Patrick J. Kennedy to Headline David Lawrence Center Sound Minds™ Luncheon

Patrick Kennedy

David Lawrence Center (DLC), Collier County’s leading non-profit mental health and addiction recovery treatment center, will host former Congressman and mental health advocate Patrick J. Kennedy as the keynote speaker for their signature fundraiser, Sound Minds™, on April 3, 2020 at the Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples from 11:30 am to 1 pm.

The luncheon, being held in partnership with presenting sponsor NCH Healthcare Systems, Inc. and education partner Naples Children & Education Foundation, will be co-chaired by Earle K. Borman, Jr. and Rob and Kate Edwards. Borman and Rob Edwards both serve as DLC Board Members and plan to bring their passion for mental health and addiction recovery advocacy from the boardroom to the event.

“Florida is last in per capita spending for mental health. My goal is to advocate for change state-wide and generate better support for mental health and addiction treatment,” said Borman. “Bringing a national speaker like Mr. Kennedy can help motivate others to support the quality, recovery-focused services available at DLC.”

Sound Minds Luncheon Co-Chairs: Rob and Kate Edwards and Earle Borman

For the past six years, David Lawrence Center has hosted the Sound Minds™ Mental Health Symposium. Past speakers have included a Columbine shooting survivor, a mood disorder expert, as well as national scientists and local mental health advocates. This year’s luncheon will include enhanced opportunities to raise much needed support for the increased demand for DLC’s life saving services.

Since leaving Congress, Kennedy has dedicated his professional life to advocating for those with mental health and substance
use disorders and ensuring that illnesses of the brain, such as depression and addiction, are treated on par with illnesses of the body, such as cancer and diabetes. “Mental illness and addiction touches everyone in some way— whether it’s a family member, friend, or someone you care deeply about,” said Kate Edwards. “Our family is no exception.”

“To avoid unnecessary loss of life and suffering, as a community, we need to discuss mental health in the same way we do our physical health,” said Rob Edwards. “Mr. Kennedy is unique in that he is able to combine both personal and political
experience to help bring mental health out of the shadows and hopefully shift the conversation in Southwest Florida and across
the nation.”

Patrick Kennedy, the youngest son of the late Senator Ted Kennedy, is best known as the lead author of the groundbreaking Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act of 2008 (Federal Parity Law). He will discuss the unique pressures of growing up in one of America’s most famous families and explore the Kennedy legacy in the arenas of civil rights, mental health, and equality for those with intellectual disabilities.

Immediately following the luncheon will be a VIP Meet the Speaker reception, where sponsors and VIP ticket holders will
have an intimate opportunity to meet Mr. Kennedy and receive a signed copy of his New York Times bestselling memoir
A Common Struggle: A Personal Journey Through the Past and Future of Mental Illness and Addiction.

For more information, visit DLCSoundMinds.org or contact DLC 239-354-1445 or donorcare@dlcmhc.com.