Meg Kissinger

Kissinger interrogates the complexities of mental health systems in the United States through her investigative journalism. Her work blends personal memoir with rigorous reporting to address the systemic failures affecting mental health care, therefore illuminating the impact on families and society. As a Pulitzer Prize finalist with numerous awards, including the George Polk and Robert F. Kennedy Journalism Awards, she leverages her family's experiences with mental illness, alcoholism, and suicide to bring depth and empathy to her narratives. Her stories, notably in the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, have not only raised awareness but also inspired legislative changes and the creation of new housing units for people with mental illness.\n\nHer book, "While You Were Out: An Intimate Family Portrait of Mental Illness in an Era of Silence," combines a personal narrative with her investigative insights, earning recognition as one of the best memoirs of 2023 by several outlets, including the New York Times. This dual focus on personal experience and societal critique allows readers to grasp the pervasive issues within mental health care. Furthermore, Kissinger's teaching roles at Columbia University and her public speaking engagements expand her influence, equipping new generations of journalists with the skills to tackle complex social issues. Her body of work not only informs but also advocates for change, offering readers a deeper understanding of mental health challenges and inspiring systemic reform.