Friedman receives “Outstanding Public Official Award” for work on mental health initiatives

BOSTON – Senator Cindy F. Friedman (D-Arlington) recently received the “Outstanding Public Official Award” from Vinfen, an innovative health and human services organization that provides community-based services for people with disabilities. At its 12th Annual Celebration of Family Partnerships this fall, Vinfen honored the dedicated family members, guardians, advocates, self-advocates, and staff who support the individuals it serves.

The Vinfen “Outstanding Public Official Award” is given to a legislator each year in recognition of their efforts to promote the human and civil rights of constituents with intellectual, psychiatric, and other disabilities, fight for legislation that reinforces and respects those rights, and supports Vinfen’s mission to help transform lives.

“All people, including those with behavioral health challenges or disabilities, should be able to lead full and productive lives – free from prejudice and discrimination – and receive support from their communities,” said Senator Friedman, co-chair of the Joint Committee on Health Care Financing. “Thank you to Vinfen for recognizing my work, but more importantly, for the work you do each and every day to care for some of the most vulnerable people in our society.”

Senator Friedman has championed several initiatives this session to support the population Vinfen serves, including bills that would expand access to mental health services, achieve mental health parity, lower the costs of prescription drugs, and fairly compensate human service workers, many of whom care for those with disabilities or life challenges.

For 40 years, Vinfen has been dedicated to transforming lives. Vinfen is the leading provider of community-based services to people with psychiatric conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Its dedicated staff uses the latest in science-based interventions to support the people it serves in achieving their goals and leading more independent, productive, and valued lives as members of their community.