Nation’s leading mental health nonprofit recognizes governors on both sides of the aisle who prioritize access to mental health and substance use care
ALEXANDRIA, Va.—Mental Health America (MHA) today presented the 2025 Governor’s Leadership Award to Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker during its Regional Policy Council (RPC) meeting, anchored by the theme: “Mental Health Care Won’t Be Denied.” Gov. Pritzker joins a select group of bipartisan leaders who have been honored by MHA since the award recognizing mental health champion governors was introduced in 2015.
In presenting the award, Mark Heyrman, who also serves as Board member of Mental Health America of Illinois, cited Gov. Pritzker’s signature Health Care Protection Act, longstanding support for mental health parity, and demonstrated commitment to the mental health of Illinois’ adults and children.
“MHA heartily congratulates Governor Pritzker and thanks him for his state’s model legislative initiatives that have provided inspiration to states nationwide,” said Debbie Plotnick, MHA’s executive vice president for state and federal advocacy.
Following the presentation of the Governor’s Award, leaders of MHA affiliates heard from state officials and policy experts regarding extant and emergent challenges to behavioral health access, state policy solutions, and advocacy opportunities. Featured presentation topics included expanding the mental health workforce, the future of Medicaid, state and federal parity protections, and the expansion of crisis services.
The RPC is guided by MHA’s most knowledgeable public policy and executive affiliate leaders, who work alongside MHA staff to mobilize grassroots and grasstops advocacy at the local, state and federal levels.
Past Governors Leadership Award honorees include Govs. Jared Polis (D-CO), Charlie Baker (R-MA), Phil Murphy (D-NJ), and Mike DeWine (R-OH).
More information about MHA’s Regional Policy Council can be found here.
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About Mental Health America
Mental Health America is the nation’s leading community-driven nonprofit dedicated to promoting mental health and well-being, resilience, recovery, and closing the mental health equity gap. Mental Health America’s work is driven by its commitment to promote mental health as a critical part of whole person health, including prevention services for all; early identification and intervention for those at risk; and integrated care, services and supports for those who need them. Learn more at MHAnational.org.