Adjust video to 8:14 to hear President Obama’s remarks about Patrick Kennedy
“… my great friend Patrick Kennedy when he was running for re-election back in 2016, he could have avoided talking about his struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction. Lets face it he’s a Kennedy, ya know … his seat was pretty safe, everybody loved him, and yet, Patrick used his experiences as a way to connect and to lift up these issues not hide from them. And one day a woman came up to Patrick at a senior center and told him she was afraid to tell her friends she was taking medication for a mental illness because she was worried they might treat her differently. She told Patrick, ‘You are the only one who knows aside from my son.’ And so, Patrick started realizing how much power there could be for people to speak out on these issues. And Patrick carried these stories back with him to Washington where he worked with a bipartisan group of lawmakers including his dad to make sure mental health services you get through your insurance plan at work are covered the same way that physical health services are. A huge victory. Because of Patrick’s efforts and colleagues who worked with him, its easier for millions of people to join him on the road to recovery …”
“At every opportunity, Patrick brings his 'lived experience' and passion for public policies to find help for the addicted and relief for the mentally ill.”
“Through decades of work, Patrick offers fresh perspectives and practical strategies. He excels in the ability to understand all dimensions of complex problems, to find scalable solutions, and to spur adoption by tapping into his vast network of connections at the local, state, and national levels and in the public and private sectors.”
“Patrick truly represents and understands the needs of people suffering from addiction and those who have found recovery.”
“Mr. Kennedy has committed his life to serving the unique needs of people living with and in recovery from addiction and other mental health concerns, as well as their families, behavioral health providers, law enforcement, and others…. As a preeminent voice for mental health and addiction equity for more than 25 years, Kennedy has shown a deep understanding for the value of collective action and facilitating policy reforms through strategic, bipartisan partnerships."
“He has spent his life working with people from every political persuasion and every walk of life—he understands the unique needs of families, mental health and addiction treatment providers, law enforcement, people in recovery, and more. And as a person in long-term recovery himself, Congressman Kennedy has an unparalleled connection with millions of Americans who have been either directly or indirectly impacted by the brain disease of addiction.”
“Patrick’s foundational achievements to help heal Americans struggling with addiction and mental health demonstrate that he has the experience and relationships to get the right things done. Moreover, his lived experience-based integrity, resolve, and compassion come through in everything he does, both as a leader and personally…Patrick’s lived experience with addiction, mental health and recovery has imbued him with a deep resolve to help his fellow Americans facing behavioral health challenges.”
“Mr. Kennedy’s relationships across the public and private sector and his passion for the cause have catalyzed national conversations around health equity and generated momentum for necessary reforms to aid underserved communities across the U.S. His service to the public is unmatched, and his commitment to collaboration and equity are unparalleled in the area of mental health and addiction services.”
“Our partners in the private sector know who to call when they need guidance on mental health and addiction policy – and that person is Rep. Kennedy.”
“[Patrick] shares the lived experience of substance use disorder and recovery, with all its ramifications for family, community, stigma, and redemption. He shared his story and his family’s story publicly – remarkably and courageously, in a best-selling memoir that has been praised for its capacity to heal other individuals and families. Most importantly, he is one of the few in a generation with the capacity to galvanize laypersons and advocates with a clarifying vision of how to balance public health and public safety…”