Kennedy Forum Illinois

The Kennedy Forum, founded in 2013, is a leading non-profit organization dedicated to revolutionizing the way mental health and addictions are addressed in America. Inspired by President John F. Kennedy's vision of a nation that cares for its citizens' mental health with the same commitment as physical health, The Kennedy Forum was established to mark the 50th anniversary of the Community Mental Health Act of 1963. The organization aims to end the stigma associated with mental health and substance use disorders and create a consumer-driven movement that demands parity rights and saves lives.

Our History

The Kennedy Forum was launched by former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, motivated by his personal struggles and the need for reform in the mental health and substance use treatment system. After authoring the federal Parity Law, Mr. Kennedy called for action to reform the broken mental health system. In response, a contingent of Illinois leaders, including our Illinois Founder, Peter O'Brien, attended the event. Inspired by the potential to unite diverse stakeholders, Mr. O'Brien returned to Illinois determined to bring this powerful organizing model to bear in the state.

Our Vision, Mission, and Impact

Our vision is 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 is to end stigma and discrimination against people with mental health and addiction challenges. We aim not just to change the conversation but to change the system.

Since our official launch in 2014, The Kennedy Forum Illinois has conducted extensive outreach via public forums, workgroup convenings, community conversations, and partnerships. We have built a constituency of more than 3,000 key stakeholders in mental health and addiction, enabling us to reach over 2 million Illinoisans. Our key accomplishments include leading the effort to pass the strongest state parity law in the country, hosting annual convenings, engaging over 4,500 people, and training over 3,500 Chicagoans in mental health awareness and Mental Health First Aid.

Our Programs

Our programs are centered on Policy & Advocacy and Events. We are committed to making a difference by advocating for policy changes that promote mental health and addiction parity. Our events bring together advocacy, government, philanthropy, and the private sector, providing opportunities for education, engagement, and collaboration.

Policy & Advocacy

The Kennedy Forum Policy & Advocacy program aims to end structural stigma and discrimination against those living with mental health and substance use disorders. We work to change the system by advocating for policies that promote mental health and addiction parity. Our efforts include publishing reports, hosting briefings, and engaging with stakeholders to advance policy change.

Events

Our events bring together diverse stakeholders to learn, engage, and collaborate on mental health and addiction issues. Our annual convenings, webinars, and community conversations provide opportunities for education and advocacy. Our events aim to build multi-tiered systems of support, address the mental health impact on students and education, and promote equity in mental health and substance use disorder care.

Join us in our mission to end stigma and discrimination against people with mental health and addiction challenges. Together, we can change the conversation and the system, ensuring that all persons receive the mental and physical care and support they need to thrive.