FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Lance Gideon, Press Secretary
Lance.Gideon@iga.in.gov
317-234-9221
STATEHOUSE (Sept. 1, 2023) — State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) was recently recognized by Mental Health America-Wabash Valley Region (MHA-WVR) for his support of mental health legislation throughout his career in the Indiana General Assembly.
Alting is currently the most senior member of the Republican caucus in the Senate, having served in the chamber since 1998.
MHA-WVR President Brandi Christiansen presented Alting with the honor during the organization's annual celebration last month.
“Mental Health and substance use issues affect every family in the state of Indiana making it our state’s biggest nonpartisan issue," Christiansen said. "Sen. Alting understands the barriers facing those seeking help for themselves or their loved ones and has thrown his support behind our efforts at Mental Health America-Wabash Valley Region. Examples of Sen. Alting’s support include being photographed for the ‘1 in 4’ anti-stigma campaign conducted by our organization which featured community leaders stepping up to publicly announce their relationship to mental health challenges in the relationships they experience through a series of photographs. They stand as a stark reminder that behind the numbers and statistics are human beings. Another example of Alting’s support are the doors he opened for us as an agency to connect with powerful lawmakers to influence the most game-changing mental health bill he helped championed and which passed into law last year, Senate Bill 1. We are counting on Sen. Alting’s continued support as we work with our partners on all sides to ensure no Hoosier falls through the gaps in mental healthcare because when healing begins, we all win.”
Alting has authored mental health legislation throughout his 25-year tenure, including Senate Enrolled Act 1 during the 2023 legislative session, which improves mental health care access by building out a system of certified behavioral health clinics throughout the state.
"As a state senator, I have always worked to provide common-sense legislation aimed at helping those in need," Alting said. "I'd like to thank Sen. Michael Crider for his work in spearheading this monumental legislation through the General Assembly this year so Hoosiers who need this help can easily receive assistance. While Senate Enrolled Act 1 is an important step in the right direction, I will continue to work mental health policy to ensure Hoosiers in crisis have someone to contact, someone to respond and a safe place to receive help."
For more information on Senate Enrolled Act 1, click here.
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State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) represents Senate District 22, which includes
Carroll County and portions of Tippecanoe County.
Click here to download a high-resolution photo.
