John Kennedy actually said...

"I am asking the Secretary of Health, Education, and Welfare to be of every possible help to the District in this important endeavor."

"It is my earnest hope that the District of Columbia will be a leader in adopting and demonstrating the new concepts in the treatment of mental illness."

"I am gratified to learn that the Commissioners have already started surveying the mental health problems and needs of the District and developing a comprehensive community mental health plan."

"Mental retardation is the second devastating mental disability which we must vigorously attack--and here, too, a comprehensive community-centered approach is necessary."