Several years ago, Patrick J. Kennedy shared the story of his personal and family challenges with mental illness and addiction—and the nation’s—in his bestselling memoir, A Common Struggle. Now, he and his Common Struggle coauthor, award-winning healthcare journalist Stephen Fried, have crafted this powerful new book sharing the untold stories of others—a special group who agreed to talk about their illnesses, treatments, and struggles for the first time.

When Kennedy’s uncle, President John F. Kennedy, published his classic book Profiles in Courage, he hoped to inspire “political courage” by telling the stories of brave U.S. senators who changed America.

In Profiles in Mental Health Courage, former Congressman Kennedy adapts his uncle’s idea to inspire the “mental health courage” it takes for those with these conditions to treat their illnesses, and risk telling their stories to help America face its crisis in our families, our workplaces, our jails, and on our streets. The resounding silence surrounding these illnesses remains persistent, and this book takes an unflinching look at the experience of mental illness and addiction that inspires profound connection, empathy, and action.

Read more and order your copy here

Learn More About The Kennedy Forum’s Work

Goals for the Alignment for Progress Movement: 90/90/90 by 2033

A part of the Alignment for Progress, we have articulated goals for 2023: 90% of individuals will be screened for mental health conditions or substance use disorders; 90% will receive the evidence-based services and supports they need, and 90% of those treated will be able to manage their symptoms and achieve recovery.

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Collaborating for Systemic Change

The Kennedy Forum's Alignment for Progress unites stakeholders to accelerate progress in the systems of mental health and substance use disorder care to ensure a more inclusive and effective system. We are calling, urgently, for stakeholders from across the mental health and substance use landscape to join us.

Explore the Alignment for Progress

Comprehensive Policies for Change

The Kennedy Forum has created the National Strategy for Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders as part of The Alignment for Progress to tackle systemic barriers in U.S. mental health and substance use care. This strategy provides a blueprint for achieving mental health equity and systemic change, featuring over 200 policy recommendations to overhaul the existing care framework.

Learn more about the National Strategy

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