Mental Health State of the Union Champions the "System We Need"

Today’s second annual State of the Union in Mental Health and Addiction called for changing public discourse on mental health as well as establishing a comprehensive “System We Need” to help achieve full implementation of the Parity Act.

“We’re here to set a political agenda, not a medical agenda,” said former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, founder of The Kennedy Forum, during his State of the Union speech. “I’m proud to be part of that march for progress.”

Kennedy continued, saying that he is involved in efforts to have a presence at the upcoming Democratic and Republican national conventions, and will petition for changes in party platforms.

Kennedy also outlined the behavioral health “System We Need” to improve on mental health care and ensure integrated delivery of that care.

“We cannot build the system we need unless we break the silence,” said Kennedy.

The second annual State of the Union in Mental Health and Addiction was hosted by The Kennedy Forum and the Satcher Health Leadership Institute. Follow the conversation on Twitter at #MHSOTU.