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Government & LegalFull Access

Sen. Chris Murphy Receives APA’s Javits Award

Published Online:9 Nov 2023https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.pn.2023.12.12.30

Abstract

Photo of Katherine Kennedy, M.D., and Sen. Chris Murphy.

At APA’s Federal Advocacy Conference in October, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) was presented with APA’s Jacob K. Javits Award for Public Service. Presenting the award was Katherine Kennedy, M.D., chair of APA’s Council on Advocacy and Government Relations.

Murphy was recognized for his leadership and dedication in advancing mental health policy in Congress, which has led to the passage of critical bipartisan legislation to help improve the lives of millions of Americans with mental health and substance use disorders. He has supported and sponsored legislation focused on mental health parity enforcement, resources to address the substance use epidemic, and comprehensive programs in the 2016 Mental Health Reform Act. He was also instrumental in the passage of the Bipartisan Safer Communities Act, which resulted in significant investments into mental health and gun violence prevention.

“[T]here is still a lot of work to do to address the growing epidemic of loneliness that has deepened this country’s mental health and addiction crisis,” Murphy said in a news release. “This year, I introduced legislation to foster social connection and tackle the opioid epidemic, and I’ll continue to advocate for more investments in mental health. It’s an honor to receive the Jacob K. Javits Award for Public Service, and I’m grateful for the APA’s partnership in this work.”

The Jacob K. Javits Award was established in 1986 in honor of Sen. Javits, who represented New York State in the U.S. Senate from 1957 to 1981 and was a staunch advocate for people with mental illness and substance use disorders. The award recognizes a state or federal public servant who has been a champion for the advancement of mental health each year with this award.

“I applaud Sen. Murphy for consistently using his influence and platform to champion mental health, especially through the pandemic, when so many Americans faced mental health and substance use challenges,” APA President Petros Levounis, M.D., M.A., said in the release. “Sen. Murphy’s efforts help ensure a brighter future where all Americans can access mental health care when they need it.” ■