Washington, D.C., August 27, 2019 — The Kennedy Forum is a proud member of Mental Health For US, a nonpartisan, educational coalition elevating mental health and addiction in policy conversations around the country. Today, the coalition released candidate responses to their survey which asked 11 questions addressing suicide and drug overdose, criminal justice reform, equal access to care, and more.
“Every person in America has been affected by mental health and addiction, whether they’re vocal about it or not. It’s encouraging to see candidates share their thoughts on issues that continue to devastate families and communities nationwide,” said former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum and co-chair of the Mental Health for US coalition. “However, these survey responses are just the beginning of the discussion. The Mental Health for US coalition was created to help educate policymakers and candidates on the steps needed to close dangerous gaps in mental health care access and quality in this country.”
To read the coalition press release visit: www.mentalhealthforus.net/news-and-events/
Tune into the Mental Health for US Presidential Candidate Forum series, the first of which is being held at Drake University in Iowa on September 27. Tickets are complementary but must be reserved in advance by visiting www.mentalhealthforus.net/news-and-events-iowa/.
For more information, visit www.mentalhealthforus.net.
###
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 in policy conversations by empowering grassroots advocates and improving candidate and policymaker health literacy. The initiative is powered by a coalition 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
