NCMHCSO condoles the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy

The National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations (NCMHCSO) deeply mourns the death of Senator Edward M. Kennedy, an ardent and lifelong champion of the rights of people with disabilities and of all Americans.

"Sen. Kennedy understood to his very core the importance of involving all Americans - including people who are homeless, people living in poverty, people with physical and/or psychiatric disabilities, people in pain, people struggling for a better life - in the American community," said Lauren Spiro, director of the Coalition. "Sen. Kennedy and his staff have worked diligently with the Coalition to further our mission and strengthen our voice. We echo the words of President Obama, who said, 'Our country has lost a great leader, who picked up the torch of his fallen brothers and became the greatest United States senator of our time.'

"Senator Kennedy devoted his career to expanding health coverage to as many Americans as possible. A fitting memorial to the Senator would be the passage of comprehensive health care reform as soon as possible," Spiro said.

"The National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations offers our deepest sympathy to Senator Kennedy's family at this sad time."

The National Coalition of Mental Health Consumer/Survivor Organizations works to ensure that people who have experienced severe emotional distress have a major voice in the development and implementation of health care, mental health, and social policies at the state and national levels. The Coalition advocates for mental health policies that promote full participation and integration in the community and end discrimination.