Topics below include:
· In the News: Lake County News-Sun
· Blood Drive in Wauconda, Joined by HOSA Red Pulse
· Medicare 101 at the Ela Area Public Library
· FREE Museum Pass Card
· Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events This Summer
In the News: Lake County News-Sun
Honored to be highlighted by the Chicago Tribune and Lake County News-Sun for my work in the Senate to protect children and support families.
This session, I was proud to work across the aisle on legislation that improves transparency within the DCFS process through HB 4242 and strengthens emergency preparedness in childcare settings through HB 2190.
Families deserve to trust the systems designed to protect their children, and I will continue working to make Illinois safer, more transparent, and more responsive for families across our state.
Blood Drive in Wauconda, Joined by HOSA Red Pulse
Thank you to everyone who came out to donate and help save lives. This time, we were joined by HOSA Red Pulse from Barrington High School, a student-led group working to raise awareness about the national blood shortage and break down misconceptions about blood donation.
A special thank you to the three young leaders behind this effort: Rishin Patel, Team Lead; Armaan Rizvi, Online Outreach; and Svanik Yachavaram, Web Developer. Their passion for service and commitment to making a difference in our community is truly inspiring.
With blood shortages especially impacting communities during the summer months, every donation matters. Thank you to everyone who stepped up to give and to HOSA Red Pulse for helping spread the word that donating blood saves lives.
Internship Appreciation
Thank you to Sophie for sharing such a thoughtful reflection on LinkedIn on her time with our office this spring.
I’m sad to see our internship program come to an end, but I am incredibly grateful for the outstanding group of interns who joined our team. Each of them brought curiosity, dedication, and a genuine interest in learning more about public service and serving our community.
Throughout the spring, our interns helped connect with constituents, supported community events, and gained firsthand experience with the work that goes into representing the residents of the 26th District. It was rewarding to watch them grow, ask important questions, and develop a deeper understanding of how government can make a difference in people’s lives.
Thank you to Sophie and all of our interns for being such a valuable part of our team. While I’m sad to see this chapter come to an end, I’m excited to see all they accomplish in the future and look forward to seeing the impact they will make in their communities.
Medicare 101 at the Ela Area Public Library
I was glad to welcome community members to another Medicare 101 seminar at the Ela Area Public Library. These conversations provide an opportunity for residents to ask questions, better understand their benefits, and learn about resources available to help them make informed healthcare decisions.
Thank you to the Illinois Department on Aging for sharing your expertise and helping our community navigate Medicare with confidence.
FREE Museum Pass Card
I love hearing how constituents are using our FREE Museum Pass Cards to explore everything Chicagoland has to offer! A community member recently shared this photo from their museum adventure, and we’re thrilled to see families taking advantage of this opportunity to learn, explore, and create memories together this summer.
The Museum Pass Card provides free admission for up to four people to many of Chicagoland’s top museums and attractions, including the Art Institute of Chicago, Field Museum, Brookfield Zoo, Shedd Aquarium, and more.
Whether you’re looking for a fun family outing, hosting guests, or hoping to discover something new, this pass is a great way to enjoy some of the region’s best destinations at no cost.
Museum Pass Cards are available to residents of the 26th Senate District on a first-come, first-served basis. To learn more and reserve your pass, click here.
Mark Your Calendars! Upcoming Events This Summer
There’s something happening all summer long across the 26th District! I am hosting these events to connect residents with valuable resources, services, educational seminars, family activities, and opportunities to get involved.
📚 Summer Reading Program
April 29 – August 3, 2026
Online Event
💊 Medicare 101
July 14 | 6:00 PM – 7:30 PM
Ela Area Public Library, Lake Zurich
♻️ Recycling & Shredding Event
July 18 | 8:30 AM – 11:30 AM
St. Francis Church Parking Lot, Lake Zurich
August Events
👨👩👧👦 Kids Fair
August 1 | 9:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Foglia YMCA, Lake Zurich
🩸 Blood Drive
August 11 | 12:00 PM – 5:00 PM
Palatine Village Hall, Palatine
Stay tuned for more events to be added! Visit www.senatordarbyhills.com/events to follow along and learn more details.
As always, my office is here to help if you have any questions or need assistance with anything. You can contact us here or call (224)662-4544.
Yours truly,
Darby Hills