BOISE, ID – Senator Elliot Werk of Boise's District
17 received the Legislative Advocate of the Year Award from the Idaho
Counseling Association at their Annual Conference this past weekend.
The award is given to legislators who promote legislation
that aids in the provision of professional mental health services that
benefit all Idahoans. The Idaho Counseling Association (ICA) held a
statewide nomination for the award. A committee of counselors and
community leaders chose Senator Werk from among 6 other nominees.
Linwood G. Vereen, ICA President, noted that Senator Werk
was honored for his, "Exemplary service of working to develop creative
solutions to providing professional mental health services and affordable
insurance for all Idahoans."
Mr. Vereen added that, "Senator Werk should be recognized
for his efforts to champion the rights of all Idahoans to receive quality
education that is affordable and accessible. For his efforts on behalf of
District 17 and all Idahoans, ICA is proud to honor State Senator Elliot
Werk as the recipient of the Legislative Advocate of the Year Award."
"I am honored by this award from the Idaho Counseling
Association" stated Senator Werk. "It is wonderful to be recognized but
more importantly it is rewarding to see the Idaho legislature begin to
acknowledge that we must treat mental illness and substance abuse issues
in our communities rather than in our prisons".
Senator Werk has been a District 17 Senator since
2002.
