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Simmons passes legislation to provide culturally competent haircare for youth in care

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Friday, May 17, 2024 12:06 PM
  • DCFS
  • Simmons
  • HB 5097
  • haircare

050924CM0677rSPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth in care to promote healthy hair and self-confidence in our communities.

“Hair plays a crucial role in young people's lives,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “This bill not only boosts their self-esteem but also fosters a sense of belonging and confidence that can positively influence all aspects of their lives.”

House Bill 5097 requires the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services to include a haircare plan during case review outlining the necessary training and resources needed to ensure each child receives culturally competent haircare. Simmons’ measure outlines a plan that addresses culturally competent haircare training including preservation of youth’s cultural, gender and religious identities, and guidance for routines that promote healthy hair.

Read more: Simmons passes legislation to provide culturally competent haircare for youth in care

Simmons holds hearing to highlight the increase in suicide rates in Black communities across Illinois

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Thursday, May 02, 2024 05:03 PM
  • Simmons
  • Behavioral & Mental Health Committee
  • African-American communities
  • Suicide rates

01052024AL2475resizedSPRINGFIELD – In tandem with the beginning of Mental Health Month, State Senator Mike Simmons organized a subject matter hearing at the State Capitol to look at the increase in suicide rates in African-American communities across Illinois.

“I am deeply thankful to the people who traveled here today. It was the first time that several of our witnesses had ever been to the State Capitol,” said Simmons. “Some of them have paid the ultimate price losing loved ones to suicide and other internalized violence borne out by several systems that simply haven’t cut it when it comes to mental health and wellness in African-American communities.”

In a hearing held by the Senate Behavioral and Mental Health Committee, State Senator Mike Simmons brought critical attention to the escalating crisis of suicide rates within Black communities.

Read more: Simmons holds hearing to highlight the increase in suicide rates in Black communities across...

Simmons Advances Bill to Create Board to Tackle Health Care Disparities

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Thursday, May 02, 2024 04:14 PM
  • Simmons
  • Health Outcomes Review Board
  • SB 3751

SimmonsSPRINGFIELD – Simmons advanced legislation through the Senate, which will create a Health Outcomes Review Board to identify and tackle healthcare disparities.

“The findings of the Health Outcomes Review Board will be vital in developing and targeting policy solutions that can improve health outcomes, improve the quality of life for many, reduce health care costs and save lives,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Whether it’s the unacceptable life expectancy gap for African-American and Latine communities, disparities in quality of health insurance coverage for low-income households, or inadequate access to follow up and specialty care for LGBTQ+ communities, the board will help identify those gaps and recommend improvements.”

Simmons’ legislation, Senate Bill 3751, will create the Health Outcomes Review Board, overseen by the Illinois Department of Public Health, which will focus on collecting and analyzing de-identified health data, particularly emphasizing demographic factors such as race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, and languages spoken.

Read more: Simmons Advances Bill to Create Board to Tackle Health Care Disparities

Simmons Leads Bill Requiring Caregivers to Provide Culturally Competent Haircare

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Wednesday, May 01, 2024 09:16 AM
  • DCFS
  • Simmons
  • HB 5097
  • haircare

SimmonsSPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons is leading a groundbreaking initiative aimed at empowering caregivers to provide culturally competent haircare for youth placed under their care by the Department of Children and Family Services.

“This initiative is designed to promote healthy hair and self-confidence and addresses a critical need in our communities,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Haircare is not just about looking good or feeling pretty. Hair is deeply intertwined with cultural identity and self-esteem. For many youth, especially those from diverse backgrounds, finding appropriate haircare while navigating the foster care system can be a challenge.”

Recognizing this challenge, House Bill 5097 requires DCFS to include a Haircare Plan during case review outlining the necessary training and resources needed to ensure each child receives culturally competent haircare. Simmons’ measure outlines a plan that addresses culturally competent haircare training including preservation of youth’s cultural, gender and religious identities, and guidance for routines that promote healthy hair.

Read more: Simmons Leads Bill Requiring Caregivers to Provide Culturally Competent Haircare

Simmons advances worker’s rights bill to extend deadline to seek remedy for workplace human rights violations

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Friday, April 12, 2024 11:54 AM
  • Simmons
  • Human Rights
  • SB 3310

041024KP0388 rSPRINGFIELD – To secure a border scope of accountability for protecting human rights, State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to extend the deadline for filing human rights violations in the workplace and public accommodations.

“Extending the statute of limitations for filing civil rights violations is crucial for violations that are traumatizing,” said Simmons (D–Chicago). “It provides a better path to relief for those who have been harmed.”

Under Simmons' new legislation, Senate Bill 3310, the deadline for filing and seeking redress for a civil rights violation in employment and public accommodations will be extended from three hundred days to two years.

Read more: Simmons advances worker’s rights bill to extend deadline to seek remedy for workplace human rights...

Simmons addresses the pressing needs of youth experiencing homelessness

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Friday, April 12, 2024 11:51 AM
  • Affordable Housing
  • Simmons
  • SB 3297
  • mental health issues

041124CM0908 rSPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate aimed at improving access to affordable housing for young people experiencing homelessness, particularly those struggling with mental health issues or substance abuse.

“This bill is directly informed by community partners and constituents who have told us many young people age out of programs and services when they turn 18, putting them in limbo for additional support services until they turn 21,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “By lowering the eligibility age to 18, we can help more young people when they need it most preventing future housing insecurity and instability.”

The Housing is Recovery pilot program seeks to provide affordable housing through a combination of rental subsidies and access to recovery support services or treatment for individuals contending with mental health and substance abuse issues.

Read more: Simmons addresses the pressing needs of youth experiencing homelessness

Simmons advances bill to update Illinois Sexually Transmissible Disease Control Act language

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Thursday, April 11, 2024 10:31 AM
  • Public Health
  • Simmons
  • Illinois Sexually Trasmitted Infection Control Act
  • SB 3784

020724CM0387r

SPRINGFIELD – To more accurately represent public health, State Senator Mike Simmons passed legislation through the Senate Public Health Committee and Senate, successively, to amend the title of the “Illinois Sexually Transmissible Disease Control Act,” to be the “Illinois Sexually Transmitted Infection Control Act.” Additionally, the Act will include human papillomavirus and mpox within the updated definition of sexually transmitted infections.

“The need to update language in this legislation reflects a growing and more inclusive understanding of sexual health,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Our legislation should be both scientifically accurate and free from stigmas.”

Simmons’ measure – Senate Bill 3784 – takes a critical step in de-stigmatizing sexual health. Senate Bill 3784 changes language updating "sexually transmissible diseases'' to "sexually transmitted infections.” This change reflects a broader perspective that considers both medical and social aspects of these conditions. Additionally, Senate Bill 3784 will include HPV and mpox in the definition of STIs.

Read more: Simmons advances bill to update Illinois Sexually Transmissible Disease Control Act language

Simmons to expand Housing is Recovery pilot program

Details
Category: Senator Mike Simmons News
Tuesday, March 05, 2024 06:57 PM
  • Affordable Housing
  • Simmons
  • SB3297

simmons 030524SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Mike Simmons advanced legislation to increase access to affordable housing for more youth experiencing homelessness who may be struggling with mental health or substance abuse. 

“The intersectionality of recurring substance use, mental health struggles and access to affordable housing is very real,” said Simmons (D-Chicago). “Providing support services to at-risk adolescents as young as age 18 is much needed.”

The Housing is Recovery pilot program offers affordable housing using a bridge rental subsidy combined with access to recovery support services or treatment for individuals struggling with mental health and substance abuse.

 

Read more: Simmons to expand Housing is Recovery pilot program

More Articles …

  1. Simmons raising awareness among Black communities on Black HIV/AIDS Advocacy Day
  2. Simmons announces $2.5 million in funding to launch 7th District Small Business Restoration Grant on Chicago’s far North Side
  3. Simmons advocates for access to child care at The White House
  4. Media Advisory: Simmons Attending White House States Convening to Champion Child Care Policy
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