NEW LENOX – State Senator John Connor (D-Lockport) attended the Illinois Health and Hospital Association’s inaugural Health Equity Action Day at Silver Cross Hospital in New Lenox last week.

“It is incredibly fitting to kick off the weekend of Juneteenth, our newest federal holiday, with a discussion on how to create greater equality right here in Illinois,” Connor said. “Our community benefits greatly from Silver Cross and the work that they do to bridge disparities in health care for our Black and Brown neighbors, and while we still have a long way to go, we have the momentum we need to get there.”

Other notable participants at the Health Equity Action Day included Will County Executive Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, State Senator Michael Hastings (D-Frankfort), members of the Healthy Community Commission and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Council and several hospital leaders. The group engaged in a roundtable discussion regarding racial disparities in health care and how to best address them, especially in light of the manner in which COVID-19 disproportionately ravaged communities of color.

Silver Cross Hospital founded its Healthy Community Commission in 2008 in an effort to create a stronger, healthier future for everyone it serves. The community-based organization provides support for education, workforce development training and enrichment activities for local youth. It has awarded $2.5 million in educational scholarships and workforce development grants to numerous Joliet-area residents and organizations over the last 13 years.

“The best way to tackle any problem is to do it together,” Connor said. “I look forward to continuing to work alongside this fantastic team to ensure that all Illinoisans have access to affordable and equitable health care.”

Those wishing to learn more about the Healthy Community Commission can visit Silver Cross’s website.