Mental Health & Addiction in the US: Charting a Course for the System We Need

GOVERNMENT

In addition to serving as lead author of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy has worked tirelessly to inform government officials, unite government agencies, and facilitate government action around prevention and treatment of mental health and substance use disorders. Highlights include:

Outlines what Congressional Members can do to address mental health and addiction, regardless of party or committee. Click to view.

Provides a detailed roadmap for creating the quality, integrated health care system we need to finally acknowledge and treat mental illnesses and addiction as the brain diseases they are, rather than as moral failings. Click to learn more.

The Kennedy Forum submitted a set of recommendations to the President’s Commission and the Commission in turn delivered a comprehensive set of recommendations to President Donald Trump. Click to view the recommendations.

Helps states end insurance discrimination against those with mental health and substance use disorders and ensure compliance with the Federal Parity Law. Click to view.
This guide from Well Being Trust provides federal policymakers with actionable solutions at every possible entry point, including comprehensive, inclusive mental health and addiction policies.

 
Through the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention National Response to COVID-19 (National Response), diverse partners are bringing their best in science, innovation, and leadership to create sustainable and comprehensive solutions to the mental health impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic.

 

PHILANTHROPY

In partnership with various philanthropic organizations, Patrick J. Kennedy has helped to shine a much-needed spotlight on the need for social change, on community-based resources for those with mental health and addiction challenges, on brain research, and more. Highlights include:

This guide from the Penn Center for High Impact Philanthropy identifies approaches that are most effective at preventing, treating, and supporting the recovery or long-term management of mental health and substance use disorders. Click to learn more.

Elevates brain research through global investment and open science while convening the best minds to accelerate cures for brain diseases. Click to learn more.

An initiative focused on advancing parity; equitable systems of care; culturally-centered, integrated care; and community engagement to promote resiliency. Click to learn more.

PRIVATE SECTOR

The private sector is key to advancing the evidence-based practices, programming, and technology necessary to achieve health equity for those with mental health and substance use disorders. Through his extensive professional reach and subject matter expertise, Patrick J. Kennedy has been able to develop and nurture relationships with some of today’s most innovative companies and service providers—making great strides in uniting changemakers across the country. Highlights include:

A special initiative of One Mind, One Mind at Work unites leaders from major companies to maximize employer purchasing power for better access to care. Click to learn more.

An online platform that provides more than 100 short, compelling videos about mental health, substance use, and suicide prevention—free of charge to anyone. Click to view.

Wayspring is a value-based care entity exclusively focused on substance use disorder. The company leverages data analytics to outreach to the highest-risk individuals and deliver high-touch, community-based peer support, behavioral health, and primary care. Click to learn more.

A healthcare technology and services company that partners with major insurance plans and works with primary care doctors and mental health providers to connect patients with the mental health care they need. Click to learn more.

Their mission is to advance next-generation therapies, with individualized dosing regimens and delivery options, to address the escalating disease burden of opioid use disorder faced by patients, health care providers, payers, and society. Click to learn more.

An addiction treatment provider that works with board-certified addiction psychiatrists to offer programming based on the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) recommended treatment standards for residential care. Click to learn more.

ADVOCACY

The final and perhaps most important element of building the system we need is advocacy. It is the fuel that powers lasting change. Through unparalleled campaigns and resources developed in conjunction with the nation’s largest mental health organizations, Patrick J. Kennedy and The Kennedy Forum have inspired countless people across the country to stand up and speak out about mental health and addiction. Highlights include:

A nonpartisan educational initiative focused on elevating mental health and addiction in policy conversations during the 2020 election cycle by empowering grassroots advocates and improving candidate and policymaker health literacy. Click to learn more.

Website that helps consumers learn to file an appeal after being wrongfully denied coverage for mental health or addiction treatment, connect with resources, send a complaint directly to state enforcement officials, and more. Click to view.

Website created in partnership with The Scattergood Foundation and Treatment Research Institute; tracks parity implementation across all 50 states and uses three key metrics to assess progress: legislation, regulation, and litigation. Click to view.

Educates consumers and providers about patient rights under the Federal Parity Law and empowers them to fight back against illegal insurance denials of coverage for mental health and addiction treatment services. Click to view.

Each year, The Kennedy Forum seeks to shape a mental health and addiction leadership agenda for better public policy in both Government and Philanthropy that reflects the Kennedy family’s lifelong legacy of fighting for social justice. Click to learn more.

Led by The Kennedy Forum, this group is comprised of parity advocates from across the country who are committed to sharing information and best practices for improving state enforcement of the Federal Parity Law and state-based parity laws. Click to learn more.

Convenes lawyers from across the country to review decided and active cases involving parity and/or mental health equity and discuss actions among attorneys general. Click to learn more about the Legal Taskforce’s work.