LANSING – State Representative Terry Brown (D-Pigeon) received an award from the Association for Children's Mental Health this week for his leadership in advocating for children with serious emotional or behavioral disorders to get the support and services they need.
"Mental health issues are just as real and just as difficult for families as other health problems," Brown said. "It's important for families to know that these issues are treatable and can be overcome. I've been fortunate to have my professional life prior to being a legislator devoted to working with children and families. I will continue fighting to ensure that children's mental health issues get the attention they deserve."
Brown worked for 23 years in Huron County schools, starting as a school social worker. Brown, who has a master's degree in social work, has extensive experience coordinating and delivering services for local at-risk families and children with special needs. Before becoming a State Representative, he was serving as principal of Huron Learning Center in Bad Axe, a school for children with significant cognitive, emotional and behavioral issues.
Brown sponsored a House resolution in the Michigan House of Representatives commemorating May as Children's Mental Health Month, expressing support for the work of the Association for Children's Mental Health and other groups that provide services to support children with mental health challenges. The Association is a statewide organization of the Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health.
"Representative Brown has a steadfast commitment to families and he is one of the few legislators who knows from his heart and his head what kinds of programs children need," said Amy Winans, executive director of the Association for Children's Mental Health. "He understands the resources needed for all children to participate in a meaningful way in the rigorous school curriculum we expect of them right now.
"We want to thank Representative Brown for working so hard to support families so they can create safe environments for their children and promote their development, both physical and mental."