The Kennedy Forum

Today is #WorldMentalHealthDay! This year, we’re partnering with URAC around a shared focus on access, quality, and accountability in mental health and addiction care. The partnership will focus on strengthening the national conversation around mental health parity and closing the gap between the promise of equal coverage and what people actually experience when they seek care. Learn more: https://bit.ly/4AV1t05.

Mental health parity should mean more than equal coverage on paper. It should mean people can actually access the care they need. Ahead of #WorldMentalHealthDay, URAC is partnering with The Kennedy Forum to advance mental health care access, quality and accountability and help strengthen the national conversation around parity. Read more: https://hubs.la/Q04zhvvR0 #mentalhealth #mentalhealthparity

We are hiring! The Kennedy Forum is seeking a Senior Manager, Development Operations and Donor Engagement to join our fully remote team. If you know someone who would thrive in a mission-driven, high-impact, and fast-moving organization, please share this opportunity. Learn more about the role and find application instructions at https://lnkd.in/gP_nr_8g.

Supporting young people’s mental health takes all of us working together across schools, health care, communities, and policy. The Kennedy Forum’s Youth Mental Health Fellow, Azadeh Farrah O., attended the 10th Annual Wellness Together Conference in San Diego, joining leaders from across education and mental health to exchange ideas and learn from one another. We’re grateful to be part of these conversations and to bring new ideas and perspectives back to our work supporting stronger mental health systems for young people.

Today marks a major step forward for mental health and addiction parity in California. Governor Gavin Newsom has signed AB 2011, the Behavioral Health Parity Protection Act, strengthening protections so that mental health and substance use disorder coverage is no more restrictive than coverage for physical health care. The Kennedy Forum is proud to have co-sponsored this legislation alongside the Steinberg Institute and California Department of Insurance. Read more: https://bit.ly/4AIQczW.

A busy week at #UNGA81, with so many important conversations around brain health, mental health, and addiction. The Kennedy Forum hosted a private roundtable led by Co-Founder Patrick J. Kennedy, bringing together leaders from across sectors to look at how we can foster well-being across the lifespan, from childhood through later life. With emerging technologies, increasing social polarization, and major societal shifts reshaping how we live and connect, the conversations focused on how our institutions and policies can keep pace and help buid healthier, more reslilient communities.  We're grateful to everyone who joined us, brought their perspectives to the table, and helped push the conversation forward.

The Kennedy Forum's School-Based Industry Council brings together leaders across education, health care, technology, prevention, and student well-being to strengthen school-based and school-connected mental health services. By bringing these perspectives together, the Council is working to identify opportunities for greater coordination and help build stronger systems of support for young people. Learn more about the Council: https://bit.ly/4hXK1ik.

Dr. Arthur C. Evans, Ph.D. has announced he will retire as CEO of American Psychological Association and APA Services, Inc. on January 3, 2028, following more than a decade of leadership. At the Board’s request, Arthur will continue serving through 2027 to support a national search and a smooth transition to his successor. Arthur has been a valued partner in our shared work to strengthen mental health and addiction care, from prevention and recovery to the emerging challenges shaping the future of the field. We are grateful for all he has contributed and look forward to continuing our work together. Congratulations, Arthur! Read our full statement: https://bit.ly/4xGv8Yh.