The Kennedy Forum Illinois is a broad-based, united campaign to advance mental health and addiction policy, improve access to services, and combat stigma.
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Just as President Kennedy rallied the nation to dream big and set audacious goals 50 years ago, The Kennedy Forum in Illinois is working toward lasting change in the way mental health and addictions are considered and treated. OUR VISION: A future where all persons are treated with dignity and receive the person-centered mental and physical care and support they need to thrive and achieve their goals; with a health system that fully recognizes that the brain is part of the body. OUR MISSION: End stigma against mental health and substance use disorders. We are focused on changing both attitudes and practice. OUR WORK
• Elevate and improve the quality of the public
discourse and mass media coverage of mental
health and addiction;
• Ensure equal access and coverage of mental
health and substance use disorder care;
• Advance integration and coordination of
behavioral health care and prevention into the
general primary care medical system;
• Leverage innovation and technology to advance
and improve mental health/addiction interventions
and integration;
• Give children the best chance to succeed in life by
addressing brain health at an early age.
Operating as usual
Navigating the Complex Health Insurance Appeals Process | The Kennedy Forum
When someone needs treatment for a mental health or substance use disorder, the last thing they or their family should have to worry about is an insurance coverage denial. Often, however…
A new U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO)
report is highlighting major issues in mental health/addiction treatment access across the U.S., including billing issues, workforce shortages, racial inequality, and parity enforcement. #SupportHB2595 #HealthIsHealth
A report from the Government Accountability Office paints a picture of an already strained behavioral health system struggling after the pandemic struck to meet the treatment needs of millions of A…
When Seeking Treatment, A Reminder Addiction Is Not A Moral Failing
An artist and a brain scientist are working together to reduce the stigma surrounding addiction. Both are determined to change society's view of addiction.
Parity progress! Today, HB2595 passed the Illinois State House 114-0. This bill will save lives by requiring health plans to follow generally accepted standards of care when making coverage decisions for mental health/addiction care. Health is Health Illinois #SupportHB2595 #HealthIsHealth ##supportsb697 #twill
Parity progress! Today, HB2595 passed the Illinois State House 114-0. This bill will save lives by requiring health plans to follow generally accepted standards of care when making coverage decisions for mental health/addiction care. Health is Health Illinois #SupportHB2595 #HealthIsHealth ##supportsb697 #twill
Timeline Photos
Those with mental health and addiction challenges often forego care because it’s too costly or hard to find. A new guide from The Kennedy Forum and NAMI can empower consumers to hold their health plans accountable for equal coverage. https://bit.ly/3dDdGOw
"But while the number of suicides may have declined over all, preliminary studies of local communities in states like Illinois, Maryland and Connecticut found a rise in suicides among Black Americans and other people of color when compared with previous years."
Despite dire predictions, the number of suicides fell by 5 percent over all. Still, smaller studies suggested the trends were much worse among nonwhite Americans.
As Suicides Rise, Insurers Find Ways to Deny Mental Health Coverage
#HealthIsHealthIL
#SupportHB2595
#SupportSB697
Red tape and a lack of in-network providers frustrate those seeking treatment.
Employers: Do you understand the pros and cons of traditional employee assistance programs (EAPs)? Have you considered EAP alternatives such as onsite and digital mental health providers? Do you know how to collaborate with your health plan reps to ensure your employees have equal coverage of mental health and addiction care? Get the answers you need in our 3-part webinar series, starting April 15: https://bit.ly/3tO72u2
Between 16-24 and interested interested in policy change and advocacy for mental health? If so, we encourage you to apply to join the new Young Advisory Board co-created by Well Being Trust, Young Invincibles, and Active Minds to collaborate on a mental health advocacy toolset for young adults! To learn more and apply, visit: activeminds.org/WBTadvisors.
Apply to be an advisor and inform national mental health policy.
House Committee Backs Plan to Ensure Coverage for Mental Health Services #healthishealthil #supportHB2595 #supportSB697 #twill
A House committee signed off last week on a proposal to give greater coverage for mental health services.
Please join Kennedy Forum Illinois Board Member Professor Mary Garrison, LCSW, ACSW, for a candid conversation with providers and people with lived experience to talk about the mental health of our Black Americans. Join the conversation live and submit questions prior to the event to help enrich the conversation with your voice.
Our Kids' Mental Health Can't Wait
Young people are struggling; greater investment in services and support is a must
“Despite the Parity Act, insurance providers across the county too often still discriminate against those suffering from mental health conditions. That discrimination takes many forms. One way that insurers have narrowed the scope of coverage for serious mental health or substance abuse conditions is through the development and application of internal clinical ‘guidelines’ that an insured must satisfy to be eligible for insurance coverage.” #HealthIsHealthIL #SupportHB2595 #SupportSB697 #twill
Now more than ever, we are aware of the close interplay between mental and physical health. Historically, our health care system has too often turned...
The Illinois House Mental Health & Addiction Committee unanimously passed HB2595 today! Thank you! Health is Health Illinois #SupportHB2595 #SupportSB697 #HealthisHealthIL #twill
The Illinois House Mental Health & Addiction Committee unanimously passed HB2595 today! Thank you! Health is Health Illinois #SupportHB2595 #SupportSB697 #HealthisHealthIL #twill
Thank you Illinois House Mental Health & Addiction Committee for passing HB2595! We are proud to be part of the more than 75 organizations advocating for mental health and addiction reforms everyone can agree on. Health is Health Illinois #SupportHB2595 #SupportSB697 #HealthisHealthIL #twill
Thank you Illinois House Mental Health & Addiction Committee for passing HB2595! We are proud to be part of the more than 75 organizations advocating for mental health and addiction reforms everyone can agree on. Health is Health Illinois #SupportHB2595 #SupportSB697 #HealthisHealthIL #twill
Please join us March 30, from 7-8pm for a candid conversation with providers and people with lived experience to talk about the mental health of our Black Americans. The conversation will be led by The Kennedy Forum Illinois Board Member, Professor Mary Garrison, LCSW, ACSW, and will include Jerry Douglas, LCSW, Tamika Hall, MSW, LCSW, MBA, and Tamica Hatchett, MSW. Join the conversation. Register here: http://bit.ly/TKFI-033021
Please join us March 30, from 7-8pm for a candid conversation with providers and people with lived experience to talk about the mental health of our Black Americans. The conversation will be led by The Kennedy Forum Illinois Board Member, Professor Mary Garrison, LCSW, ACSW, and will include Jerry Douglas, LCSW, Tamika Hall, MSW, LCSW, MBA, and Tamica Hatchett, MSW. Join the conversation. Register here: http://bit.ly/TKFI-033021
Pleased to announce that Health is Health Illinois launches today, a campaign backed by more than 75 organizations, including The Kennedy Forum Illinois, to help make true mental health parity the law in IL. Read more here: http://healthishealth.us/ #HealthIsHealthIL #SupportSB697 #SupportHB2595
The cost of mental health care should not be your life savings. We are proud to join more than 75 organizations in launching Health is Health Illinois, a campaign to pass mental health and addiction care reforms everyone can agree on. #HealthIsHealthIL #SupportSB697 #SupportHB2595
The cost of mental health care should not be your life savings. We are proud to join more than 75 organizations in launching Health is Health Illinois, a campaign to pass mental health and addiction care reforms everyone can agree on. #HealthIsHealthIL #SupportSB697 #SupportHB2595
Illinois lawmakers look to address state’s mental health needs #HealthIsHealth
Lawmakers say mental health, addiction have worsened amid pandemic.
How are Black children doing? How can parents and teachers understand and support the social and emotional health of Black children? These are questions and topics that don't often get the attention they deserve in research and practice. Join Dr. Orson Morrison, Psy.D. of DePaul University who reviews the data and best practices on supporting Black children. The event will end with a brief, guided meditation practice that encourages personal and collective reflection and action.
This program is made possible by funding through the Oak Park Township Community Mental Health Board and in partnership with the Oak Park Elementary School District 97 and the Kennedy Forum of Illinois. This program is also offered in celebration of the 10th Anniversary of DePaul University's College of Science and Health.
Join us for our upcoming webinar: Understanding and supporting the emotional health of Black children, March 17, 6-7pm. Register: http://bit.ly/OTT031721
Join Dr. Orson Morrison, Psy.D. of DePaul University and The Kennedy Forum Illinois' Leadership Council as he reviews the data and best practices on supporting Black children.
Register: http://bit.ly/OTT031721
#mentalhealth #Mentalhealthequity
Join us for our upcoming webinar: Understanding and supporting the emotional health of Black children, March 17, 6-7pm. Register: http://bit.ly/OTT031721
Join Dr. Orson Morrison, Psy.D. of DePaul University and The Kennedy Forum Illinois' Leadership Council as he reviews the data and best practices on supporting Black children.
Register: http://bit.ly/OTT031721
#mentalhealth #Mentalhealthequity
Our Founder, former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy and MentalHealth America CEO Paul Gionfriddo joined Fox 32 Chicago yesterday to discuss the mental health challenges following the pandemic. Take a look at the link>> https://www.fox32chicago.com/video/906040
Former U.S. Rep. Patrick Kennedy and mental health advocate Paul Gionfriddo talk about the importance of addressing mental health concerns brought on by the pandemic and list some of the resources you can turn to if you're not feeling like yourself.
We are excited to partner with The Chicago Community Trust and Illinois Department of Human Services to encourage community members across Illinois to engage in small conversations that build relationships and encourage action around mental health and racial equity to benefit the public good.
On the Table brings people together around a common purpose to listen to each other and learn from others’ experiences. These unprecedented and divisive times continue to challenge every one of us to see the humanity in each other. This year, we are partnering with #HealingIllinois, a racial healing initiative designed to promote dialogue, facilitate learning, encourage collaboration, and seed connections.
Learn more: http://bit.ly/OTT-TKFI
We are excited to partner with The Chicago Community Trust and Illinois Department of Human Services to encourage community members across Illinois to engage in small conversations that build relationships and encourage action around mental health and racial equity to benefit the public good.
On the Table brings people together around a common purpose to listen to each other and learn from others’ experiences. These unprecedented and divisive times continue to challenge every one of us to see the humanity in each other. This year, we are partnering with #HealingIllinois, a racial healing initiative designed to promote dialogue, facilitate learning, encourage collaboration, and seed connections.
Learn more: http://bit.ly/OTT-TKFI
Be sure to register for the Annual @MidwestBGH Feb 24 Forum on Mental & Behavioral Health moderated by our executive director, Cheryl Potts! Learn what employers are doing to ensure good health & high productivity within their workforce during this pandemic. #employers #mbghevents #mentalhealth #publichealth http://ow.ly/TZFa50DymfI
MBGH serves as one of the nation’s leading non-profit employer coalitions. Members are represented by human resource and health benefit professionals for over 130 mid, large and jumbo self-funded public and private companies who provide health benefits for more than 4 million lives and spend over ...
Excited to host another free mental health session with our great partners Hope For The Day. Tonight, 5-7pm CT. Registration link is below! Together we have reached hundreds of people to lessen stigma and normalize the way we talk about mental health and substance use. Join us!
https://hopefortheday.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lJcMJn7AS0CoWWC7emytkA
Excited to host another free mental health session with our great partners Hope For The Day. Tonight, 5-7pm CT. Registration link is below! Together we have reached hundreds of people to lessen stigma and normalize the way we talk about mental health and substance use. Join us!
https://hopefortheday.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_lJcMJn7AS0CoWWC7emytkA
An excellent read for families coping with this difficult period of life.
'"Parents should think about the different ways adolescents might respond to stress," said Dr. Rebecca Leeb, a health scientist at the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention who led a team on emotional well-being and mental health in the pandemic. Perhaps they are withdrawing and sleeping more; eating more or less; or trying drugs, alcohol or tobacco.
It’s also important to make sure that your own mental health is taken care of before you “jump in and start checking in on your kid’s mental health,” Dr. Moutier said. Find moments to relax and laugh, she said, and make sure to talk about how you’re maintaining your own wellness and resilience, so that you can acknowledge and model the importance of those coping strategies for your kids.'
https://www.nytimes.com/2021/02/06/well/family/suicidal-ideation-kids-resilience.html
Even when rates of suicidal ideation increase, there are ways to keep kids safe.
"After the pandemic hit the U.S., mental health-related doctors visits for kids between 12 and 17 years old increased about 31% compared to 2019, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The CDC also found an increase in children visiting the emergency room for mental health crises."
https://www.wbez.org/stories/depression-mental-health-crises-and-even-loss-of-toilet-training-are-on-the-rise-in-kids-as-the-pandemic-drags-on/a02f4f7d-045f-4da3-bf9a-5652b5021ba0
Depression, anxiety, weight gain and even loss of toilet training are on the rise in kids as the pandemic drags on.
We’re excited about the new mental health committee in the Illinois Senate! Thank you to the committee’s chair, State Senator Laura Fine, the House committee chair, State Rep Deb Conroy, and all of the mental health and addiction champions in the Illinois General Assembly for working to ensure that all Illinoisans have access to mental health and addiction treatment.
Sen. Laura Fine named chair of Behavioral and Mental Health Committee
2019 had the highest number of overdose deaths ever recorded in a 12-month period, according to the CDC. As we enter a new year, if you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, don’t let illegal insurance denials of care stand in the way of getting help. Learn more: www.DontDenyMe.org #DontDenyMe
AHA - American Hospital Association (via Public) / AHA supports model state legislation that strengthens behavioral health care
The AHA recently signed on in support of model legislation that states can use to hold health insurers accountable for discriminating against those with mental health and substance use disorders by denying coverage of care.
1541 N Wells Street
Chicago, IL
60610
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Academy Award, Golden Globe, Emmy and Grammy-winning Actor and Musician, Common, Founder of Anti-Recidivism Coalition, Scott Budnick, and app developer Charles Anderson join Founder and CEO of Chicago Beyond, Liz Dozier, in conversation at The Kennedy Forum's Fourth Annual Meeting: Bending Towards Justice about reducing recidivism on January 16, 2018.
Michael Phelps & David Axelrod discuss mental health at The Kennedy Forum's Fourth Annual Meeting on January 16, 2018. Phelps, on opening up about depression: “Those moments and those feelings and those emotions for me are light years better than winning the Olympic gold medal."
On January 16th, 2018, we convened for the 4th Annual Kennedy Forum Meeting, Bending Towards Justice: A Summit for Mental Health Equity. Far too many people dealing with mental health and addiction challenges experience the justice system in lieu of justice itself. The daytime Community Forum convened the best and brightest and brave to discuss what true justice looks like for people with mental health and addiction challenges, how far we are on the arch to equality, and address the question Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. posed fifty years ago – “Where do we go from here?” This teaser video was shown at the event to start the day.
Thank you Neil Steinberg and everyone who joined us at the first-ever 'Mind Matters', our new monthly speaker series featuring provocative, inspiring perspectives on mental health and addiction. Details about September's event coming soon!
Old Town Merchants and Residents Association
1543 N Wells St, lower levelLincoln Park Community Services
1521 N SedgwickThe Mustard Seed Group of Chicago,is a 501C3
507 W North AveSociety of Architectural Historians-Chicago C
1365 N Astor StNavy Recruiting Station - Six Corners
1239 N. Clybourn ave.Navy Recruiting Station Windy City
1239 N Clybourn AveChicago Navy Memorial Foundation
1805 N Mohawk StNear North Health Service Corporation
1276 N Clybourn AveOlga Abezgauz - Dream Town Realty Inc.
1950 N SedgwickCook County Mobile Notary Public , Chicago IL
Dearborn and Maple
Illinois Partners for Human Service
33 W. Grand Ave., Suite 300
Consulat général du Canada à Chicago
Two Prudential Plaza 180 North Stetson Avenue, Suite 2400
City of Chicago Department of Planning & Deve
121 N La Salle St Rm 1000
Chicagoland Chamber of Commerce
410 N Michigan Ave