Representative Bob Damron (D-Nicholasville) received the Distinguished Legislator Award from the National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) at the organization’s 21^st annual convention on June 15, 2000 in San Diego, CA. Representative Damron was honored for his role as the primary sponsor of Kentucky’s mental health parity bill, HB 268, which was signed into law by Governor Patton an April 21, 2000. This legislation requires health insurance plans with over 50 members as well as the State Employee Plans that provide coverage of mental illness to provide full parity with other illnesses.

"Today we salute Representative Damron’s leadership and commitment to improving the lives of people with mental illnesses," said NAMI Executive Director Laurie Flynn. "His hard work has been instrumental in bringing much-needed change to Kentucky."

Upon receiving his award, Representative Damron said, "I am truly honored and humbled to receive this special distinction. In Kentucky, we’ve made a gigantic leap forward in ensuring that people with mental illnesses receive adequate health care and treatment.

I am very proud to have played a part in offering real hope for recovery to the tens of thousands of Kentucky citizens personally affected by these disorders."

"Representative Damron is a champion for all those in Kentucky with a mental illness and for their families," said NAMI Kentucky President David W. Harris. "His support of mental health measures, which provide access to lifesaving medications and quality services, is a credit to him and a benefit to us all."

More than 2000 family members, consumers of mental health services, health care providers, researchers, and business leaders from around the United States attended NAMI’s convention. The National Alliance for the Mentally Ill (NAMI) is a nonprofit, grassroots, support and advocacy organization of consumers, families, and friends of people with severe mental illnesses.

Representative Damron was named Legislator of the Year for 2000 by NAMI Kentucky at their State Convention in Louisville, KY on May 19^th. Damron was recognized to the more than 225 attendees for his sponsorship and "never give up drive" to pass HB 268 (The Mental Health Parity Act) into law.