FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
NOVEMBER 7, 2019
Diane Patrick, Former Massachusetts First Lady, Endorses Jesse Mermell for Congress
Announcement Comes After Private Visit to Fourth District Mental Health Center
BROOKLINE – Former Massachusetts First Lady Diane Patrick today endorsed Jesse Mermell for the Fourth Congressional District, joining prominent local and state leaders who are propelling Mermell’s campaign in the month since it began.
“I’ve seen up close the passion, intellect and values which drive Jesse Mermell and I know she will make a tremendous addition to our state’s delegation in Congress,” said Patrick, senior counsel at a Boston law firm. “In her work as a senior adviser to Governor Patrick and her leadership his Successful Women, Successful Families initiative, as well as her many successes on the front lines, Jesse has shown the true spirit of a progressive fighter.”
The endorsement comes after Mermell and Patrick, a leading mental health advocate who has spoken passionately about her own struggles, toured a mental health center in the Fourth District and met with staff about ways in which Congress could support with funding, awareness and in ending the ongoing stigmatization of the illness.
“Mrs. Patrick has been an inspiring advocate on this and so many issues, not just for the people of Massachusetts but far beyond,” said Mermell. “Her dedication to public service and community betterment has helped Massachusetts become a more open, inclusive and diverse state over the years.
“I’m honored to have her endorsement in this campaign and inspired to have her with me in this race.”
In addition to leading communications for Governor Patrick’s administration, Mermell proposed, crafted and implemented the Governor’s “Successful Women, Successful Families Task Force,” including a partnership with Bentley University, the launch of a Women’s Leadership Fellowship and a corporate challenge for companies to advance women in the workplace. More than 100 companies signed on to the effort and a report from the task force provided recommendations on additional ways to advance working women.
Mermell shares Mrs. Patrick’s passion for promoting awareness of mental health, in reducing stigma and ensuring the proper support to ensure there is true equity in access and treatment.
In the month since her campaign began, Mermell has drawn significant local and state support – including endorsements from Congresswoman Ayanna Pressley and former state Representative Frank Smizik of Brookline.