Turner works to strengthen school policies for students with service animals

SPRINGFIELD – To support all students, no matter their needs, State Senator Doris Turner championed a measure through the Senate to strengthen school policies that protect access to service animals for students with disabilities.

“We need to make sure students with service animals don’t face setbacks because of a lack of understanding or awareness of the law,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “We have a responsibility to make sure all students feel welcome at school.”

Students who need service animals in order to equally access public schools are protected under the federal Americans with Disabilities Act. Turner’s proposal, Senate Bill 2761, would set the tone for school environments that value diversity and inclusion by adding training on the proper handling of service animals in the school setting to the ADA training teachers, administrators and school support personnel already receive.

Read more …

Turner: People need to know the medication they are taking is safe

SPRINGFIELD – People in Illinois could soon have a quicker way to know whether their medications have been recalled under a measure spearheaded by State Senator Doris Turner that passed the Senate on Thursday.

“People need to be able to trust that the medication they are taking is safe,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “By placing a centralized recall information source directly where people can instantly find answers, we are empowering patients with details about their health and safety.”

Turner is spearheading a measure to ensure patients can receive instant access to medication recall information without adding new mandates or responsibilities on pharmacists.

Read more …

Turner recognizes Black Maternal Health Week

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner passed a measure recognizing April 11-17, 2026 as Black Maternal Health Week in Illinois, reaffirming the state’s commitment to addressing maternal health disparities and improving outcomes for Black mothers and families.

“Every mother in Illinois deserves access to safe, respectful and high-quality care,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “This resolution highlights both the challenges we must confront and the incredible work already being done across our communities to support Black maternal health.”

Black Maternal Health Week, led nationally by the Black Mamas Matter Alliance, brings attention to the urgent need for equitable, culturally competent care and community-driven solutions.

Senate Resolution 713 recognizes the critical role of health care providers, community organizations and managed care partners. Turner’s resolution also calls for continued public-private partnerships and innovative care models that expand access, improve outcomes and strengthen accountability across Illinois’ maternal health ecosystem.

Turner encourages stakeholders across health care, government and community organizations to use Black Maternal Health Week as a platform for collaboration, awareness and action.

Senate Resolution 713 was adopted by the Senate Thursday.

Turner to host panel discussion on Black maternal health

SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Doris Turner is inviting residents to a first-of-its-kind panel event focused on Black Maternal Health Week. Attendees will have the chance to learn more about the current state of maternal health, explore the role of doulas and community support systems, and learn how the community can better support new moms and their families.

“By opening the conversation, we’re exploring ways our community can save lives and support one another,” said Turner (D-Springfield). “Let’s shine a spotlight on what still needs to be done to create a village of support for new moms and their babies.”

The event – Every Baby Needs a Village: Real Conversations on Black Maternal Health – will be held Monday, April 13 in recognition of Black Maternal Health Week. The discussion will take place from 5:30-7:30 p.m. at CAP 1908, located at 1100 S. Grand Ave. E. in Springfield. Attendees are encouraged to wear green in honor of maternal health.

People with questions can contact Turner’s office at 217-782-0228 or visit SenatorDorisTurner.com.