WASHINGTON, D.C. – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is pleased to announce Pennsylvania State Rep. Mike Schlossberg has been awarded NASW Public Elected Official of the Year for advocating for improved mental health services and supporting the social work profession.
“Rep. Schlossberg is a champion for mental health care, the social work profession and issues important to social workers,” NASW CEO Angelo McClain, PhD, LICSW, said. “He is very open about his mental health issues and has used his personal experiences to become an even more powerful advocate. He understands seeking help is a strength.”
The NASW Public Elected Official of The Year Award recognizes the outstanding service and contributions of an elected official. Rep. Schlossberg is certainly deserving of this award.
Rep. Schlossberg has experienced depression and anxiety and contemplated suicide. He has taken a public stand to demand mental health parity, so treatment of mental illnesses is viewed the same as treatment for any other diagnosed medical condition. He also co-founded a bipartisan Mental Health Caucus in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives.
Rep. Schlossberg has also supported legislation that supports social work values, including supporting LGBT rights and legislation to create new jobs, invest in workers, small businesses, communities and education. He also works to support victims of crime and improve public safety. Rep. Schlossberg is author of the Rape Survivor Child Custody and Support Act that was signed into law by Gov. Tom Wolf in 2015. That law protects victims of rape in child custody battles.
In addition, Rep. Schlossberg has been supportive of the social work profession. He co-sponsored House Bill 445, which would provide title protection for licensed clinical social workers and all them to diagnose. He also has a substantial record of offering and support legislation endorsed by the NASW Pennsylvania Chapter, including additional investment in pre-kindergarten education and fair funding for public education.
“Rep. Schlossberg has worked tirelessly to improve the world around him,” McClain said. “His policies have made a positive impact on social justice, health care, education, civil and human rights, and social work practice. He has shown a commitment to use his position in the Pennsylvania legislation to always do the right thing.”