Hey folks, the conference was great. There were about 150 people there total, reflecting virtually every organization that has some significant involvement in mental health in this country, including the heads of all professional organizations (like the APA), and advocacy organizations.

There were no controversial figures there, as I don't think they wanted to create controversy around this shared "elevation" of the national conversation about mental health.

I met dozens of great people who share the passion and desire to help people learn more about mental health issues and seek treatment when appropriate. A lot of focus, too, on how to reach younger people, when mental illness often starts. I got some great ideas we can implement as well to help reach more people, which we will be doing over the upcoming months.

President Obama was an outstanding speaker, and it was great to see him in person. But I have to say, an even better speaker was Vice President Biden, who closed the day's meetings. He is very personable.

Obama had a great line about our need to expand treatment reach: "Today, less than 40% of those with a mental illness receive treatment. Less than 40%. ... Only about half of children with mental health problems receive treatment.

Now think about it. We wouldn't accept it if only 40% of Americans with cancer got treatment. We wouldn't accept it if only half of young people with diabetes got help. Why should we accept it when it comes to mental health?

It doesn't make any sense."

A great day for mental health and mental illness awareness.

Best,
DocJohn