Congressional and State Testimony, December 2017

This month The Kennedy Forum testified before both the U.S. Congress and the Illinois Legislature. Please see attached for download Testimony by Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy before the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on December 5  regarding the opioid and suicide epidemics and Testimony by Illinois Policy Director David Lloyd before the Illinois State Assembly Committee on … Continued

INTERFAITH LUNCH DIALOGUE : Mental Health and Trauma: Providing Hope, Help and Healing

Because religion and spirituality often play a vital role in healing, people experiencing mental health concerns often turn first to a faith leader. As such, clergy are often gatekeepers or “first responders” when individuals and families face trauma, mental health or substance use problems. In this important role they can help dispel misunderstandings, reduce stigma … Continued

POLL: Majority support “Radical” or “Significant” changes to how mental health issues are handled in Illinois; 9 out of 10 say Stigma Exists

Kennedy Forum Illinois calls for equity, access, accelerated progress. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 23, 2015 CONTACT: Kelly O’Brien, (312) 532-4881, Kelly@TheKennedyForumIlllinois.org Julia Hamm, (312) 374-8544,  Julie@HensonConsulting.com   (CHICAGO, IL) – According to new public opinion research released today by the Kennedy Forum Illinois, a clear majority (62{c48ccdf3c73afb47c94c61fa7aae86e62bfbb2e57db984400d0c5994c9d92c5c}) of Illinoisians support making “radical” or “significant” changes … Continued

Patrick Kennedy & Stigma of Mental Illness

Rhyan Kronzer | November 19, 2014 10:30 am Although we live in an age of openness and awareness, mental illness is a largely misunderstood and stigmatized condition. In 2012, Chicago closed six of its 12 mental health facilities. Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart this year described the jail he oversees as the largest mental health facility … Continued