Illinois Sets New Standard in Trauma Care for Child Survivors

NORTH CHICAGO, Ill. – February 25, 2026 – The American Medical Association has honored Illinois State Senator Julie Morrison with its prestigious 2026 Award for Outstanding Government Service, a recognition that casts a national spotlight on a pioneering new clinic poised to revolutionize care for young survivors of sexual assault. The award celebrates Senator Morrison's pivotal role in securing $1 million in state funding to establish the Rosalind Franklin University Children's Advocacy Center Medical Clinic, the first of its kind in the state.

Nominated for the honor by Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science (RFU), Sen. Morrison was lauded for her sustained commitment to public health. The award, presented at a gala in Washington D.C. on February 24, highlights a career dedicated to advancing policies for vulnerable populations. However, the cornerstone of this recognition is her successful effort to create a facility that directly addresses a dire need in pediatric trauma care.

A New Standard of Care for Illinois' Most Vulnerable

Launched in 2024, the RFU Children's Advocacy Center Medical Clinic represents a landmark partnership between RFU Health Clinics and the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center (LCCAC). The facility is the first in Illinois to be certified by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) as an outpatient pediatric sexual assault clinic, providing a dedicated, child-centered environment for survivors aged 1 to 18.

This innovative model integrates specialized Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE) services directly within the advocacy center, a setting designed to be safe and calming. This co-location is a stark departure from the previous system, which often sent young survivors to overwhelming and intimidating hospital emergency departments for mandatory forensic examinations.

"With Sen. Morrison's support, RFUCAC has launched as the first IDPH-certified outpatient pediatric sexual assault clinic in Illinois," said Jeff Espina, RFU Vice President for Clinical Services, in a statement. "We are setting the state's standard of care for the outpatient setting."

This new standard is about more than just location; it's about a trauma-informed philosophy that puts the child's well-being at the forefront of the medical and legal process. By providing care in-house, the LCCAC and RFU aim to minimize trauma, improve collaboration between medical staff and investigators, and increase the likelihood that children and their families will follow through with necessary care and support.

Bridging a Critical Gap in Survivor Services

The need for such a facility in Lake County was staggering. Prior to the clinic's opening, the gap between the number of children needing specialized forensic exams and those who received them was immense. In 2023, the Lake County Children's Advocacy Center conducted 790 forensic interviews with children, with 587 of those cases related to allegations of sexual abuse. Yet, a shockingly low number—just 20—included SANE examinations.

This disparity was largely due to the logistical and emotional barriers of the old system. Families faced the prospect of traveling long distances to unfamiliar hospitals, only to endure extended wait times in a stressful emergency room environment—a place associated with acute injury and illness, not sensitive, trauma-focused care. Local leaders described the new, integrated clinic as a "game-changer" for Illinois, finally allowing children to receive expert medical care in a familiar, supportive setting.

The partnership is also seen as a "critical bridge" for the justice system. By enabling faster access to crucial forensic evidence collected in a medically sound and compassionate manner, the clinic empowers prosecutors and police to build stronger cases against perpetrators. This ensures that the process of seeking justice does not inflict further harm on the young survivors at its center.

The Legislative Champion Behind the Change

Senator Julie Morrison, a Democrat representing the 29th District since 2012, was the driving force behind the state's investment. Her legislative advocacy secured the $1 million in funding necessary to turn the concept of an integrated clinic into a reality. The AMA award recognizes this specific achievement as a prime example of effective government service in public health.

"This was about standing up for survivors and giving them the care and respect they deserve," Sen. Morrison said of the initiative.

Her work on the clinic is consistent with a long-standing focus on health policy. As chair of the Senate Health and Human Services Committee and Majority Whip for the Senate Democratic Caucus, Morrison has championed legislation expanding newborn screening, improving access to substance use treatment, increasing preventive cancer coverage, and promoting diversity in clinical trials. Her nomination by Rosalind Franklin University cited this broad legislative record as evidence of her deep-seated commitment to improving health outcomes across the state.

The AMA Outstanding Government Service Award, established in 1989, is one of the nation's most respected honors for public service in health policy, with recipients selected by an independent panel. The recognition of Sen. Morrison underscores the profound impact that dedicated legislative leadership can have on community well-being.

A Replicable Model Amid a National Shortage

While many Children's Advocacy Centers across the United States have medical components, the RFU clinic's status as a state-certified outpatient facility dedicated to pediatric sexual assault survivors sets a significant precedent for Illinois and offers a potential model for national replication.

The clinic's creation also addresses another pressing national crisis: a critical shortage of SANE-trained nurses. Reports from recent years indicate that a vast majority of U.S. hospitals lack dedicated SANE staff, leaving a major void in competent, compassionate care for assault survivors. Part of the vision for the RFU clinic is to become a clinical training site for future SANE providers, helping to build a pipeline of skilled professionals to serve Lake County and beyond.

The initial $1 million in state funding served as the catalyst, but the clinic's long-term sustainability is built on a multi-faceted model. It is integrated into the LCCAC's operational framework, which already has a robust history of securing federal and state grants, along with philanthropic support. This blended funding strategy, combined with the institutional backing of Rosalind Franklin University and its potential to generate revenue as a training center, positions the clinic for enduring success and potential expansion. By investing in a solution that is both compassionate and sustainable, Illinois has created a powerful new tool in the fight to protect its most vulnerable children.