We at the Daily Mining Gazette tip our caps to U.S. Sen. Debbie Stabenow for receiving the 2022 NAMI Michigan I. B. Sendi Lifetime Achievement award.

The award, presented by NAMI Michigan and New Oakland Family Centers, recognizes a “career of outstanding public service that has included an extraordinary commitment to the cause of mental health care and awareness.”

The Lansing Democrat said receiving the award was meaningful to her.

“I have been passionate about creating health care parity between mental health and physical health care my entire career. I am heartened by the progress we have made in addressing the stigma around mental health and in getting people the help they need in the community,” Stabenow said in a statement.

Over the years, Stabenow has carved out a distinguished senatorial career, no matter which side of the aisle you sit on. Considering the exaggeratedly partisan times she has served in, her service is even more important and recognizable.

In commitment to mental health, while a member of the Michigan House of Representatives, Stabenow sat as the chair the institution’s Mental Health Committee for five years, writing the Children’s Mental Health Act during that time.

She played a key role in the 2010 Affordable Care Act, authoring the provision that requires all plans in states’ health insurance marketplaces to offer mental health and substance abuse services at the same level as other health services.

We at the DMG congratulate Sen. Stabenow on her completed work and an honor she has deserved.