Here’s an interesting fact: Google Trends showed that searches for “Mental Health Awareness Month” have continuously grown over the past 10 years, which means more people are searching for and talking about mental health and substance use disorders (MH/SUD) — and every conversation counts. Thank you to everyone who works this month and year-round to advance these important issues.

Keep scrolling to see the most powerful points from The Kennedy Forum during this pivotal time:

Read the Heartbreak and Humanity in “Profiles in Mental Health Courage”

We celebrated the release of a new book by our founder Patrick J. Kennedy and co-author Stephen Fried, featuring 12 compelling personal journeys with (MH/SUD). The stories in “Profiles in Mental Health Courage” will resonate with anyone who has personal or professional experiences with these topics — and remind us why coordinated, quality care for MH/SUD is critical. Pick up a copy for a colleague or friend and watch the CBS Saturday Morning segment.

New Developments on the Insurance Industry’s Coverage of MH/SUD

Some players in the insurance industry are publicly disputing the feasibility of full coverage for MH/SUD — despite parity being the law of the land for 16 years. To rally in response, Patrick J. Kennedy took to Times Square and forcefully called for a unified voice in favor of new regulations that would meaningfully enforce existing parity laws. Amid emergency levels of MH/SUD in America, we need advocates, allies, and friends to spread the word that it’s time for change.

Building the System to Affect Important Issues

Leading up to our Alignment for Progress 2024 meeting in September, this spring we assembled thought leaders for critical work toward our 90-90-90 goals: 90% of the population is screened for MH/SUD, 90% get the care they need, and 90% manage symptoms to achieve recovery.

• GETTING THE NUMBERS: We convened an in-person meeting of knowledgeable partners who are pursuing coordinated solutions to a stubborn barrier: collection and reporting of accurate, accessible data regarding MH/SUD. Special thanks to those who attended and provided input so that everyone can be counted.
• REDUCING THE STIGMA: Guided by our national policy recommendations, we sponsored a workshop in partnership with Stop Stigma Together to discuss how to reduce stigma-related interactions which can affect care, especially among underserved populations.
• RESPONDING TO EMERGING YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH ISSUES: This spring, the Youth Mental Health & Addiction Workshop, co-hosted by The Kennedy Forum, McKinsey Health Institute, and the Morgan Stanley Children’s Mental Health Initiative, explored better ways to address the distinct issues facing our youth to get ahead of potential problems.

Looking Ahead

• WE ARE ACTIVELY SEEKING SPONSORS for the 2024 Alignment for Progress conference. You’ll support critical, influential thought leadership and our Alignment for Progress goals. Email for more information on sponsorship opportunities — they will go quickly!
• THIS SUMMER WE’LL RELEASE A NEW REPORT ON YOUTH MENTAL HEALTH, including recommendations guided by our national strategy. The report offers guidance on how to sustainably finance school-based mental health services and provides action items for local and state agencies to adopt best practices. Get the background.