NHS Human Services to Host Patrick Kennedy, Keynote for Local Patriots for Parity Event
(PRWEB) September 19, 2013 -- The Honorable Patrick Kennedy, former Congressman from Rhode Island, will be the keynote speaker at Patriots for Parity, on October 1, in the Philadelphia City Hall Council Chambers from 6:00 -8:00 p.m. The community forum will address the problems individuals with mental health and addictions issues have accessing professional care in their local communities throughout Pennsylvania.
“Access to mental health and addictions services is one of the most important and most neglected civil rights issues facing the nation,” said Kennedy. “For too long, persons living with mental disorders and addictions have suffered from discriminatory policies and practices at all levels of society.” The forum is cosponsored by NHS Human Services, the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association, and the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association.
Discussion will focus on the routine problems that individuals face as they try to secure professional care and services in their local communities as well as strategies and solutions. Panelists will include:
• Honorable M. Joseph Rocks, Chairman and CEO of NHS Human Services
• Dr. Arthur Evans, Commissioner of the Philadelphia Department of Behavioral Health and Intellectual disAbility Services
• Ms. Linda Rosenberg, President and CEO of the National Council for Behavioral Health
• Ms. Lynn Katz, Executive Director of the Pennsylvania Mental Health Consumers’ Association
• Dr. Richard Edley, President and CEO of the Rehabilitation and Community Providers Association.
Consumers, consumer advocates, community representatives, mental health and addictions professionals, and representatives from the business and insurer communities will also be present to provide input and experiences. This event will give a voice to individuals experiencing problems receiving much needed care. Congressman Kennedy promises to “make mental health and addiction care in Pennsylvania a reality.”
Identification is required to enter City Hall. Additional information and registration information is available at http://www.nhsonline.org or by calling Jane Rivera at 610.260.4611.
Tammy Zelahy, NHS Human Services, http://www.nhsonline.org, +1 610-260-4679, [email protected]
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