth, education funding and criminal justice reform.

With true commitment, loyalty and dedication, Esther loved to express her thoughts of feeling in song. I always referred to her as the ‘singing legislator,’ which I think will always be how we remember her.

My thoughts and prayers are with her family at this time. She will be missed not only in Springfield, but across her district, as well.”

South Side Chicagoans may soon access timely trauma care thanks to joint efforts between community leaders and lawmakers encouraging the medical community to address years of protest.

"This is a big win for the South Side. Years of protest and state hearings have helped this come into fruition," said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago), who spearheaded a first-of-its-kind state hearing on the lack of trauma centers in poorer neighborhoods.