In the spring 2025 legislative session, I drafted and passed SB1560, which created a pathway for schools to implement a standardized mental health screening for youth starting as early as 3rd grade. This means more young people can start getting access to the care they need as early as possible.
This builds on my work with six different Statewide agencies to develop the BEACON portal, a centralized platform for children and families seeking mental health services.
I have made it a priority to strengthen and expand mental health services across Illinois for all residents. My goal is to make early detection, prevention, and access to quality care the foundation of our state’s approach, so that mental health is treated not as an afterthought, but as a fundamental part of every child’s well-being and education.
Awards:
2019: National Council for Behavioral Health – Excellence in Advocacy Award
2018: National Association of Social Workers – Illinois Chapter- Legislator of the Year Award
2017: Illinois Psychological Association – Legislative Award
2015: Thresholds – Hero Award
2015: Center for Law and Social Work – Family Matters Spirit Award
2015: National Alliance on Mental Health – Community Service of the Year Award
2013: Alliance for Living – Champion for the Mentally Ill
2013: Trilogy Inc., Behavioral Healthcare – Chicago – Partner in Recovery Award
2012: Expanded Mental Health Services – For Championing Chicago’s Mentally Ill
2012: Thresholds – Hero Award
2011: Illinois Public Health Association – Legislator of the Year
2010: Illinois Alcoholism & Drug Dependence Association (IADDA) – Legislative Leadership Award
2010: Thresholds – for Her Work with Institutions for Mental Diseases
2008: NAMI Illinois (National Alliance on Mental Illness) – Legislator of the Year