Sen. Alting recognized for his support of mental health legislation

LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The Mental Health America-Wabash Valley Region recognized State Sen. Ron Alting (R-Lafayette) for his support of mental health legislation throughout his career in the Indiana General Assembly.

Brandi Christiansen, president of the Mental Health America-Wabash Valley Region 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.”

Christiansen listed off several ways Alting has supported the mental health awareness cause from, being photographed for the "1 in 4" anti-stigma campaign conducted by the Mental Health America-Wabash Valley, helping open the doors to the legislative body to advocates of mental health awareness, and for his role in helping get Senate Bill 1 passed into law last year.

Alting is currently the most senior member of the Republican caucus in the Senate, having served in the chamber since 1998.

State Rep. Sheila Klinker was recently recognized by the same organization for her advocacy.

Throughout his 25-year tenure, Alting has authored mental health legislation, 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 on mental health policy to ensure Hoosiers in crisis have someone to contact, someone to respond and a safe place to receive help."

This article originally appeared on Lafayette Journal & Courier: Sen. Alting recognized for his support of mental health legislation