AUGUSTA - Rep. Allison Hepler, D-Woolwich, will be awarded the Lewis and Clara Lamont Brain Injury Advocacy Award at the annual conference of the Brain Injury Association of Maine on Wednesday, October 13. The award was established for individuals who have provided outstanding advocacy on behalf of Maine citizens who have experienced life-altering brain injuries.
In her tenure as a state representative, Hepler has sponsored LD 297, An Act to Strengthen Brain Injury Resources for Underserved Populations, Including Opioid Overdose Brain Injury Survivors, LD 1883, a bill that expanded the membership of the Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council, and LD 559, An Act to Improve the Rights and Basic Protections of Persons with Acquired Brain Injuries. Each bill has become law.
"Rep. Hepler's work in the State Legislature has been pivotal in promoting significant changes in state laws in order to improve the lives of Maine citizens (and their families) with brain injuries," said the Acquired Brain Injury Advisory Council (ABIAC) in a statement. "She has worked closely over the last few years with ABIAC and the Advisory Board of the Maine Brain Injury Association to understand the many challenging policy issues and to craft legislation to respond to current needs and rights of persons with brain injuries."
"As a member of the Brain Injury Association of America Maine Chapter, I recognize the importance of the bills Rep. Hepler has successfully sponsored and shepherded through the legislative process in securing services for individuals and families in these most vulnerable moments," said Richard Brown, one of Hepler's constituents and a member of ABAIC.
"I am honored to receive this award and to be an advocate for this community," said Hepler. "I am grateful to the survivors and care providers who have fought tirelessly to bring these issues to my attention and for their dedication to improving the lives of persons with acquired brain injuries. Our work is not done."
The award ceremony with take place over Zoom on October 13, 2021. Hepler is serving her second term in the Maine House and represents Arrowsic, Dresden, Georgetown, Phippsburg, Woolwich and part of Richmond. She serves on the Marine Resources Committee and the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee.
Contact:
Jackie Merrill [Hepler], c. 812-1111