Statement from Denise Bertin-Epp, NACoA CEO:
In response to former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy’s Meet the Press Interview
May 25, 2025
At NACoA, we are deeply grateful for the powerful advocacy of former Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, a long-time champion for mental health equity and a vital voice on our Advisory Board. His call this weekend on Meet the Press for integrating prevention into our nation’s educational framework is one we fully and urgently support.
As Patrick so clearly stated, the mental health crisis among our youth cannot be addressed in isolation. We must embed prevention and early intervention within our schools — especially for the millions of children living in families impacted by substance use disorders. These children often suffer in silence, navigating emotional pain and family chaos without the support or skills they need to thrive. Prevention must be proactive, evidence-based, and tailored to reach children at highest risk. That includes routine screening, training for educators, and skill-building that supports emotional development and long-term mental wellness.
We also echo Patrick’s critical insight: that we can no longer afford to keep funding for education, health, child welfare, criminal justice, and family services in separate silos. True progress for our children demands braided funding strategies that prioritize prevention and resilience over crisis response. By aligning federal, state, and local resources — across education, health, child welfare, the legal system, and behavioral health systems — we have an historic opportunity to build a coordinated safety net that supports children before they fall through the cracks.
Importantly, Patrick’s message was not bound by partisan lines — and neither is NACoA’s work. For over 40 years, NACoA has worked with policymakers from all political backgrounds who share our commitment to ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive. Supporting children and families affected by addiction must be a national priority, united by shared values, not divided by ideology.
Social media, loneliness, and disconnection are redefining childhood in ways we still struggle to fully understand. But what we do know is this: children need connection. They need family systems that are supported, schools that are trauma-informed, and communities that nurture their voices and potential. Teaching children how to communicate, cope, and build healthy relationships must be as fundamental as teaching them to read and write. These are not just mental health skills; they are life skills, essential to building a resilient and productive future workforce.
NACoA stands ready to collaborate with leaders across the political spectrum — and across sectors — to deliver real, lasting change. Children can’t wait. Together, we can create a future where no child feels alone, invisible, or unsupported.
Let’s act now — because children can’t wait.
Denise Bertin-Epp
Chief Executive Officer, National Association for Children of Addiction (NACoA)
NACoA.org
