UW Medicine Honors Frank Chopp with Behavioral Health Center Dedication
UW Medicine Behavioral Health and Learning Center named in honor of state legislator Frank Chopp
University Of Washington
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The UW Medicine Behavioral Health and Learning Center has been named after Frank Chopp, a former Washington state legislator, in recognition of his advocacy for mental health care. The dedication ceremony highlighted Chopp's personal connection to mental health issues, particularly through his sister's struggle with bipolar disorder.
- 01The center is now named the Frank Chopp Center for Behavioral Health and Learning.
- 02Frank Chopp advocated for mental health parity legislation during his time in the Washington State Legislature.
- 03Chopp's personal experiences with his sister's mental health challenges shaped his advocacy.
- 04The Chopp Scholars Program in Behavioral Health Policy will be developed to train future leaders.
- 05Chopp served as a state representative for Seattle's 43rd Legislative District from 1995 to 2019.
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The UW Medicine Behavioral Health and Learning Center at UW Medical Center–Northwest has been dedicated to Frank Chopp, a former Washington state legislator known for his advocacy in mental health care. At the dedication ceremony in 2024, Chopp shared the emotional story of his sister, Jo-Anne, who battled rapid-cycling bipolar disorder and testified in favor of mental health parity legislation. This legislation, which Chopp sponsored, mandated that insurance coverage for mental health services be equal to that for medical services. Chopp served in the Washington State Legislature for 30 years, including a record 20 years as House speaker, before his passing in March 2025. Dr. Jürgen Unützer, chair of psychiatry and behavioral sciences at UW, praised Chopp's impact on mental health treatment access. The Department of Psychiatry & Behavioral Sciences is also establishing the Chopp Scholars Program to train future leaders in behavioral health policy, furthering Chopp's legacy in expanding access to mental health care across Washington state.
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The dedication of the Frank Chopp Center for Behavioral Health and Learning signifies a commitment to improving mental health care access in Washington state, potentially benefiting many families facing mental health challenges.
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