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Rep. West Honored with Behavioral Health Leadership Award

News… From State Representative Maurice A. West II

November 15, 2019


SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Illinois’ leading behavioral health advocacy group presented its top legislative leadership award this week to State Rep. Maurice West for his successful efforts to expand mental health first aid training in Illinois and other behavioral health initiatives in 2019.

Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH) gave West its prestigious “2019 Legislative Leadership Award” in Springfield on November 14, recognizing his efforts as chief sponsor of legislation, Senate Bill 1731, to expand the Mental Health First Aid law to Illinois school personnel. The recognition included his role as chief sponsor of Senate Joint Resolution 35, a measure that creates the Prevention Task Force that aims to build a statewide, comprehensive addiction prevention system.

“Whether it’s legislation to reduce teen suicide with expanded mental health first aid or blunting addiction on the front end, Rep. West is a true champion for behavioral health in the Illinois House,” said IABH CEO Sara Howe. “We are honored to work with Rep. West and pleased to present him our 2019 Legislative Leadership Award.”

West, a member of the House Mental Health committee, also co-sponsored several other bills to expand the state’s mental health and addiction treatment system; support building the behavioral healthcare workforce; and reduce stigma and discrimination for those with mental health or substance use disorders, Howe said.

“I am honored to receive the Legislative Leadership Award from the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health,” said West. “I am committed to continue my dedication to community-based mental health and addiction services.”

West, a Rockford native, was first elected to the legislature in 2018.

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