Patrick J. Kennedy Profile Banner
Patrick J. Kennedy Profile
Patrick J. Kennedy

@PJK4brainhealth

25,750
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2,089
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656
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8,707
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Former Congressman from Rhode Island. Mental health and addiction advocate. Co-author of A Common Struggle.

USA
Joined April 2012
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
1 month
“The stories of real families dealing with the messy, awful impacts of mental health and substance use are raw and unvarnished.” – @tvkatesnow HUGE thank you to Kate for hosting me on @NBCNews to speak about #profilesinmentalhealthcourage ! Watch here:
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
14 days
Today, I remember my uncle Joseph P. Kennedy Jr., who died at age 29 serving our fighting Nazi fascism. Today, we honor the brave women and men of our armed forces still fighting and dying for the rights and lives of all American citizens & to protect our country for democracy.
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
2 years
For decades, people with symptoms like chronic pain and unexplained fatigue have struggled in our health care system. This doesn’t bode well for the millions of Americans with long-COVID.
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
Pleased to hear that @RepJoeKennedy 's CHIP Mental Health Parity Act passed the House floor this afternoon! This bill ensures that children and pregnant women receiving coverage through CHIP plans will have access to mental health and addiction treatment services. #ParityProgress
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
Saoirse will always remain in our hearts. She is loved and will be deeply missed.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
The recovery community lost a founding father today. My cousin, Chris Lawford, passed away from a heart attack yesterday evening. To the world he was an author, actor, & activist, but to the recovery community he was a pioneer – living proof that long-term recovery was possible.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
Saoirse’s sincere account of her depression is a powerful reminder of how so many people suffer alone and feel isolated. I am proud Saoirse was able to be open and tell her story. I encourage everyone to read her words.
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
Thank you to my cousin @RepJoeKennedy for exposing that "repeal and replace" is repeal and DISPLACE. #ProtectOurCare
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Patrick J. Kennedy
3 months
What an honor to spend St. Patrick’s Day afternoon at the @WhiteHouse with friends, family, and world leaders @POTUS , His Excellency @LeoVaradkar and many cousins - Smiths, Shrivers, and Kennedys! We are blessed.
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
. @ddlovato , you can do this. The whole recovery community is here to support you, myself included. @AmyKennedy715 and I are pulling for you.
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
1 year
Not since my Uncle John F. Kennedy spoke 60 years ago has the need for us to express our common humanity been more important.
@JFKLibrary
JFK Library
1 year
60 years ago today on June 26, 1963: After a stop at the Berlin Wall, JFK delivered his now-famous "Ich bin ein Berliner" speech to a crowd of more than 100,000 people at the Rudolph Wilde Platz in West Berlin. #JFK60 . The full speech:
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
4 years
Thank you, @JoeBiden , for addressing an issue last night that affects so many American families: the disease of addiction. Now let’s all do what it takes to increase access to evidence-based treatment and ensure equal insurance coverage of care.
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
1 year
Yesterday after delivering my keynote address at the SNF Nostos 2023 Conference, @AmyKennedy715 and I met with President Barack Obama. President Obama's Affordable Care Act significantly expanded mental health and SUD coverage – I'm honored to have him as an ally in change!
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
4 months
Today, I mark 13 years sober. I am so grateful for my incredible wife @AmyKennedy715 and my wonderful children – it is your love and support that makes recovery possible. And thank you to ACYP and my fellow trudgers. We’re in this together!
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
. @AmyKennedy715 and I are pleased to announce the newest member of our family: Marshall Patrick Kennedy!
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Patrick J. Kennedy
1 year
When I sought treatment for addiction while in office, I felt I had to hide under the cloak of night. After it became public, I faced some calling for my resignation. But in actuality, it made me a stronger leader and politician for my constituents.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
1 year
Very grateful for my family and fellows who help on this journey.
@AmyKennedy715
Amy Kennedy
1 year
Today we celebrate @PJK4brainhealth on 12 years of sobriety. Patrick shows up every day as a husband, father, advocate, and so much more. I’m grateful for your partnership and your commitment to yourself and to our family today and every day. #OneDayAtATime
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
My thoughts are with the people of Iran as they make their voices heard for freedom, equality, and a better life.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
8 years
It is courageous for @KidCudi to speak these words out loud—and powerful to see the community respond. #yougoodman
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
4 years
So grateful for everything these nine years have afforded me, most importantly my loving family. Also thinking of my father today, on what would have been his 88th birthday.
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Amy Kennedy
4 years
Celebrating @PJK4brainhealth 9 years in #recovery
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
. @newtgingrich @VanJones68 & I spoke w/ members of @nytimes ' editorial board about @AORecovery 's work to end the opioid crisis #RecoveryNow
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
Thanks to the leadership of my cousin, @TimShriver , @SpecialOlympics impacts more lives than ever, with benefits extending FAR beyond physical achievement. We must walk the walk for students with intellectual disabilities, not undercut programs that work!
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
. @RepJoeKennedy is right: this is NOT the debate that Congress should be having during a suicide & overdose crisis.
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
4 years
Happy anniversary, @AmyKennedy715 . I’m proud to be your husband.
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
9 years
Silence is our common struggle. Thank you for letting me speak out.
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@PJK4brainhealth
Patrick J. Kennedy
4 years
Congratulations to my wife, @AmyKennedy715 , who has poured her heart and soul into this campaign! Tonight, we couldn’t be prouder. Onward!
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Patrick J. Kennedy
4 years
We should be increasing access to mental health care during this crisis, not allowing it to dwindle. We need to act now and right the ship by increasing funding and policy support for mental health providers.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
This morning I feel compelled to share my uncle’s powerful words from 1968.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
We need a drug czar with a medical background who understands the disease of addiction, and know this is not a law enforcement issue alone.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
Sen. McCain, you were there for my dad when he had a brain tumor. All of America is here for you now—especially me and my family.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
My Aunt Eunice broke down barriers to inclusion & equality when she founded @SpecialOlympics . Thank you for honoring her legacy #ESPYS
@MichelleObama
Michelle Obama
7 years
It was an honor to stand with these incredible @SpecialOlympics athletes and celebrate Eunice Kennedy Shriver's legacy at tonight's @ESPYS .
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Patrick J. Kennedy
1 year
Congratulations to my cousin @joekennedy for being appointed Special Envoy to Northern Ireland for Economic Affairs. His devotion and leadership will serve us well!
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
Saddened by the loss of Carrie Fisher, a wonderful person and advocate for those living with mental health and substance use disorders.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
The impact of violence ripples throughout families. I pray there will be adequate mental health care available to victims' families in TX.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
8 years
I stand with my former colleagues—we can do more to prevent gun violence. #NoBillNoBreak
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
@AndrewYang , I want to personally invite you to the Unite for Mental Health: New Hampshire Town Hall on 12/16. State advocates are anxious to learn more about your plans to address #mentalhealth and #addiction , and so am I.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
“We are all either struggling or know someone who is battling an illness; let’s come together to make our community more inclusive and comfortable.”
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Patrick J. Kennedy
9 years
I offer my condolences to the people of Camp Liberty and ask the President to take immediate measures to protect the residents there.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
Pleased that mental health and addiction were mentioned during last night’s debate. We can't talk about the future of our country without acknowledging the suicide and overdose crisis that is devastating American families. We must continue the conversation! #MentalHealthforUS
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Patrick J. Kennedy
4 years
My morning bike ride with Marshall turned into getting out the vote! Proud to be voting for my wife @AmyKennedy715 . She's a tireless fighter, an incredible mother and a fearless leader! #VoteWithAmy 🗳
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all!
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
My condolences go to his children, David, Savannah, and Matt; his sisters, Sydney, Victoria, and Robin; and all who loved him.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
Victims' families & survivors in Las Vegas will need counseling. Insurers must treat mental health the same as physical health #paritynow
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
“Many people are suffering, but because many people feel uncomfortable talking about it, no one is aware of the sufferers. This leaves people feeling even more alone.”
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
Addiction is a disease of the brain, not a choice. We must stop criminalizing & discriminating against people living with addiction.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
. @AmyKennedy715 and I offer our condolences to @SenJohnMcCain 's family. His support for equal access to mental health and addiction treatment meant so much to us and countless others. He was a man of tremendous integrity.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 months
Mrs. Carter has long been a north star for me. She took on mental health in the 70s when few else would and stood shoulder to shoulder with me as we fought for Parity in 2008. My thoughts are with President Carter and their entire family.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
In the last 5 years, American businesses have lost over $150 billion of productivity to #depression alone. Employees need support. #LaborDay
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Patrick J. Kennedy
8 years
Elie Wiesel taught us that grace and humanity can overcome injustice and hatred. We must carry his legacy forward.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
Feel what she felt. Do whatever you can from your position in life to stop the isolation, the stigma, and the devastating lack of acknowledgement that often leads to tragedy. Families across the nation, including ours, are suffering. We must come out of the shadows.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
4 years
Happy Mother’s Day to my beautiful wife, @AmyKennedy715 . Our children are blessed to have such a smart, loving role model who works hard to make the world a better place for others.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
In yesterday's White House Opioids Summit, the administration touted piecemeal programs and funding to address the opioid crisis, but neglected to mention the hundreds of billions of dollars they want to cut from Medicaid – the largest payer of addiction treatment services.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
8 years
We heard so many powerful stories today. We will continue to press forward in our advocacy of mental health parity.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
To all my friends in recovery on #WorldBipolarDay
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
Progress! Rhode Island has shown the rest of the nation that if you treat addiction like the brain disease it is, rather than an acute condition to be "cured" through detox, people have a fighting chance to rebuild their lives.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
3 years
My condolences to the family of Dr. Aaron Beck, who pioneered the practice of cognitive behavioral therapy and continued to transform the way mental health conditions are conceptualized and treated. His impact on the world is truly immeasurable.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
Let's care for our veterans not only in body, but in mind as well. Join me in advocating for better access to mental health and addiction care for those who have served.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
Thank you @BarackObama for making the world a better place for this guy. #RippleOfHope Gala #RFK50 @AmyKennedy715
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
Chris had lived in long-term recovery since the mid 80’s and helped countless others along the way. In my own struggle to achieve sobriety, he always encouraged me to stay the course, providing love and guidance when I needed it most.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
Every day I am inspired by my father’s commitment to health care reform and the many bipartisan efforts he championed. His impact continues to be felt in the lives of those who have been able to now receive health care they otherwise would have been denied. #emklegacy #DontDenyMe
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Patrick J. Kennedy
11 months
It was great to see @SenMarkKelly and my former colleague Congresswoman @GabbyGiffords ! I'm grateful to both of you for your leadership.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
You’ll hear me on an upcoming episode of Newt’s World with @newtgingrich – a podcast that explores history, health, science, and more from a bold new perspective. Subscribe and listen here:
@newtgingrich
Newt Gingrich
5 years
Excited to announce the launch of my new podcast, Newt's World! Each week, we'll cover topics from the past, present, and future to understand where we’ve been and where we're going. Listen & subscribe here: @WestwoodOne
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
Beautiful day with the family at The Breakers in Newport, Rhode Island!
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
Thank you, President @BarackObama , for moving our country forward on health care—and mental health & addiction benefits—for all. #YesWeCan
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
Happy Easter!
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Patrick J. Kennedy
8 years
Happy to see my good friend and fellow advocate for mental health, Mrs. Carter. She's a visionary.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
Today, @POTUS will sign the #CuresAct into law. This bill is a step in the right direction, but our fight for parity & recovery continues.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
He gave me strength and inspiration to take that first step, that leap of faith – and join him on the road to recovery in a new life of sobriety that I never thought possible.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
8 years
"Every dollar spent on substance use disorder treatment saves $4 in health care costs and $7 in criminal justice costs.” #FacingAddiction
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
We must treat mental illness like we treat cancer–avoid crisis care & intervene early to improve outcomes #B4Stage4 htt http://bit.ly/2tllD1H
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
A recent report shows people seeking mental health or addiction treatment have to go out of network 4-5 times more often than those seeking medical care, resulting in higher costs. This is not ok! Learn to fight back: #ParityIsEquality
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
Officially, he was an ambassador of recovery for the office of National Drug Control Policy under President Obama, but to me, and many others, he was the absolute voice of recovery – always there to share his experience, strength, and hope.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
4 years
Thank you, @RepJoeKennedy , for your dedication to public service and to mental health equity.
@joekennedy
Joe Kennedy III
4 years
Just gave my farewell remarks to Congress on the House Floor. It's been the honor of a lifetime. Thank you.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
4 years
The mental health and addiction fallout from COVID-19 isn't just a projection, it's happening. Fatal overdoses increased 11.4% in the first 4 months of 2020. We must prioritize resources for prevention, emergency response, and treatment now.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
2 years
We are still learning about the consequences of long-COVID, but we do know a few key things. Cytokines cause excessive inflammation in the brain, and the physical and psychiatric consequences can be devastating.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
"Over the past decade, multiple studies have shown that marijuana use in adolescence can be a contributing factor in triggering or worsening the symptoms of serious psychotic mental illnesses, most notably schizophrenia."
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
I wouldn't be here today without the unconditional love of my wife @AmyKennedy715 and my wonderful family.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
“Early intervention is essential to improving long-term outcomes for young people with serious mental illness.” @NAMICommunicate is offering Ending the Silence a free program that helps middle & high school students understand mental illness. #4Mind4Body
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
Christopher Kennedy Lawford, Actor and Author Who Battled Addiction, Dies at 63
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
NYC is suing Big Pharma. A step in the right direction for the #opioidcrisis . Lawsuits can generate resources to fund treatment & prevention efforts. Many contributed to the crisis and it is past time for accountability: pharma, insurance industry, and the federal government.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
Mental health & substance use disorders are nonpartisan diseases. We absolutely must find common ground when creating and reforming policy.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
Sharing a laugh with Marshall 😀 @AmyKennedy715
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Patrick J. Kennedy
8 years
The Senate has passed the Comprehensive Addiction and Recovery Act. This is an important step forward for mental health care and addiction.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
Thank you, @CBSThisMorning , for shining a spotlight on mental health and doing your part to combat deadly stigma.
@CBSMornings
CBS Mornings
5 years
WATCH: Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy ( @PJK4brainhealth ) shared his journey with addiction ahead of our live mental health show. Tomorrow on @CBSThisMorning , hear from others during our special broadcast, #StopTheStigma : A Conversation About Mental Health. 📺 7-9 a.m.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
9 years
We have to end the stigma around mental illness and addiction. Silence is our common struggle. http://t.co/5wX8n8POdM
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
"We must invest in the science to answer the key questions about suicide and its prevention and the ways in which we track it."
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
Hope everyone had a happy 4th! 🇺🇸
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Patrick J. Kennedy
8 years
Thank you to all who shared a story with me today. We are united by our mission to save lives. #LikeMindedRally
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Patrick J. Kennedy
6 years
Happy Mother's Day, @AmyKennedy715 We love you!
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
“If someone confides in you, try not to say, ‘It’s all in your mind,’ or ‘lighten up,’ or, my personal favorite, ‘Happiness is a choice.’ No, it’s really not.”
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Patrick J. Kennedy
8 years
Prevention efforts save lives and money. Prevention is, as the @Surgeon_General just said, "an investment worth making." #FacingAddiction
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Patrick J. Kennedy
7 years
Honored to serve on the White House opioid commission & drive action that will turn the tide on the overdose crisis.
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Patrick J. Kennedy
5 years
Great news from #SOTS2019 today. No one better qualified to lead this important effort than @mariashriver !
@CAgovernor
California Governor
5 years
"Today, I am launching the Alzheimer’s Prevention & Preparedness Task Force, bringing the most renowned scientists & thinkers together to develop first-of-its-kind research. It will be headed by a leading advocate for families @mariashriver ." - @GavinNewsom #CaliforniaForAll
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