Patrick Kennedy, Geoffrey Canada, White House Drug Control Director, Mental Health Leader Headline National Mental Health Conference: "Why Wellness Works"

ALEXANDRIA, Va., May 28, 2013 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, nationally recognized education expert Geoffrey Canada, White House National Drug Control Director R. Gil Kerlikowske, and the head of the administration's Center for Mental Health Services Paolo del Vecchio headline Mental Health America's 2013 Annual Conference, Why Wellness Works: Breakthroughs and Pathways to Whole Health—June 5-8 at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in National Harbor, Maryland, just outside of Washington, DC.

The Conference will examine the latest developments in the field of wellness and whole health, the impact of the Affordable Care Act, and programs and strategies that are transforming behavioral health care in communities around the country.

"We have chosen wellness as our theme because it is central to our personal health, the transformation of health and behavioral health care, and the implementation of the Affordable Care Act," said Wayne W. Lindstrom, Ph.D., president and CEO of Mental Health America. "Implementing wellness strategies is critical to the prevention and early intervention of not only mental illnesses and addictions, but also the many chronic diseases that co-occur with these conditions."

Former Congressman Patrick Kennedy, a mental health advocate who is known for his work with his late father in winning passage of the Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act, will kick off Capitol Hill Day on the morning of Thursday, June 6. He will also address the 50^th Anniversary of the Community Mental Health Act, signed into law by President John F. Kennedy.

R. Gil Kerlikowske, Director of the Office of National Drug Control Policy, and Paolo del Vecchio, Director of the Center for Mental Health Services at the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, will speak at the Opening Plenary on the morning of Friday, June 7.

Geoffrey Canada, President & CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone, who recently appeared on PBS and is nationally recognized for his pioneering work helping children and families in New York City, will give the Keynote Luncheon address on Friday, June 7.

Other national experts will address the latest developments in the wellness field and their relationship to: the management of mental health conditions and accompanying chronic conditions; strategies for recovery from those conditions; and schools and workplaces.

The conference will also feature:

• A Health & Wellness Expo featuring health screenings, healthy living demonstrations, and community resources;
• Facilitator-led health and wellness activities offered throughout the conference;
• The Clifford Beers Awards Dinner recognizing leaders in mental health consumer advocacy.

For more information on the Conference and to view a full agenda, go to http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/go/annualconference.

Mental Health America would like to thank our 2013 Annual Conference Sponsors: PLATINUM—Otsuka America Pharmaceutical, DIAMOND—Genetech, Teva Pharmaceuticals; GOLD—Eli Lilly, Mental Health Association of Southeastern Pennsylvania, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and Lundbeck.

Mental Health America (www.mentalhealthamerica.net), founded in 1909, is the nation's leading community-based network dedicated to helping all Americans achieve wellness by living mentally healthier lives. With our 240 affiliates across the country, we touch the lives of millions—Advocating for changes in mental health and wellness policy; Educating the public & providing critical information; and delivering urgently needed mental health and wellness Programs and Services.

SOURCE Mental Health America