SENATOR COLLINS RECEIVES AWARD FROM THE NATIONAL ALLIANCE FOR THE MENTALLY ILL

WASHINGTON, D.C. –Senator Susan Collins was recently recognized by the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) for her work on behalf of mentally ill children and their families. Carol Carothers, Executive Director of NAMI Maine presented Senator Collins with the award at NAMI''s annual meeting in Washington, D.C. The award given to Senator Collins reads: "In Recognition of Your Leadership and Outstanding Work on Behalf of Children and Adolescents with Mental Illnesses and Their Families."

"I am honored to receive recognition from one of the largest organizations fighting to ensure the rights of the mentally disabled. And I am pleased that Carol Carothers, a respected member of the Maine community and an expert on this issue, was able to present the award to me," Senator Collins said. "During my time in the Senate I have consistently worked to champion the rights of people with disabilities and it will continue to be a priority for me in the future."

Senator Collins is working on behalf of disabled Americans with a number of pieces of legislation. She has led the charge to fully fund the federal government's share of IDEA, the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. The Senator also sponsored the Work Incentives Improvement Act so Americans with disabilities can work so they gain economic independence. She is currently working with Senator Grassley (R-IA) to pass the Family Opportunity Act so children with disabilities have access to critical healthcare services. Senator Collins has also introduced the Keeping Families Together Act, which supports statewide systems of care for children with serious mental illness so parents are no longer forced to give up custody in order to secure treatment.

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