Abbie Kopf | Page 5 | The Kennedy Forum

Policy Pulse: Major Parity Bill Passes the House!

Last week, the U.S. House of Representatives passed the Mental Health Matters Act, which contains provisions that we’ve been working to advance for years that would allow the Department of Labor to levy fines for violations of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act. The bill also contains other important provisions to protect consumers’ parity rights. Our latest … Continued

Special Announcement: The Kennedy Forum Launches Clinton Global Initiative ‘Commitment to Action’ Addressing Youth Mental Health

Yesterday, The Kennedy Forum announced the launch of its Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action, “Ensuring Coverage of Youth Mental Health Treatment.” CGI convenes global and emerging leaders to create and implement solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. The Forum’s Commitment focuses on breaking down insurance barriers that inhibit youth access to evidence-based mental health treatment … Continued

Youth Mental Health Spotlight: States: Don’t Pass Up Federal Dollars to Strengthen Youth Mental Health Services

In her latest blog post, Amy Kennedy explores the increased need for school-based mental health programming and workforce-building efforts and highlights several grant opportunities for states. “The critical shortage of mental health professionals across the country is even more acute for school systems. Fully meeting students’ social and emotional needs is impossible to do with … Continued

The Kennedy Forum Launches Clinton Global Initiative ‘Commitment to Action’ Addressing Youth Mental Health

Washington, D.C. (September 19, 2022) — The Kennedy Forum announced today the launch of its Clinton Global Initiative (CGI) Commitment to Action, “Ensuring Coverage of Youth Mental Health Treatment.” CGI convenes global and emerging leaders to create and implement solutions to the world’s most pressing challenges. The Forum’s Commitment focuses on breaking down insurance barriers … Continued

Partner Spotlight: September is National Suicide Prevention Month and Recovery Month

Recovery Month, a program of Faces & Voices of Recovery, celebrates the gains made in recovery from mental health and substance use disorders, just as we celebrate improvements made by those who are managing other health conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, asthma, and heart disease. Each September, Recovery Month works to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and … Continued

Policy Pulse: California May Soon Lead the Nation in Supporting 988

AB 988, co-sponsored by The Kennedy Forum and Steinberg Institute, recently passed the California legislature and is awaiting Governor Newsom’s signature to become law. It’s the only actively moving state bill that enables a comprehensive fee and planning process for 988: sustained funding for call centers and mobile crisis teams through a small telephone surcharge, a five-year … Continued

Special Announcements: David Lloyd Named Chief Policy Officer

David Lloyd, who previously served as Senior Policy Advisor, will now oversee all policy efforts at The Kennedy Forum, including the expansion of strategic state and federal initiatives. His tireless work advancing mental health parity has already improved access to care for millions of Americans. The Forum team congratulates David and looks forward to supporting him in this … Continued

Q&A with David Lloyd, Chief Policy Officer of The Kennedy Forum

Rebecca Bagley, who was named Chief Executive Officer of The Kennedy Forum in April 2022, recently promoted David Lloyd to Chief Policy Officer in recognition of his tremendous efforts to advance legislative priorities of the nonprofit. With David at the helm of a growing policy team, The Forum is now poised to extend its reach … Continued