National, local groups unite for MH, addiction event in Los Angeles

Mental Health for US and the Institute for Addiction Science at the University of Southern California are partnering with 18 California‐based groups to host the Unite for Change Forum: California on Jan. 13, 2020. The event, part of a grassroots effort of the largest‐ever collaboration of mental health groups around a national election, will address the intersection of national mental health and addiction policy priorities and the 2020 presidential campaign, according to a Mental Health for US news release on Dec. 17. Given that 75% of Americans believe the country and the federal government are not doing enough to address mental health and addiction, former U.S. Representative Patrick J. Kennedy will deliver remarks highlighting how policymakers can make reform a national priority. Additionally, with suicide rates in young adults at a 20‐year high, communities, schools and universities throughout the country are impacted by what is now the current leading cause of death among people aged 10 to 24, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Mental health and addiction professionals and community leaders, including student advocates from the University of Southern California, will highlight policies, programs and reforms to improve outcomes and save lives.