(Chicago) – Illinois’ Lieutenant Governor, four state lawmakers, and a U.S. State Department official were honored on Tuesday by a top criminal justice advocacy group.

Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities (TASC) presented its premier honor, the 2019 Justice Leadership Award, to Lt. Gov. Juliana Stratton during a luncheon awards ceremony attended by more than 250 people at the Westin Michigan Avenue in Chicago on December 17.

"From leading the Cook County Justice Advisory Council many years ago, to representing the 5th District of Illinois, to becoming lieutenant governor of Illinois, Juliana Stratton has consistently fought for a fair and equitable justice system," said TASC President Pam Rodriguez. "We’ve been fortunate to work together often and cross paths on this journey, and we are grateful for her passion and leadership."

TASC’s 2019 Public Voice Leadership Award went to Brian Morales, branch chief within the U.S. State Department’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs (INL). The bureau has elevated the fields of substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery in communities across the world, according to Rodriguez.

"We’ve had the opportunity to work under Brian’s leadership in developing and delivering training and curricula on several continents," said Rodriguez. "Brian is deeply committed to building community-based services, as well as systems that support evidence-based practices.

TASC this year also inaugurated its first-ever Illinois Legislative Champion Awards for state lawmakers who have provided key leadership and support for health and justice initiatives in the Illinois General Assembly. The recipients of the TASC honor this year are: Senator Mattie Hunter, Majority Caucus Chair; Senator Melinda Bush; Representative Tom Demmer, Deputy Republican Leader; and Representative Marcus C. Evans, Jr.

"We are excited to inaugurate our legislative award," said Rodriguez. "Each of the individuals we are honoring has demonstrated fortitude in standing up for policies to ensure equitable access to behavioral health care services."

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