A Pioneer in Mental Health Advocacy and Innovation

Benjamin Franklin was among the first champions for Americans with mental illness.

He co-founded the Pennsylvania Hospital in 1751.

Its doors opened 4 years later to serve homeless people people with physical- and mental illness in Philadelphia.

He led the effort to raise money and build community support for the hospital.

Franklin lent the Hospital his leadership skills, serving on the Board of Managers for 6 years.

And, his interest in electricity went beyond kite-flying. He also explored the use of electricity in medicine, including mental illness.

We need someone like him to transform the way we deliver mental health and addiction treatment today.