Less Hospital Closures and More Affordable Housing with Senator Mattie Hunter

Senator Mattie Hunter

“Racism is the root of various health inequities.”

Senator Mattie Hunter, who serves Illinois’ 3rd state district, is passionate about advancing health equity for Illinois residents. Senator Hunter recognizes that racism is the driving factor causing the disparate health outcomes that affect Black and brown people. During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, these disparities exacerbated with Black and brown people facing 4x higher rates of COVID-19. Despite this, hospitals in Illinois that serve Black and brown communities announced they were closing in the midst of the pandemic due to not making enough money. However, Senator Hunter explained that these hospitals generated billions of dollars in revenue. So, it was clear that these hospitals valued profit over health. As a result, Senator Hunter along with other legislators and community members protested to keep hospitals open, and succeeded. Even more, Senator Hunter was successful in passing a health reform bill that halts hospital closures. Now, hospitals can no longer close without giving residents and government officials proper notice within a timely manner. 

In addition, Senator Hunter recognizes that housing is an important factor in advancing health equity. With gentrification affecting some of Illinois’ communities, Senator Hunter is addressing this through legislation that supports rental assistance programs that will prevent displacement and will build more affordable housing. 

Senator Hunter has shown through her years of service that she addresses health equity with action and that she recognizes health equity not only includes health services, but also housing.