Senator John Stinner receives an award for his work regarding mental health in Nebraska

State Senator John Stinner (District 48) from Gering, Nebraska was recognized for his work in mental health and substance use in Nebraska.

The National Council for Mental Wellbeing recognized Stinner for his advocacy work during Hill Day at Home, the organization’s annual advocacy event to promote bipartisan solutions for mental health and substance use providers and patients.

The National Council’s 2022 Advocacy Leadership Awards recognized individuals and organizations that have led legislative or regulatory advocacy and public policy efforts to expand access to services and support for people with mental health and/or substance use challenges.

National Council for Mental Wellbeing President and CEO Chuck Ingoglia said, “Senator Stinner has fought with great success to prioritize funding for mental health and substance use treatment services in Nebraska – all amidst rising demand for services, a workforce crisis, and a continued pandemic,”

“His proactive leadership to help expand access to lifesaving care will have a lasting impact for years to come," Ingoglia said. "We thank Senator Stinner for his commitment to these issues and his political will to achieve tremendous results."

Stinner helped behavioral health providers get consecutive rate increases of 8%, 5%, and 2%. He also secured funding for the Rural Health Professions Loan Forgiveness program to eliminate the wait list and prioritized funding for increased internships for behavioral health professions and additional behavioral health acute care beds.

Stinner, with the Appropriations Committee, proposed $40 million over two years for a Capital Construction Grant Program focused on behavioral health; specifically, supporting Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs).

“I am honored to receive this award from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. The work they do provides a backdrop for what we as legislators can do to address critical needs in the mental health and substance use sectors,” said Stinner on receiving the Award for Public Service in Advocacy.