Textual folder
Papers of John F. Kennedy. Presidential Papers. President's Office Files.
JFKPOF-052-012
This folder contains materials collected by the office of President John F. Kennedy's secretary, Evelyn Lincoln, concerning legislative activities and efforts to enact the Kennedy Administration's legislative program. Items include press releases of President Kennedy's Special Message to Congress on mental illness and mental retardation delivered from the White House Fish Room. In his speech the President discusses his plans for a national mental health program legislation, which proposes comprehensive community mental health centers, improved care in state mental institutions, and increased research. To combat mental retardation, he recommends emphasizing preventative lifestyle measures, improved community services, increased research, and comprehensive maternity and child health care assistance programs.