AUSTIN — Today, Senator Juan "Chuy" Hinojosa (D-Mission) was presented the Lone Star Award by the Association of Substance Abuse Programs (ASAP) in recognition of his legislative accomplishments and dedicated service during the regular session of the 81st Texas Legislature.

Hinojosa, known by many to be one of the leading advocates in the legislature for substance abuse prevention and treatment, was honored for his efforts to expand substance abuse prevention services and to increase substance abuse treatment in the criminal justice system.

Hinojosa was also responsible for successfully spear-heading the effort to add a comprehensive adult substance abuse treatment benefit to the Texas Medicaid program. Senator Hinojosa’s long standing commitment, vision and leadership to a safe healthy Texas made substance abuse coverage in Medicaid possible.

"It is a great honor to receive the Lone Star Award," said Hinojosa. "I will continue to fight for substance abuse prevention and treatment. Far too many Texans suffer from addiction, and it is important to provide the resources necessary to combat this illness and help those in need."

The ASAP Lone Star Award was created in 2007 to honor and celebrate an individual, an organization and representative of government for outstanding leadership and distinctive contributions to the substance abuse field.

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