Orlando City Commissioner Daisy W. Lynum, Mrs. Rebecca Ford, Mrs. Pat Carson and Officer Tia Pruitt joined Former U.S. Representative Patrick Kennedy, the guest speaker, for the Mental Health Association of Central Florida’s Legacy of Champions Luncheon on June 17, 2011, at the Downtown Sheraton.
Congresswoman Corrine Brown, Former Congresswoman Pat Schroader, Orange County Mayor Teresa Jacobs, Former Orange County Mayor Rich Crotty, Former Orange County Chairman Linda Chapin and Chief Judge Belvin Perry were also present.
Chief Judge Belvin Perry was applauded as a rock star for his role as Judge in the Casey Anthony trial and for his work to improve mental health service in Central Florida.
Over five hundred special guests and supporters welcomed Congressman Kennedy, who spoke about new neuro brain treatments for mental illness and compared mental health discrimination to other forms of discrimination.
Congressman Kennedy said that mental health treatment is a civil right.
“We have a moral obligation as a society to look after each other,” said Kennedy.
The 2011 Champion Award went to Lars Houmann, President and CEO of Florida Hospital.
