Delegate Kullen Announces Student Scholarships

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The following article was published in the Calvert Recorder:

Mental health group to honor local delegate

 

Friday, Dec. 11, 2009

It's not even 2010 and Delegate Sue Kullen has reeled in an award for the new year.

The Mental Health Association of Maryland announced recently that Kullen (D-Calvert) was selected as the group's 2010 Legislator of the Year Award recipient and will be honored at a February reception in Annapolis.

The organization cites Kullen's leadership on improved patient rights for individuals with mental illnesses and her sponsorship of a bill to create statewide empowerment zones for senior citizens as the two leading reasons for her selection.

"Your leadership in calling attention to the need for improved patient rights has set in motion fundamental reform in the daily lives of individuals living with mental illnesses," said the group's executive director, Linda Raines, and president Donna Rawlings, in a letter to Kullen announcing the award.

For Kullen (D), it's a recognition of her work as a mental health services professional and her advocacy in the General Assembly. She spent almost 14 years with the Arc of Southern Maryland (previously known as the Arc of Calvert County) and now works as a disabilities consultant.

"It's really nice to be honored by your peers," she said. "It's just nice to know that the efforts are affecting people directly and that it's noted."

Kullen also worked for several years to pass a so-called "Patients' Bill of Rights" law that grants patients with mental health disorders certain privileges while in hospitals, including visitor access and restrictions against the use of restraints.

The bill was signed into law earlier this year.

The award is evidence that legislators can bring their personal experiences into public service and help to affect change, she said.

"I think it's a good lesson for people who are considering a job in politics, because we are a citizen legislature and the more experiences that people are able to bring to politics the more successes we'll have," Kullen said.

As for picking up an award for 2010 before the calendar even turns, Kullen shrugged off the notion that it's an omen for the new year, which is also an election year.

"We're just pleased that they could plan ahead," she said.

By Alan Brody, Staff Writer