Patrick Kennedy to speak at event launching Scouting’s Mental Health Awareness badge
The International Bipolar Foundation (IBPF) will celebrate National Bipolar Awareness Day with a visit from former Congressman Patrick Kennedy at a public forum from 3:30-5:30 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 6, at the Hilton Del Mar, 15575 Jimmy Durante Blvd.
At the event, a Mental Health Awareness badge, developed by IBPF and being piloted in San Diego-Imperial Counties, will be unveiled and presented to the first group of Girl Scouts.
Kennedy will speak about mental health, stigma, and the need for ongoing brain research. A question-and-answer session will follow. He served 16 years in the U.S. House of Representatives and is predominantly known as the author and lead sponsor of the Mental Health Parity & Addiction Equity Act of 2008.
The legislation provides millions of Americans, who were previously denied care, with access to mental health treatment. Now, Kennedy is co-founder of the One Mind for Research campaign, the next step in the effort to bring together scientists working in various domains of brain research toward a common goal.
The event is free and open to the public. If you, or someone you know, would like to attend the public forum, please contact areitzin@internationalbipolarfoundation.org or call 858-342-0327. To learn more about Girl Scouts San Diego, please visit