Patrick Kennedy

'Patrick Kennedy is a former U.S. Representative, mental health advocate, and influential speaker. He is best known for his tenure in the U.S. House of Representatives, representing Rhode Island's 1st congressional district for 16 years. Born into the prominent Kennedy political family, his journey from a family steeped in public service to his own career in politics has inspired many. During his time in Congress, Kennedy was a leading voice on mental health, addiction, and other health issues. He was instrumental in the passage of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008, a landmark legislation that requires insurance companies to provide the same level of benefits for mental health and substance use treatment and services that they do for physical health. Post his political career, Kennedy has continued to champion mental health causes. He co-founded The Kennedy Forum, an organization that unites advocates, business leaders, and government agencies to advance evidence-based practices, policies, and programming in mental health and addiction. Patrick Kennedy's speeches are powerful and deeply personal, often drawing on his own experiences with mental health and addiction. He is a passionate advocate for those struggling with these issues, and his speeches serve as a call to action for greater understanding, compassion, and support for mental health in America.'

Patrick Kennedy is a former U.S. Representative from Rhode Island who has become an influential advocate for mental health and substance use disorder treatment.