National Coalition Unites to Elevate Mental Health and Addiction During 2020 Election Cycle
Washington, D.C., June 10, 2019 – The Kennedy Forum, along with six other national organizations, today announces the launch of Mental Health for US, a nonpartisan educational initiative to elevate mental health and addiction in policy conversations during the 2020 election cycle. The initiative, co-chaired by former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy and former U.S. Senator Gordon Smith, will achieve this by empowering grassroots advocates and improving candidate and policymaker health literacy.
“For the first time, mental health and addiction stakeholders are uniting behind a common banner to tell policymakers that there is no health without mental health,” said Rep. Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum. “It’s time for our current and future leaders to take a bold stand in the face of our nation’s opioid epidemic and rising suicide rates. By uniting those on the front lines under a common policy platform and by activating Americans around the country, Mental Health for US makes this demand in a truly American way. The Kennedy Forum is proud to lead this effort.”
Voters and policymakers, or anyone interested in learning more about Mental Health for US, can visit www.mentalhealthforus.net for more information on how to take action.
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About The Kennedy Forum
Founded in 2013 by former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy (D-R.I.), The Kennedy Forum leads a national dialogue on transforming the health care system by uniting mental health advocates, business leaders, and government agencies around a common set of principles, including full implementation of the Federal Parity Law. Launched in celebration of the 50th anniversary of President Kennedy’s signing of the landmark Community Mental Health Act, the nonprofit aims to achieve health equity by advancing evidence-based practices, policies, and programming for the treatment of mental health and addiction. The Kennedy Forum’s “Don’t Deny Me” campaign educates consumers about their rights under the Federal Parity Law and connects them with essential appeals guidance and resources. To learn more about The Kennedy Forum and donate, please visit www.thekennedyforum.org.
About Mental Health for US
Mental Health for US is a nonpartisan educational initiative focused on elevating mental health and addiction to national policy conversations by empowering grassroots advocates and improving candidate and policymaker health literacy. The Mental Health for US coalition is comprised of stakeholder groups from around the country dedicated to uniting the American people to make systemic, long-term change with civic engagement tools and resources. For more information, visit www.mentalhealthforus.net.
Media Contact:
Amber McLaughlin
media@thekennedyforum.org
703-407-6070
