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State Representative Jeanne Poppe
100 Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd.
651-296-4193
For more information contact: Sandy Connolly 651-296-8877
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Rep. Jeanne Poppe receives Wellstone Advocacy Award
Representative Jeanne Poppe (DFL- Austin) was recently awarded the 2005 Paul Wellstone Advocacy Award for her participation in the Mental Health Caucus at the State Legislature. The Minnesota Psychiatric Society presents the award on an annual basis to those who advocate on behalf of the mentally ill in Minnesota.
In an effort to improve the quality of mental health diagnosis and treatment, Poppe became one of the charter members of the bipartisan Mental Health Caucus, a first-in-the-nation effort to draw attention to mental health issues as they affect criminal justice, employment, education, health care and legislative policy.
"The group was formed because there is a growing concern here at the Capitol that mental health has taken the brunt of the state's budget cuts over the past two years," Poppe said. "I'm hopeful that by raising the awareness of the needs of the mentally ill, we can help make changes that will improve the quality of their lives."
Early intervention and treatment is especially important, according to Poppe, as it not only helps the individuals and their families before the illness becomes more serious, but is also a better use of state funding.
"With our current budget situation, we need to make sure we're spending every dollar as wisely as we can and earlier mental health assessment and treatment can help to do that," said Poppe.
The Mental Health Caucus is made up of 16 Senators and 40 Representatives from both the DFL and Republican parties. The group focuses on four key areas: the criminal justice system, employment, children's health and the results of a Minnesota Mental Health Action Group study initiated by the Governor and the Citizens League.
" I am proud to be a member of this group that is working to strengthen and improve our mental health system here in Minnesota," said Poppe. "It's an added honor to be presented with this award."
News Items
- POPPE SELECTED AS AGRICULTURE POLICY COMMITTEE CHAIR - (Posted: 2012-11-16 00:00:00)
- Rep. Jeanne Poppe Encourages High School Juniors to Apply for Minnesota House of Representatives Page Program - Application Deadline is November 19th - (Posted: 2012-11-12 00:00:00)
- HORMEL INSTITUTE EXPANSION SIGNED INTO LAW - 2012 legislative session adjourns sine die - (Posted: 2012-05-11 00:00:00)
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