Op-Ed: State Budget Increase to Expand Nurse-Family Partnership Needed to Combat Maternal Mortality

A recent report from the CDC’s National Center for Health Statistics found that the number of maternal deaths rose 14% nationally during the pandemic. We also know that an average of 75 Illinois women died while pregnant or within one year of pregnancy each year during 2008-2017, according to the most recent data available from The Illinois Department of Public Health. 

Not all women are at equal risk of dying, however. Black women are about three times as likely to die from a pregnancy-related condition as white women in Illinois.

We know that 60% of all maternal deaths in this country are preventable and there are programs that offer proven solutions to help improve maternal health. Here in Illinois, the national Nurse-Family Partnership ® program provides a trusted nurse for expectant mothers to help identify medical conditions and mitigate the risk factors that can lead to maternal death. Having a nurse there at the critical moment to identify warning signs of preeclampsia, for example, could be life saving for both mother and her baby.

As currently funded, Nurse-Family Partnership is only able to serve less than 5% of the 24,000 eligible families in the state. With increased funding to home visiting services, programs like Nurse-Family Partnership can reach more expectant mothers and expand in new counties.

More should be done for Illinois families, especially for those affected by racial and economic inequality.

Investing in keeping mothers’ healthy also means investing in our state’s children, and in turn, investing in our future.

It’s time for Illinois to do a better job of reducing inequities in our health care system. That’s why I am supporting an increase in the state budget for home visiting programs through the Department of Human Services fund.

Castro welcomes tax relief for Illinois families

SPRINGFIELD – As Illinois heads toward a more stable fiscal future, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) is proud to support a recently unveiled plan to provide tax relief to families across the state.

“After an unprecedented two years, Illinois has remained committed to paying down the bill backlog and saving taxpayers money,” Castro said. “Now, it’s time to put money back into the pockets of families as the economy bounces back.”

The plan, Senate Bill 1150, would directly deliver refund checks valued at $100 per person and $50 per child to state taxpayers making $250,000 individually or $500,000 jointly – sending money to 97% of taxpayers. A household of four could see a $300 check. Taxpayers could also see an additional $300 property tax relief check – a proposal mirrored after Governor JB Pritzker’s budget proposal.

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Local businesses receive support for pandemic recovery thanks to Sen. Castro

ELGIN – As Illinois continues to bounce back from the COVID-19 pandemic, local businesses are receiving over $2.2 million in funding thanks to support from State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin).

“The Back to Business grant program has been instrumental in keeping small businesses afloat during the COVID-19 pandemic,” Castro said. “From bars and restaurants to barbershops and gyms, small business owners can breathe a little easier with this financial assistance.”

The B2B grants are awarded by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity using funds allocated by the American Rescue Plan through last year’s state budget. In the district Castro represents, 62 businesses received grants in the latest round of funding.

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Castro supports measure to help women afford medically necessary procedures

SPRINGFIELD – Breast reduction surgery is often considered a cosmetic procedure, but many women suffer from various health issues that would be remedied by this type of surgery. In response, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) supported a measure to require insurance coverage for this procedure when deemed medically necessary.

“Ensuring women get the medical procedures they need to help them live their life without chronic pain is important,” said Castro, who has been a longtime advocate for women’s health. “I am proud to support this legislation to help women improve their quality of life without complicated financial strain.”

Women often require breast reductions for medical reasons, including immense neck and back pain, numbness and rashes. Because these procedures are often considered cosmetic, they are usually not covered by private insurance plans.

House Bill 4271, which Sen. Castro is a co-sponsor of, would require private insurance companies to cover breast reduction surgery when doctors deem the procedure as medically necessary.

“Oftentimes, insurers turn a blind eye to women with unique health issues,” Castro said. “This legislation will make sure Illinois women can get the health care they need to improve their well-being.”

HB 4271 passed the Senate Tuesday.