Johnson designates September as Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month in Illinois

SPRINGFIELD — To raise awareness and improve understanding of a rare but life-altering condition, State Senator Adriane Johnson presented a resolution to the Senate declaring September 2025 as Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month in Illinois.

“Scarring alopecia is more than just hair loss — it’s a permanent, often painful condition that deeply impacts people’s physical and emotional well-being,” said Johnson (D-Buffalo Grove). “By naming September as Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month, we’re shining a light on this condition and supporting those who live with it.”

Read more: Johnson designates September as Scarring Alopecia Awareness Month in Illinois

Villa measure addressing college student mental health crisis passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – To address alarming rates of mental health conditions among college-aged individuals, State Senator Karina Villa advanced a measure to ensure students can access mental health services through their college or university.

“More and more young people are struggling with a mental health condition, putting their lives at risk especially when they are far from home or feel like they don’t have a support system,” said Villa (D-West Chicago). “At a time when mental health providers are scarce and students need a safety net to rely on, it is important that public educational institutions are equipped to provide critical services to ensure the safety and success of their students.”

House Bill 3385 would require public universities and colleges to provide up to three licensed mental health professionals if the institution meets the benchmark ratio of clinical, non-student staff members to students.

Read more: Villa measure addressing college student mental health crisis passes Senate

Aquino bill securing immigration representation for Cook County residents passes Senate

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Omar Aquino championed a measure to fortify representation for non-citizen Cook County residents undergoing immigration proceedings following reports of rampant immigration enforcement and alleged due process violations.

“As immigrant communities are grappling with shifting federal policies, we must adapt to ensure there is no lapse in access to counsel,” said Aquino (D-Chicago). “Families deserve to know that this resource is available and reliable despite changes happening at the federal level.”

Read more: Aquino bill securing immigration representation for Cook County residents passes Senate

Belt expands organ donation leave for working people

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Christopher Belt passed a measure through the Illinois Senate to ensure taking time off work to donate an organ doesn’t put workers’ livelihoods at risk.

“This bill is deeply personal to me,” said Belt (D-Swansea). “As someone who received a lifesaving kidney transplant, I know firsthand how life-changing and life-saving these donations are. We should be removing barriers for people who are willing to step forward and give that gift.”

Read more: Belt expands organ donation leave for working people