The Kennedy Forum’s Post

What do we mean by #mentalhealth courage? In part, it's the incredible strength it takes to speak honestly about our lived experiences with mental health and substance use disorders — when we don’t always receive the support we need, from our systems and one another. Our founder Patrick J. Kennedy discussed this on CBS Saturday Morning on a segment dedicated to his book with co-author Stephen Fried, “Profiles in Mental Health Courage.” “No one blames people for their cancer returning … and that’s not the case in this country with people who are suffering with these illnesses, because we still see it as a matter of personal agency." When we start to see MH/SUD conditions as a systemic issue that affects us all, we can better work for change. https://cbsn.ws/3wKgEgm

During #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we want to talk about about a promise that was made to all Americans. In 2008, insurance coverage of mental health and substance use care was written into law through the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. It's 16 years later, and people are still being denied access to essential supports. It's time to ensure that the promise for care is fulfilled. See how you can do your part to spread the word: https://bit.ly/4a2bry9 #DontDenyMe

How do we get to our goal of 90% of people getting access to the mental health and substance use disorder (MHSUD) care that they need? A new issue brief, that we signed on to, by The Bowman Family Foundation, highlights mounting evidence that the Collaborative Care Model of primary care increases access to MHSUD care, reducing health inequities and health care costs at the same time. Read here: https://bit.ly/3QyOeN1

This week of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth is dedicated to young people. Between 2009-2019, persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness increased by 40% in high school students. There’s one alarming statistic after another, each pointing to an emergency in our nation's youth. Some say the problem is that the issue is talked about too much — we believe we don’t talk about it enough. Our children and adolescents deserve support to thrive. See our policy insights on pathways to help: https://bit.ly/3WyRhJa

Join us in the movement demanding PARITY FOR MENTAL HEALTH! #DontDenyMe https://bit.ly/3UujU7I

“Let’s be honest. These are messy, complex illnesses.” That’s our founder Patrick J. Kennedy on PBS NewsHour speaking about the unvarnished, personal stories of mental health and substance use disorders in his book “Profiles in Mental Health Courage,” co-written with Stephen Fried. The compelling profiles show us why our organization works toward moonshot goals for better screening, treatment, and supported recovery. And, as Patrick J. Kennedy put it, “because we want to save each other’s lives.”

We will need your voice — and your help if we want to send a message to the insurance industry. As mental health conditions and substance use disorders reach record-breaking levels, some in the insurance industry are resisting meaningful parity enforcement. That means denying millions of people equitable care for issues that are urgent, life-threatening, and devastating. We can’t sit by as those people are denied. But we need your help. Watch the video below and see why it’s time to act: https://bit.ly/4a2bry9 #DontDenyMe Video: SimonProPhoto/The Kennedy Forum

Today, Patrick J. Kennedy announced a campaign that forcefully calls for meaningful enforcement of the Federal Parity law. Stay tuned for how you can join the bold movement for better mental health and substance use care. #DontDenyMe https://bit.ly/4a2bry9

To our New York City followers and friends: Please join us in Times Square tomorrow at noon to witness the unveiling of four digital billboards generously donated by New Tradition. In recognition of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, we're sending big messages (and making an exciting announcement) about the movement to ensure mental health is essential health. We'll also be celebrating the release of our co-founder's new book, Profiles in Mental Health Courage, co-written with Stephen Fried. We can't wait to see you as these important ideas take centerstage.

It’s the first day of #MentalHealthAwarenessMonth, and The Kennedy Forum works this month and all year long to transform the way mental health and substance use disorders are treated. We believe: - Mental health is essential health. - Everyone deserves access to insurance-covered care. - Change is inevitable when partners work toward big goals. Visit our new website and explore the ways we can shape policies and practices together to create better care for all. https://lnkd.in/gyT9iqh