Representative Steven M. Costantino Receives
National Recognition as
State Legislator of the Year

PROVIDENCE, RI (May 07, 2008)– Representative Steven M. Costantino, Rhode Island House Finance Committee Chairman, was recognized by the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare as the 2008 State Legislators of the Year. This national award was given to Costantino at the 2008 National Council Annual Conference awards dinner held at the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library in Boston, Massachusetts. Nominated by The Providence Center, Representative Costantino received the award in recognition of twenty years of leadership in public health issues and his strong support and advocacy for people with mental health and substance abuse issues.

The National Council Award, which this year was dedicated to President Kennedy’s legacy of mental health reform, was a fitting recognition for Costantino whose legislative leadership has been instrumental in changing and improving health systems, particularly mental health and substance use services. Representative Costantino spoke about the impact of President Kennedy’s vision and administration on the face of mental health care today.

Costantino said, “It is a supreme honor to be receiving this award in the John F. Kennedy Presidential Library. Were it not for President Kennedy’s visionary decision to start a new chapter in the history of mental health in America, by calling upon this nation to “live up to its own standards of compassion and dignity,” we might not be here today. Defending that legacy and renewing its promise is a cause that lives on into the twenty-first century, in Washington, in the states, in cities, towns and local communities. President Kennedy’s call for us to be committed to treating mental illness and addiction with compassion and dignity, lives on.”

Following Representative Costantino, Christopher Kennedy Lawford, JD, actor, author, and nephew of President John F. Kennedy spoke of his near-fatal addiction to drugs and alcohol, his road to recovery and the twenty-two years that he has been free from drugs and alcohol. Kennedy Lawford applauded the work of the National Council and this year’s awardees for their dedication to his uncle’s vision. Kennedy Lawford served as the Honorary Awards Chair and was recognized with the Excellence in Addictions Education award.

At the award dinner, the influence of Costantino’s advocacy and vision was recognized both nationally and locally.
“The Providence Center is so proud to have Representative Steve Costantino be recognized with this prestigious award from the National Council. He has been an invaluable partner to The Providence Center, providing legislative leadership that helps our organization deliver better services to Rhode Islanders living with mental illness and addictions. Together, we create opportunities for long-tterm health and a fuller quality of life for some of Rhode Island’s most vulnerable people. It is an honor for our community and our state to be recognized,” said Dale Klatzker, president and CEO of the Providence Center.

About the National Council Awards of Excellence The National Council Awards of Excellence recognize leaders in the mental health and addictions treatment field, like Representative Steven M. Costantino, who implement innovative and effective programs to serve their communities. Award winners have demonstrated an ability to measure outcomes, translate research into practice, and serve the country’s most vulnerable populations.

About The Providence Center The Providence Center annually serves over 11,000 adults, children, and adolescents who struggle with mental illness, addiction and emotional problems. Since its establishment in 1969, The Providence Center has been part of Rhode Island’s exemplary behavioral healthcare system, offering a comprehensive array of treatment and rehabilitation services. For more information call 401-276-4020.