In an op-ed for USA Today (10/7), former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, the author of a new book on mental illness and addiction, urges every presidential candidate to include a “detailed and realistic platform for how he or she would dramatically improve diagnosis, treatment and prevention of mental illness and addiction.”
Kennedy argues that because of discrimination, mental disorders are often kept secret, which is “a huge part of the reason our country does not have a consistent policy on their care.” He says that “experts agree” that “perhaps the greatest opportunity to save lives and health care dollars” would come from approaching mental illnesses proactively, integrating care, and no longer “pretending these aren’t chronic illnesses.”
Related Links:
— “Patrick Kennedy: After Roseburg, face up to mental illness, addiction,” Patrick J. Kennedy, USA Today, October 7, 2015.