Very nice.
Washington, D.C. – The National Association of Social Workers (NASW) is pleased to name Governor Jennifer Granholm the 2006 Public Elected Official of the Year honoring her dedication to improving the areas of concern for the social work profession for the citizens of Michigan.
Since her election in November 2002 as the first female governor of Michigan, Gov. Granholm has made a public commitment to improving the quality of life in Michigan communities, protecting the most vulnerable populations and addressing social issues in a way that strengthens the state.
“Through her unique leadership, Gov. Granholm has focused on children and families as a priority for her administration,” says Dr. Elizabeth Clark, NASW executive director. “She has ensured that the social safety net is in tact in Michigan, while bolstering health care and educational opportunities.”
Gov. Granholm fought to protect vital support for poor families by vetoing a 4-year time limit for Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), ensuring this critical support for those in need.
In order to promote and strengthen early childhood development in Michigan, she formed the Early Childhood Investment Corporation to support early childhood development and to increase licensing requirements in day care.
Gov. Granholm has expanded health care coverage to uninsured Michiganians and has enrolled tens of thousands of children for health insurance through the Healthy Kids and MiCHILD programs. Additionally, she initiated the development of the Mental Health Commission to rebuild the state’s mental health system.
And speaking of mental health, yesterday she signed a bill encouraging Michigan schools to set up suicide prevention programs for kids. This is a subject that hits a little too close to home for me and I really don't have the energy to get into it right now, all I can say is- I wish it was mandatory.
BRIGHTON -- Gov. Jennifer Granholm signed a bill this morning encouraging Michigan school districts to provide information to students and parents about depression and suicide.
Whether districts will voluntarily participate in suicide prevention programs remains to be seen.
The law is named after Chase Edwards, a 12-year-old Brighton boy who committed suicide in 2003. His parents, Jeff and Laura Edwards, worked with state Rep. Chris Ward, R-Brighton, to get the legislation passed.
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Nationwide, suicide is the third-leading cause of death, behind accidents and cancer, for children ages 10-14, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. In Michigan, 11 youths ages 5 to 14 died by suicide in 2004, according to the Michigan Department of Community Health. In the same year, 138 people ages 15 to 24 committed suicide, which increased from the previous year's number of 120 deaths, according to the department.
Some officials, including Brighton's former superintendent, have been critical of adding more instruction to already overloaded teachers. Others believe the topic is too sensitive for schools to discuss.
The new law doesn't mandate districts teach the topic, although it requires the Michigan Department of Education to provide a model program and materials on suicide prevention. The state Department of Education has given its support to the bill.
I don't know what moron thinks this topic is "too sensitive to discuss". Better that the kid just kills himself? We can jump up and down about steroids, but the third leading cause of death in kids is taboo?
I just hope school districts can find the money to adopt this type of program. It will save lives.