Representative Paul Luebke, 1946-2016
Rep. Paul Luebke Legislative Champion on Mental Health Award
Rep. Paul Luebke, (D-Durham), passed away October 29, 2016. He participated in most every Annual Legislative Breakfast on Mental Health since elected to serve in the NC General Assembly over 25 years ago. He was a true champion of mental health reform and had a heart to assist vulnerable and under-served populations. His energy, commitment, leadership and sense of humor are sorely missed. In his memory, the Legislative Breakfast on Mental Health Planning Committee members have created the “Rep. Paul Luebke Legislative Champion on Mental Health Award.” The award is presented annually to a member of the NC General Assembly recognized for their outstanding leadership and demonstrated commitment to improving outcomes for individuals living with mental illness.
Previous Recipients
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Senator Sydney Batch
2025 Winner
District 17
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Senator Mike Woodard
2023 Winner
District 22
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Senator Jim Burgin
2022 Winner
District 12
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Representative Carla Cunningham
2021 Winner
District 106
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Representative Josh Dobson
2020 Winner
District 85
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Senator Floyd B. McKissick Jr.
2019 Winner
District 20
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Senator Tommy Tucker
2018 Winner
District 35
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Senator Tamara Barringer
2018 Winner
District 17
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Representative Verla Insko
2017 Winner
District 57
Lifetime Achievement Award, 2022
Representative Verla Insko
NC House of Representatives District 56: Chapel Hill, Carrboro, and Orange County
Her primary area of focus in the General Assembly is Health and Human Services, emphasizing mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use. She is noted for her progressive policy positions, believing in “an activist government that provides for the common good and protects the vulnerable.”
Rep. Insko says her proudest accomplishments are her work on early childhood education and mental health reform – where there’s still plenty more work to be done. During her remaining time in office, Insko wants to continue to advocate for Medicaid expansion.
Previous Recipients
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Senator Mike Woodard
2025 Winner
District 22
Former NCDHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley
Outstanding Acts of Service Award, 2025
Awarded first to NCDHHS Secretary Kody Kinsley in 2025. During his tenure at the Department of Health and Human Services, he was focused on a range of essential services to improve the quality of life for North Carolinians of all ages. Following his appointment as Secretary in 2022 he was especially focused on expanding Medicaid to all who qualified, and with the support of the General Assembly that became a reality for over 600,000 residents.
His legacy at DHHS is built on three priority areas:
- Behavioral Health and Resilience;
- Child and Family Well-Being and
- Building a Strong and Inclusive Workforce.
He has demonstrated his ongoing commitment to assuring fair and accessible health care for all residents of North Carolina.