07/24/09 Letter to Editor, Published July 24, 2009, by the Newport Daily News, and August 2, 2009, by the Providence Journal. Below is the text of a letter from Family Service of RI CEO Margaret Holland McDuff, published by the Newport Daily News 7/24/09 and the Providence Journal 8/2/09.     Congressman Patrick J. Kennedy “gets it.”  He knows what it’s like to face deeply private personal problems—and he’s willing to fight for the resources so others in need, particularly those with little or no income, are able to receive care.  More and more people understand his issues aren’t due to moral weakness—he’s facing a disease—but there is still an unfortunate stigma attached in some people’s eyes that can hurt a politician or even a person outside of the public arena.  Yet, he’s been telling us about his problems—still a rarity as we see politicians preaching against what they themselves do.  And Rhode Islanders have shown time and again that we understand.  It’s to the Ocean State’s credit. Congressman Kennedy is a model for many dealing with similar circumstances.  Not because he’s perfect but because he’s stumbled yet has had the courage to get back on his feet.  This is a trait that deserves salutes, not sarcasm. Too many young adults can identify with the Congressman’s struggle.  According to a recently released study from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than one in five 18 to 25 year olds need treatment for alcohol or illicit drug use.  Less than one in ten receive it.  Where is the outrage?  Where are the pundits?  To make matters worse, unlike the Congressman, most needing help didn’t perceive a need for it.  In other words, they’re ignoring their problem and may continue to do so until they hit their spouse, end up in the emergency room or cause some other tragedy that will not only affect them for years, but could permanently injure others.  Family Service of RI too often has had to help pick up the pieces of horribly shattered lives, ones filled with misery through no fault of their own but because somebody else did not seek help. Congressman Kennedy gets it.  At my agency we’ve seen this firsthand.  Recently he met with a group working on re-siting a shelter for homeless women and their children, integrating a strong mental health component into the plans.  He was so knowledgeable and compassionate that everyone was deeply moved.  He knows, and SAMHSA reports, that mental illnesses and addictions often go hand-in-hand with homelessness.  He’s fighting for funding for this project so women and children will have an opportunity to try, perhaps stumble, then try again. “Hope” is the state motto.  Congressman Kennedy’s life story fits well with this because, in addition to being an effective fighter for the Ocean State, he demonstrates that there is always hope for those willing to address their problems.  That’s a message worth sharing and celebrating.