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Friends, Colleagues, and Advocates:


As we navigate uncertain times during the global COVID-19 pandemic, I wanted to personally let you know that The Kennedy Forum remains steadfast in its efforts to protect those with mental health and substance use disorders, and, simultaneously, safeguard the collective mental health of the nation.

 

We are working closely with partners to address the wave of fear and anxiety caused by the pandemic and to ensure access to needed services. Two weeks ago, The Kennedy Forum sent a letter signed by 40+ health advocacy organizations to federal officials in charge of our nation's COVID-19 response—asking them to take urgent action by distributing clear, consistent communications, expanding telehealth, prioritizing treatment and medication pathways, and more. We are also calling for the government to take steps to protect vulnerable populations, such as people experiencing homelessness, who disproportionately live with mental health and substance use disorders.


I hope you will take a few moments to read this op-ed I wrote with former U.S. Surgeon General Dr. David Satcher and CEO of the American Psychological Association Dr. Arthur C. Evans Jr., which also outlines the steps our administration must take to ensure that miscommunication, trauma, and roadblocks to mental health and addiction care to not undermine our nation's ability to fight and recover from the COVID-19 pandemic. Given that we are already struggling to address a mental health crisis in this country, our leaders must do everything possible to anticipate needs and facilitate treatment in a timely fashion.


Lastly, if you or a loved one is struggling to cope during this pandemic, I urge you to utilize the digital resources provided by our trusted partner, Mental Health America. I also encourage you to stay connected to friends and loved ones through digital means such as FaceTime. Strong bonds with others are essential to mental health and well-being, even during a pandemic.

 

Please take good care and know that The Kennedy Forum is more dedicated than ever to advancing mental health equity as the nation adapts to a new normal. Together, with our partners and supporters like you, we will fight to ensure that mental health is a key part of the national response to COVID-19.

 

Onward! 


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Patrick J. Kennedy

Former U.S. Representative

Founder, The Kennedy Forum

Co-chair, Mental Health for US

     
   
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This email was sent by pjk@thekennedyforum.org to ptobias@ncsc.org
The Kennedy Forum | 14 Central Avenue, PO Box 319 | Island Heights, NJ 08732