A longtime, consistent voice for public health, safety and youth issues, Sen. Mattie Hunter advanced her initiative calling for prevention of Chicago’s profound youth violence problem.

“Youth violence has devastated our nation as homicide is now the 2nd leading cause of death for youth ages 15 to 29, and the epidemic is particularly rampant in Chicago,” Hunter said. “We must act because the fact that more adolescents are killed in Chicago than any other U.S. city is simply unacceptable. We owe it to our children to do our utmost in protecting them.”

State Senator Mattie Hunter has a long tradition of advocacy of minority disparities and breast cancer issues. The Senate Majority Caucus Whip continued that legacy this week as she passed out of committee legislation addressing breast health education for minorities.

“Minorities facing breast surgery are not being made aware of all of their options,” Hunter said. “Overcoming this disparity by inspiring greater awareness and educating citizens on all their choices is what we’re accomplishing with this legislation.”

An essential part of Chicago history and culture, DuSable High School located on the city’s South Side was granted landmark status by the City Council last fall.

This Friday, May 3, the institution, which remains a staple in the education and lives of Bronzeville residents, will pay tribute to state government officials that were essential in gaining landmark status for DuSable.

Among the notable public servants being honored for their efforts is State Sen. Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago).

State Senator Mattie Hunter, a constant champion for wellness in the General Assembly, helped Illinois take strides toward better public health when she passed out of committee a substantive measure dealing with Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

“This is an extremely important health issue we must pay attention to and get serious about combating with increased understanding," Hunter said. "Education and greater awareness of this problem to save lives is our goal.”

Hunter is sponsoring House Bill 1455 declaring November COPD Awareness Month in Illinois.