AP photo / Susan Walsh
Vice President Joe Biden stands with former R.I. Rep. Patrick Kennedy as he speaks at the closing of the National Conference on Mental Health, Monday, in the South Court Auditorium at the White House complex in Washington. The conference is part of the Obama Administration's effort to launch a national conversation to increase understanding and awareness of mental health. Kennedy was a participant of the conference and was unexpectedly brought up on stage by Biden.
PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- President Obama gave a shout-out to former U.S. Rep. Patrick J. Kennedy during a speech at Monday's National Conference on Mental Health.
The White House conference brought together people from across the country to talk about ways to help people struggling with mental illness and reduce the stigma.
In his opening remarks, Mr. Obama paid tribute to several attendees, including Kennedy, who publicly struggled with mental illness and substance abuse during his years representing Rhode Island's 1st Congressional District.
"My great friend, Patrick Kennedy, when he was running for re-election back in 2006, he could have avoided talking about his struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction. Let's face it, he's a Kennedy," Mr. Obama said. "His seat was pretty safe. Everybody loved him. And yet, Patrick used his experience as a way to connect and to lift up these issues, not hide from them."
Mr. Obama recounted Kennedy's work with his father, the late Sen. Edward Kennedy, in successfully pushing legislation to require insurers to cover mental health services in the same way they cover physical health services.
"So because of Patrick's efforts and the colleagues who worked with him, it's easier for millions of people to join him on the road to recovery," Mr. Obama said.