DEERFIELD — The American Medical Association selected Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison as a recipient of its 2026 Award for Outstanding Government Service. The prestigious national honor recognizes exceptional leadership in public health policy and advocacy.

“I am honored to receive the 2026 American Medical Association award for Outstanding Government Service for my work and commitment to public health,” said Morrison (D-Lake Forest). “This award represents more than just legislative achievements – it symbolizes the positive impacts made on the communities around us, thanks to collaborative efforts with industry leaders, health care professionals, patient advocacy groups and community stakeholders.”

Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science nominated Morrison for the award in recognition of her sustained commitment to improving health outcomes for vulnerable populations and her legislative leadership on preventive care, disability rights and children’s health.

Morrison championed $1 million in state funding to establish the RFU Children’s Advocacy Center Medical Clinic, a first-of-its-kind partnership between RFU Health Clinics and the Lake County Children’s Advocacy Center. The clinic, housed within the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center building, provides specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner services for survivors ages one to 18 in a child-centered, trauma-informed setting.

Before the clinic’s launch in 2024, most young survivors of sexual assault were referred to hospital emergency departments, often far from home, for required examinations, facing long waits and intimidating environments that reduced the likelihood of follow-up care. In 2023, among 790 forensic interviews conducted at the advocacy center, only 20 included SANE examinations.

Thanks to Morrison’s legislative efforts, funding to move the clinic forward was secured, creating an innovative model that can be replicated nationwide. The initiative, she said, was, “about standing up for survivors and giving them the care and respect they deserve.”

“With Senator Morrison’s support, RFUCAC has launched as the first [Illinois Department of Public Health]-certified outpatient pediatric sexual assault clinic in Illinois,” said Jeff Espina, RFU Vice President for Clinical Services. “We are setting the state’s standard of care for the outpatient setting.”

Morrison has represented Illinois’ 29th Senate District since 2013 and currently serves as Majority Whip for the Senate Democratic Caucus. As previous chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and vice chair of Health and Human Services Appropriations Committee, she has advanced legislation expanding newborn screening, preventive cancer coverage, clinical trial diversity, end-of-life planning tools and access to substance abuse treatment.

Demonstrating a strong commitment to collaboration, Morrison currently chairs the Illinois Senate Insurance Committee and the Women’s Caucus, co-chairs the Children’s Health Caucus and participates in the Cancer and Green Caucuses.