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 — In recognition of the Biden administration unveiling the first 10 prescription drugs that will be subject to price negotiations with Medicare, State Senator Mattie Hunter released the following statement:

“Access to low cost prescription drugs has always been a priority of mine. For far too long, people have had to pay far too much for prescription drugs.

“I have led several initiatives in the Illinois State Senate protecting access to low cost prescription drugs that have been the first of their kind signed into law in Illinois. I am thrilled to see us deliver on that promise yet again on an even larger scale by implementing a nationwide historic law to lower health care and prescription drug costs for all people across the nation.

“This plan grows our economy from the middle out, prioritizing the American people – not big pharmaceutical companies. We will continue fighting for all people until the struggle to access vital prescriptions for life-threatening illnesses due to excessive costs is over.”

CHICAGO — With strong support from State Senator Mattie Hunter, libraries and literacy programs within the 3rd Senate District will receive more than $2.6 million in combined state grants.

“Literacy programs equip adults with the tools they need to be successful and open the doors to a world of possibilities,” said Hunter (D-Chicago). “This funding will empower local literacy programs and Chicago libraries to continue to provide and expand services, benefiting learners of all ages.”

The Illinois Secretary of State’s office awarded $2,573,253 in System Area and Per Capita Grants to the Chicago Public Library System. Per capita grants help fund library expenses, such as books and learning materials, personnel, equipment, access to digital materials and new technology.

To support literacy efforts, Literacy Volunteers of Illinois will receive $53,800 to train volunteers who tutor adults in reading, math, writing and language skills. The Tolton Center at De La Salle Institute will receive $50,000 to enhance family literacy programs.

More information about statewide library grants can be found on the Secretary of State’s website.