KANKAKEE- Yesterday, State Representative Jackie Haas (R-Kankakee) received the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois (CBHA) 2023 Legislator of the Year Award.
“I am truly honored to receive this award from such an incredible organization,” said Rep. Haas. “As a licensed clinical social worker with over thirty years’ experience working in the community, I have been involved with CBHA long before I began my work as a legislator. To be recognized for the work I have done to improve the mental health and behavioral healthcare system in Illinois is such an honor for me, both professionally and personally.”
The Community Behavioral Healthcare Association is a statewide nonprofit membership organization with the mission to represent the interest of its members in order to ensure access and availability of a comprehensive system of accountable, quality behavioral healthcare services for the people of Illinois. This year’s annual conference was held December 4-5 in Schaumburg to a sold-out capacity audience.
“I will continue my unwavering commitment to advancing the mental and behavioral healthcare system in Illinois by fighting for proper funding, addressing staffing shortages, and advocating to end the stigma associated with mental health. Thank you to the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association of Illinois for selecting me as your Legislator of the Year. It is an honor to be nominated and chosen by my peers for such a prestigious award. I look forward to our continued collaboration as we advocate to improve Illinois’ behavioral healthcare network.”
Leader Haas has served her community as a social worker for over 30 years. She has advocated for early childhood development and quality healthcare, in addition to behavioral health, in her role as CEO of the Helen Wheeler Center for Community Mental Health since 2000. Leader Haas serves as the ranking Republican on the Mental Health & Addiction and Health Care Availability & Access Committees, and also serves on the Appropriations – Health & Human Services, Human Services and Prescription Drug Affordability committees, as well as the Joint Committee on Administrative Rules (JCAR).
For more information about Representative Haas, visit RepHaas.com.
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