Time change: Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy to discuss mental health as a new civil rights movement, 9:30 a.m. Nov. 5

Former Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy, the nation’s leading political voice on mental illness, addiction, and other brain diseases, will discuss the progress made and major challenges ahead for care and treatment at a Newsmakers news conference at 9:30 a.m. Nov. 5 in the Fourth Estate restaurant.

Kennedy, a Democrat who represented Rhode Island for 16 years, fought a national battle to end medical and societal discrimination against mental illness, addiction, and other brain diseases -- highlighted by his lead sponsorship of the Mental Health Parity and Addictions Equity Act of 2008, and his openness about his own health challenges. The son of Sen. Edward “Ted” Kennedy, Kennedy left Congress not long after his father’s death to devote his career to advocacy for brain diseases and to create a new, healthier life and start a family.

This fall, Kennedy is leading a coalition to mount a grassroots campaign to make mental health and addiction top domestic priorities in the 2016 election. He is also the author of a new book, "A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction," which combines his mental health and addiction memoir with his bold policy call to action. The book, co-written with journalist Stephen Fried, was published Oct. 5.


Like all Newsmakers events, this news conference is open to credentialed media and NPC members, free of charge. No advance registration is required.

For more information, contact Tony Gallo, NPC Newsmakers Event Host, at 202-544-6973 or [email protected]