Contact: Isaac Padilla
Office: 505/986.4819
Isaac.Padilla@nmlegis.gov
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Senator Mary Kay Papen Receives State Award for Her Dedication
to Help Residents with Mental Illness & Enactment of ‘Kendra’s Law’
(Las Cruces, NM) – Senator Mary Kay Papen (D – 38 – Dona Ana) today was honored with the 2016 ‘Start to Finish Award’ from the Greater Albuquerque Chamber of Commerce (GACC) for her leadership to help New Mexicans suffering from severe mental illness and their families by enactment of Assisted Outpatient Treatment legislation. Papen received the award at a meeting of the New Mexico Jobs Council, which she co-chairs, held at Santa Fe Community College.
Papen sponsored the Assisted Outpatient Treatment Act (Senate Bill 113), more commonly known as ‘Kendra’s Law’, to mandate treatment of mentally ill individuals in crisis when a court determines they otherwise would be a threat to others or themselves. It was signed into law by Governor Martinez in March, and takes effect today, July 1st.
“Senator Papen’s leadership and unwavering commitment to the Assisted Outpatient Treatment legislation was tremendous,” said Terri Cole, President and CEO of the GACC. “This was a very difficult issue and required the ‘one-of-a- kind’ leadership that Senator Papen demonstrated each and every day in the legislature. Our community is safer while providing care to those who need it. We are grateful to Senator Papen.”
New Mexico was one of only five states in the nation without a law allowing courts to require some mental health patients suffering from schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and other severe illnesses take medication and get treatment when they are in dangerous crisis. To be eligible, an individual would have to be at least 18 years old, have a mental illness diagnosis and have a history of not following through with treatment.
The law includes numerous safeguards to protect the rights of the individual.
“I have had the opportunity to partner with so many great advocates for New Mexicans suffering from mental illness throughout the years,” said Sen. Papen. “I am humbled to have helped advocate for those who may become a danger to themselves or someone else. I think this law will help reduce that risk.”
Senator Papen is one of a handful of state leaders being recognized from around New Mexico with the annual award for their work in 2016. The award recognizes the efforts of legislators who go above and beyond to make our community a better place to live and work.
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