Date: November 12, 2025 — Washington, D.C.

The Veteran Mental Health Leadership Coalition (VMHLC) proudly recognized Illinois Governor J.B. Pritzker and State Representative Jehan Gordon-Booth, Assistant Majority Leader, as its 2025 Democratic Governor and Legislator of the Year during a virtual award ceremony held on November 12.

Governor Pritzker and Leader Gordon-Booth were honored for their visionary leadership and steadfast support of the Illinois Breakthrough Therapies for Veteran Suicide Prevention Program—a first-of-its-kind initiative that plans to expand research and access for Veterans to FDA-designated Breakthrough Therapies, such as psilocybin and MDMA-assisted therapy, while training clinicians in this innovative form of care delivery.

Awards were presented by Lieutenant General Martin R. Steele, USMC (Ret.), President of VMHLC, who commended both leaders for their commitment to advancing Veteran mental health care and setting a national example of compassionate, evidence-based innovation. Governor Pritzker and Leader Gordon-Booth each delivered remarks during the ceremony, underscoring Illinois’ ongoing commitment to Veteran wellbeing.