Mental Health for US is a nonpartisan, educational initiative focused on elevating mental health and addiction in national policy. Led by former U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy and former Senator Gordon H. Smith, the initiative’s main focus is elevating mental health and addiction as key issues in the 2020 election cycle.
On December 16, the Mental Health for US held the Unite for Mental Health: New Hampshire Town Hall in Manchester to provide members of the community, mental health professionals, 2020 presidential candidates and local policymakers the opportunity to discuss judicial reform, mental health and addiction treatment and other issues. The program started at 6:30 p.m. at St. Anselm College and was livestreamed on Facebook.
Four presidential candidates participated in the event: Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, Governor Deval Patrick, Governor Bill Weld, and Congressman Joe Walsh.
Other speakers included Representative Chris Pappas, Representative Patrick Kennedy, Olympian and IRONMAN athlete Sarah True, New Hampshire State Representative Patricia Klee, Executives from New Hampshire Community Behavioral Health Association, Mental Health Center of Greater Manchester, Community Partners, NAMI New Hampshire, AFSP and AFSP New Hampshire, Associate Administrative Judge Steven Leifman of the Miami-Dade County Court, New Hampshire Judge.
On January 13, 2020, Mental Health for US will hold the Unite for Change Forum: California. This event, featuring Rep. Kennedy, NBC News senior national correspondent Kate Snow and actress and singer-songwriter Kiana Ledé among other national and local advocates, will provide the tools, training and education that community members need to effectively advocate for these issues throughout the 2020 election.
For more information about Mental Health for US, visit the initiative’s website.