CHICAGO – Senate Public Health Chair Patricia Van Pelt and Health and Human Services Chair Julie Morrison will lead a joint Senate committee hearing Monday morning to discuss policy recommendations to combat disparities in Illinois health care systems, including access to health care, behavioral health and diversity in health care/culturally competent health care.

“Over the past few weeks, we’ve heard about the many ways our state needs health care reform,” Van Pelt said. “I’m looking forward to this last panel, and to begin implementing some of the policies that top industry professionals have suggested. I am hopeful these suggested policies will help  bring equity and justice to our state’s health care system.”

“Stakeholders from around our state have weighed in with their concerns and challenges,” Morrison said. “This final subject matter hearing will highlight some of our best and brightest academics to provide policy recommendations to make our state’s health care resources accessible across demographic, racial, and geographic lines.”

Additional witnesses can submit written testimony online at www.ilga.gov.

To watch the virtual committee, visit https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp and click "Watch Live Virtual Committee Video." The link will be available at 9:30 a.m.

WHO: Senate Public Health Committee Chair Patricia Van Pelt (D-Chicago) and Health and Human Services Committee Chair Julie Morrison (D-Lake Forest), and members of the committees

WHAT: A joint committee hearing on policy recommendations for disparities in health care

WHERE: The virtual hearing can be viewed here: https://ilga.gov/senateaudvid.asp#. Blue Room Stream, a subscription-based service, will also stream the hearing.

WHEN: Monday, Nov. 9 at 9:30 a.m.