Kennedy Warns Mental Health Conference That Difficult Times Are Ahead
Former Rep. Patrick Kennedy, an advocate for mental health services, spoke at a two-day mental health care conference aimed at highlighting local programs that bridge the gap between mental health services and minority groups.
Santa Rosa Press Democrat:
Santa Rosa Summit: Reduce Stigma Of Mental Health Treatment
At a statewide mental health conference Wednesday in Santa Rosa, former U.S. Congressman Patrick Kennedy spoke openly about his own struggles with mental illness and addiction and the continued fight to make mental health services a priority. Kennedy, the nephew of President John F. Kennedy and son of the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, cautioned a group of almost 300 mental health workers and advocates from all over the state that difficult times are ahead, as lawmakers in Washington move to repeal Obamacare and cut the federal Medicaid program. One such proposal, proposed by GOP member of Congress, would send Medicaid payments as block grants to states. Critics say that would most likely lead to deep cuts in the Medicaid program. (Espinoza, 3/15)
In other public health news —
Capital Public Radio:
Health Of California’s College Athletes Would Be Focus Of New State Panel
Just as the NCAA kicks-off its popular March Madness college basketball tournament, a California lawmaker has pitched a new state panel to oversee the health and safety of college athletes across the Golden State. Assemblywoman Lorena Gonzalez Fletcher, D-San Diego, said her bill -- the Athlete Protection Act -- proposes to do what the NCAA has failed to. (Nichols, 3/15)