Awards

"Distinguished Legislator Award"

2/09: American Heart Association                                                                                                                                           
"For Leadership and Commitment in support of healthy schools and students."

9/08: 2009 Conservation Champion- Colorado Conservation Voters                                               
Given to Legislators who display leadership on environmental issues as conservation champions.

8/08: "Defender of the Patient" Award- Colorado Medical Society and Weld County Medical Society                                                                                                                                     
Highest award for outstanding support of the medical community.

5/08: Outstanding Acheivement- Colorado Alzheimer's Association

3/08:  2008 Community Health Care Champion Award-Colorado Community Health Care Network.
"For your dedication to Colorado's Community Health Care Centers"

12/07: Legislator of the Year-Colorado Bioscience Association

5/16/07: Certificate of Appreciation- Older Americans Coalition
"In grateful recognition of your leadership and vision on behalf of older adults throughout Colorado"

5/9/07: 2007 Friend of the Seniors Award- Alpine Area Agency on Aging
"In recognition of your contributions of time, talent, and leadership. Your efforts to improve the quality of life for older adults and help to make our communities not only good place to grow up, but good places to grow old."

5/07: Champion for Mental Health-Colorado Behavioral Healthcare Council and North Range Behavioral Health
"For support of mental health in the 2007 Legislative Session"

4/07: "One Person Makes a Difference Award"- Weld County Democrats

3/19/07:  The Joseph Award-Lutheran Advocacy Ministry Colorado
"In recognition of a lifetime of service in your church and community, and now in the Colorado General Assembly. In appreciation of your unwavering commitment to advocacy with and on behalf of vulnerable seniors and people living in poverty. And in appreciation of your tireless work and proven leadership in building strong coalitions of citizens and legislators committed to the passage of just, sound, and compassionate public policies that address issues of hunger, homelessness and health care for all Coloradans."

11/3/06: Legislative Achievement Award - Colorado Social Legislative Committee
"In appreciation of your leadership in promoting just, sound, and compassionate public policy in the Colorado Legislature and your commitment to Older Americans Act funding and increasing access to quality health care.

5/17/06: Certificate of Appreciation- Colorado Association of Area Agencies on Aging
"For your commitment to building upon the strengths and meeting the needs of older adults"