Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Schedule:
Continental Breakfast and Networking: 8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.
Program: 8:30 a.m. – 9:30 a.m.
Speakers:
Justice Anne M. Burke, Illinois Supreme Court
Laurence Msall, President, The Civic Federation
Kelly OBrien, Director, The Kennedy Forum Illinois; President & Founder, Ideaction Corps
Peter O’Brien, Sr., Owner, O’Briens Restaurant & Bar; MADO Management, LC.
The Kennedy Forum Illinois is a campaign to end the stigma against mental health disorders and substance use disorders.
One in four Americans is affected by mental health disorders or substance abuse disorders — 16 percent of all Illinoisans. Yet, approximately two-thirds of people with symptoms of mental health challenges do not receive any treatment at all for their condition. Amazingly, one of the key barriers to receiving care is the continuing, and in some cases increasing, pervasive stigma against those with such challenges.
Untreated mental illnesses significantly contribute to lost productivity and absenteeism in the workplace, and limitations on mental health services significantly increase employers’ direct and indirect health care costs. Nationally, mental illness and substance abuse annually cost employers an estimated $80 to $100 billion. To address this issue, The Kennedy Forum Illinois has launched a campaign to change both attitudes and practice.
Please join us as founding members of The Kennedy Forum Illinois, Peter O’Brien, Sr., Owner, O’Briens Restaurant & Bar, MADO Management, LC., Laurence Msall, President, The Civic Federation, Justice Anne M. Burke, Illinois Supreme Court, and Kelly O’Brien, Kennedy Forum Illinois Director, discuss this initiative, the project’s goals, the role of employers, and how corporate Chicago can be engaged.
Location:
Catalyst Ranch
656 West Randolph Street
Chicago, IL 60606