Recognizing the Contributions of Illinois Representative David Leitch

Floor Speech

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Mr. LaHOOD. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Illinois State Representative David Leitch for his tireless contributions and dedication to public service in the State of Illinois.

Representative David Leitch, State Representative of the 73rd House District of Illinois and a resident of the 18th Congressional District, has dedicated nearly three decades serving his constituents in the Illinois General Assembly. His top-notch commitment to providing timely and effective constituent service to citizens has remained steadfast since he was sworn into office 27 years ago.

Representative Leitch has built a statewide reputation, establishing himself as a leader in matters pertaining to our health care system and especially mental health care in Illinois.

A primary focus of his work has been advocacy for establishing a strong community-based mental health system in our state. He convened providers beginning 15 years ago to form the Central Illinois Coalition for Mental Health Recovery. Among its accomplishments are a Mental Health Court, a psychiatric residency at the University of Illinois- College of Medicine in Peoria, and a Crisis Center designed to divert at-risk individuals to treatment rather than emergency rooms or jail. Most recently, he passed legislation enabling college students to allow their family to be notified in the event they are struggling with depression or suicidal thoughts and legislation which improves the inclusion of mental health services for older adults into primary care health settings. His outstanding advocacy on mental health and substance abuse issues has not gone unrecognized with accolades from the Heartland Health Services, a federally designated community health organization in Central Illinois, commending his life's work in the improvement of public health policy and his receipt of the statewide President's Award from the Community Behavioral Healthcare Association.

Outside of his advocacy on issues regarding mental health recovery, Rep. Leitch is credited with passing the first state law in the nation requiring insurance coverage for mammograms, he passed the first state law in the nation allowing for the collection of cord blood stem cells, he secured funding for the expansion of the Illinois Central College campus in East Peoria and arranged the acquisition of the ICC North campus in Peoria after the closure of Zeller Mental Health Center. Illinois Central College named the David R. Leitch Career Center in honor of his dedication to the community college. Nationally, he has received the Dr. Nathan Davis Award as State Legislator of the Year in the U.S. by the American Medical Association as well as over 75 other legislator of the year (or equivalent) awards.

Representative Leitch's steadfast work to improve the lives of citizens throughout our great state embodies the manner in which progress can be made for the greater good and citizens of Illinois. Rep. Leitch epitomizes the standard for which current--and future-- public servants should strive to emulate to help improve lives within our communities.

It is with great honor that I have had the ability to call Representative Leitch not only a colleague but also a friend for many years. I want to congratulate him on his tireless advocacy for the mental health community and his dedicated service to the State of Illinois.

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