Press Release Archives | The Jed Foundation https://jedfoundation.org/category/press-release/ Fri, 24 Oct 2025 14:54:50 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.8.3 Youth Mental Health in the Age of AI Featured at The Jed Foundation (JED) Third-Annual Policy Summit https://jedfoundation.org/youth-mental-health-in-the-age-of-ai-featured-at-the-jed-foundation-jed-third-annual-policy-summit/ Tue, 21 Oct 2025 13:25:35 +0000 https://jedfoundation.org/?p=42355 National leaders across mental health, education, philanthropy, policy, and youth advocacy sectors unite to advance sustainable solutions and protect the emotional well-being of young people.

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National leaders across mental health, education, philanthropy, policy, and youth advocacy sectors unite to advance sustainable solutions and protect the emotional well-being of young people.

[October 21, 2025, Washington, D.C.] — The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, gathered mental health experts, policymakers, advocates, educators, and young people for its third-annual policy summit in Washington, D.C., on October 15. The summit, “Meeting the Moment: Sustaining Progress in Youth Mental Health,” focused largely on the growing influence of artificial intelligence (AI) and the role of legislative policies on the local, state, and federal levels in shaping mental health support, investments, and resources for students in the digital age.

The summit began with an inspiring introduction and framing of the moment by Dr. Zainab Okolo, JED’s senior vice president of policy, advocacy, and government relations, who reflected on the national policy landscape and what it means to sustain progress. She debuted JED policy framework, AI Policy Levers for Youth Mental Health, which calls for:

  • Regulation: Establishing ethical guardrails for how AI interacts with youth in schools, health systems, and digital spaces
  • Funding: Investing in innovation that is youth-informed and in evidence-based tools that support connection rather than replace it
  • Coordination: Creating alignment across education, technology, and public health so that AI expands access to mental health resources rather than exacerbating gaps.

“The mental health and safety of our young people is not a partisan issue. It’s a shared national priority. JED’s summit underscored the absolute necessity of bipartisan collaboration,” said Dr. Okolo. “We must work across the aisle — among policymakers, technology leaders, or advocates — to forge solutions that secure resources and investments in vital mental health services and establish ethical, protective guardrails around emerging technologies. Our youth deserve nothing less than a united front dedicated to their well-being.”

Michael Satow, JED’s board chair, offered opening remarks grounded in heartfelt thoughts about his brother, Jed, after whom the organization is named, while praising the summit for leaning into conversations about safeguarding the emotional health of youth in digital and school spaces. 

“More than two decades after losing my brother Jed, our family continues processing a loss that may never fully make sense, but what we can do is ensure no other family endures this pain alone. This summit represents the kind of forward-thinking dialogue we need, examining how emerging technologies like AI intersect with youth mental health and suicide prevention, and translating those insights into actionable pathways that strengthen communities and save lives,” Satow said. “By sustaining these critical conversations and implementing evidence-based frameworks — like JED’s Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention — that build connection, reduce risk, and expand access to care, we move closer to a future where every young person has the support they need to thrive.”

Summit participants also discussed new National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) data that offers hopeful signs about youth mental health trends, showing declines in depression, suicidal thoughts, and suicide attempts among many demographics of teens and young adults from 2021 to 2024. While these findings underscore the impact of dedicated efforts in youth mental health and suicide prevention, this progress is being challenged. Federal budget cuts have put mental health services and adjacent supports at risk, from Medicaid and school-based programs to 988 crisis line services and youth-specific resources. Simultaneously, AI and evolving technologies are presenting significant safety issues to the mental health and well-being of youth.

“Recent national data from 2024 and 2023 shows overall declines in youth depression and suicidality, offering a powerful beacon of hope, validating the tireless work of so many dedicated to youth mental health. However, these improvements were not experienced across all groups of youth, showing that youth suicide prevention remains an urgent priority, and that the progress made is uneven and fragile. Therefore, we must remain committed in our resolve to this work and mission,” said John MacPhee, JED’s CEO. “As we face federal budget cuts to essential services and confront the alarming new risks for youth posed by unregulated AI development, JED’s third-annual summit was more vital than ever. JED remains committed to working with leaders across sectors to ensure that young people’s safety is a top priority.”

Congresswoman Becca Balint (VT-AL) highlighted a bipartisan bill, co-sponsored with Congressman Bryan Steil (WI-01), that aims to strengthen youth mental health supports by expanding access to care, aligning federal resources, and incentivizing cross-sector partnerships. Her remarks underscored how federal legislation can sustain progress, advance equity, and provide practical solutions for states, campuses, and communities.

“Despite the strides we have made to normalize mental health, this topic can still be incredibly hard for people to talk about, especially for young people. It’s complex. It’s personal. It can be scary and overwhelming,” said Rep. Becca Balint. “Today, I’m so proud to join JED for their policy summit to bring together experts, advocates, and young people with a common goal of addressing mental health challenges and the impacts of social media and AI. It’s more critical than ever that we take real steps to require technology companies to implement safeguards and provide our youth with the resources they need and deserve.”

Members of JED’s Youth Advocacy Coalition, including the 2025 JED Texas Youth Advocacy Coalition Fellowship Cohort, shared insights and recommendations rooted in what they identified as disconnects between youth needs and adult-led policy agendas.

“As a JED Texas Youth Advocacy Coalition fellow and event panelist, the policy summit felt like a true seat at the table,” said Rohan Satija, 2025 JED Texas Youth Advocacy Coalition fellow and 2025 JED Student Voice of Mental Health Award high school honoree. “I felt like my lived experience was heard and taken into account, helping shape policy. I’m excited to implement the insights I learned from the summit in my own community.”

Additional discussions and priority topics at this year’s summit included: 

  • Youth mental health and the role of AI: Experts in suicide prevention and public health highlighted how federal research and surveillance data are informing prevention strategies, and how AI-driven tools intersect with broader public health priorities and risks.
  • Guardrails for the future of AI, mental health, and responsible innovation: Panelists explored and evaluated frameworks to understand AI’s risks and benefits, alongside tech-related policy recommendations.
  • State systems in action: State education leaders offered blueprints for scaling behavioral health models and prioritizing youth mental health in their strategic planning and budgeting to address youth mental health.

Featured policy summit speakers, panelists, and participants also included:

  • United States Senators Alex Padilla (D-CA), Marsha Blackburn (R-TN), and Richard Blumenthal (D-CT)
  • Dr. Harold S. Koplewicz, president of the Child Mind Institute
  • Rafael Campos, former deputy director of public engagement at the Office of the Surgeon General
  • Nicole “Nikki” Clifton, president of The UPS Foundation
  • Kody Kinsley, former Secretary of Health and Human Services for the state of North Carolina
  • Dr. William A. Smith, chief executive administrator at Huntsman Mental Health Institute
  • Hollie Chessman, director and principal program officer at American Council on Education
  • Jennifer Wang, senior director of policy and communications at Fountain House
  • Dr. Tony Walker, JED’s senior vice president of school programs and consulting; Dawn Thomsen, JED’s senior vice president of youth strategies and chief engagement officer; and Martha Sanchez, JED’s director of policy
  • Representatives of organizations including Active Minds, American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Annie E. Cassie Foundation, Common Sense Media, Gates Foundation, Mental Health of America, One in Five, RAND Social and Economic Well-Being, State Higher Education Executive Officers Association, Third Way, and Trellis Foundation

The policy summit was sponsored by the Trellis Foundation and the Lumina Foundation

View photos from the summit. For more information on JED’s policy, advocacy, and government relations work, please visit our website.

Interviews available with John MacPhee, JED’s CEO, and Dr. Zainab Okolo, JED’s senior vice president of policy, advocacy, and government relations, as well as with youth voices from the summit.

 

 

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About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.

 Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube 

Media Contact
Justin Barbo
Director of Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
Justin@jedfoundation.org

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SPOTIFY, THE JED FOUNDATION, AND THE BLACK LIST ANNOUNCE IMPACT AWARD GRANT RECIPIENTS https://jedfoundation.org/spotify-the-jed-foundation-and-the-black-list-announce-impact-award-grant-recipients/ Thu, 09 Oct 2025 17:00:47 +0000 https://jedfoundation.org/?p=41962 Five writers will each receive a $10,000 grant to support their unpublished, mental health-driven manuscripts (October 9, 2025), Los Angeles, California – The Black List, Spotify

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Five writers will each receive a $10,000 grant to support their unpublished, mental health-driven manuscripts

(October 9, 2025), Los Angeles, CaliforniaThe Black List, Spotify and The Jed Foundation (JED) are thrilled to announce that five unpublished manuscripts have been selected for the inaugural Spotify x JED Impact Award, an initiative supporting exceptional depictions of mental health in unpublished fiction. 

Recipients will each receive a $10,000 grant to help support and foster their work in mental health storytelling. Selected manuscripts each represent positive depictions of mental health and further diversify mental health narratives in fiction. All writers will retain the rights to their unpublished, novel-length manuscripts as a part of this program.

The Spotify x JED Impact Award launched on blcklst.com in February 2025. Judges for the initiative include Michael La Ronn (THE GOOD NECROMANCER), Julia Phillips (DISAPPEARING EARTH) and Jason Reynolds (LOOK BOTH WAYS).  “Each of the recipients wrote manuscripts with compelling characters and explorations of mental health issues that both educated and inspired me. I’m so proud of the recipients and hope these manuscripts are just the beginning,” said Michael La Ronn, Impact Award judge, bestselling author and YouTuber.

The Spotify x JED Impact Award is a part of Spotify’s Heart & Soul, Mental Health for Creators initiative, which supports artists, songwriters, and authors. It helps writers care for their own well-being and provides guidance on how to write about mental health in ways that feel empathetic, hopeful, and real. As a part of this ongoing initiative, Spotify will continue consulting with JED to provide additional resources to help support authors’ creative and personal well-being.  Self-care and mental health storytelling resources for writers were also created in collaboration with Spotify and JED.

“Gratitude to our partners Casey Acierno and Henna Silvennoinen at Spotify, Courtney Knowles forJED for their deep commitment to supporting such an important initiative, and never wavering in their belief that help-seeking and help-giving narratives, stories that challenge mental health stereotypes makes for better, more responsible writing,” said Randy Winston, Creative Director of Fiction at The Black List. “Congratulations to our grant recipients for their work, and a heartfelt thank you to our judges Jason, Julia and Michael and our readers for their time and efforts.”

“The recipients of the inaugural Spotify x JED Impact Award bring to life vivid and moving depictions of mental health. We’re proud to celebrate these impactful narratives and support their writers,” said Spotify Social Impact Lead Casey Acierno.

“Reading the award submissions underscored the powerful role fiction plays in shaping our mental health and inner storytelling — how we see the world, our place in it, and the pathways for healing and growth,” says Courtney Knowles, Senior Media Advisor for The Jed Foundation. “We look forward to learning from these talented recipients and expanding our work with Spotify to support creators in their mental health and impact journeys.”

Information on the full list of manuscripts and writers can be found below. Interested industry members should reach out to Randy Winston (randy@blcklst.com) and Claire Austin-Kulat (claire@blcklst.com) to request any of these manuscripts.

Congratulations to the recipients of the Spotify x JED Impact Award:

DISTORTION by Daniel Patinkin

During the summer of 1996, Wade Puckett, a bipolar Chicago rock star, travels solo through Europe. There he engages in a torrid affair with a Spanish femme fatale, propelling him through a series of spiritual, formative, enthralling, and even traumatic experiences. Ultimately, however, Wade’s dark past and psychological instability come back to haunt him, sabotaging his relationship and complicating his pursuit of success and happiness.(Literary, Upmarket)

About Daniel: Daniel J. Patinkin is a Chicago-based author with three published books: The Crippler: Cage Fighting and My Life on the Edge (Skyhorse, 2016), The Trigger: Narratives of the American Shooter (Arcade, 2018), and Vestiges (self-published, 2024). His work has been featured or reviewed in the Chicago Tribune, The Washington Post, Salon, USA Today, Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Vice, Library Journal, and more.

IN-BETWEEN WORLDS by Solomon Tesfaye

Born in a refugee camp in Yemen, young and spirited Hana tries to make sense of the world when her family relocates to the capital city and works to survive and keep loving each other in the face of cultural barriers, gender roles, and brutality. (Family Saga, Historical Period Epic)

About Solomon: Solomon Tesfaye is an Ethiopian writer and management consultant based in Washington, D.C., with a background in behavioral neuroscience from Colgate University and economics/public policy from Princeton University. Born and raised in a refugee camp in Yemen, he draws on lived experience to explore identity, faith, mental health, and what it means to live in-between worlds through the transcontinental black experience.

INFINITE DOLORES by Bree Barton

After her dad leaves thirteen-year-old Del and her mom to search for “better” versions of them across parallel universes, Del must face her anxiety and team up with alternate versions of herself to stop the multiverse from collapsing—and discover what it means to be “enough.” (Middle-Grade, Science Fiction)

About Bree: Bree Barton is an award-winning author, screenwriter, and mental health advocate who believes stories have the power to heal. She’s written four novels (HarperCollins, Viking/Penguin Random House) translated into six languages and published in nine countries, including the NPR-featured ZIA ERASES THE WORLD. Through her advocacy and essays in Slate, The Washington Post, Los Angeles Times, and USA Today, Bree uses authentic storytelling to destigmatize sticky subjects like mental illness and infertility.

MORE THAN QUIET by Terah Tsuyako Summers

A teen struggling with anxiety, nearly invisible in her family and school, retreats into the fantasy she’s penning, but an invitation to a writing club allows her to begin breaking down the walls she’s built around herself. (Young Adult, Contemporary)

About Terah: Terah Tsuyako Summers is a biracial, Japanese-American writer born and raised in Hawai’i. She is a passionate mental health advocate and serves as a coordinator for Mental Health America of Hawai’i. Through her writing, she hopes to connect with young readers—especially those navigating mental health challenges—so they feel seen, validated, and less alone.


THE INVISIBLE RUNNER by Dennis Haseley

A boy comes to terms with his father’s war trauma in a baseball game that turns into a ghostly battlefield. (Young Adult, Historical)

About Dennis: Dennis Haseley is the critically acclaimed author of numerous books for adults and younger readers.  His novel Shadows (Farrar Straus & Giroux) was described in The New York Times Book Review as “one of those rarities—a beautifully written novel for readers in the middle grades.” According to Publishers Weekly, his novel Dr. Gravity (Farrar) offered the same kind of whimsy as Chitty Chitty Bang Bang and Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory.  His screenplay for his novel Trick of the Eye (Dial Press) is in development.  

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About Spotify

Since its launch in 2008, Spotify has revolutionised music listening. Our move into podcasting brought innovation and a new generation of listeners to the medium. In 2022, we took the next leap, entering the fast-growing audiobook market—continuing to shape the future of audio.

Today, more listeners than ever can discover, manage and enjoy over 100 million tracks, nearly 7 million podcast titles, and 350,000 audiobooks a la carte on Spotify. We are the world’s most popular audio streaming subscription service with more than 696 million users, including 276 million subscribers in more than 180 markets.

About The Jed Foundation (JED) 

JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.

Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube

About The Black List

The Black List is a platform dedicated to identifying and celebrating exceptional storytelling. First established in 2005 as an annual survey of Hollywood’s most-liked unproduced screenplays, The Black List has since grown into a comprehensive resource for the film, TV, publishing, and theater worlds, serving thousands of writers, agents, managers, showrunners, producers, financiers, directors, actors, and theater industry professionals.

More information on The Black List is available at www.blcklst.com. For regular updates, follow us on Twitter, Instagram, Letterboxd, and Youtube.

Press Contact:
Justin Barbo/The Jed Foundation: justin@jedfoundation.org
Randy Winston/The Black List: randy@blcklst.com
Kate Hagen/The Black List: kate@blcklst.com
Claire Austin-Kulat/The Black List: claire@blcklst.com
Emily Beekman/Spotify: ebeekman@spotify.com

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School Mental Health Professionals Across Arizona to Participate in Suicide Prevention Online Training Course Through Arizona Department of Education and The Jed Foundation https://jedfoundation.org/school-mental-health-professionals-across-arizona-to-participate-in-suicide-prevention-online-training-course-through-arizona-department-of-education-and-the-jed-foundation/ Wed, 01 Oct 2025 05:00:35 +0000 https://jedfoundation.org/?p=41505 The initiative will help equip pre-k-12 school-based nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists in identifying, screening, and referring to young people experiencing mental health challenges. 

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The initiative will help equip pre-k-12 school-based nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists in identifying, screening, and referring to young people experiencing mental health challenges. 

Serious female counselor gestures while talking with Caucasian female client. The counselor is holding eyeglasses and a pen. They are discussing serious issues.

[October 1, 2025] – Phoenix, Arizona & New York, New York] – The Arizona Department of Education (ADE), a service organization committed to raising academic outcomes for students and empowering parents, announced today a multi-year partnership with The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide among teens and young adults nationwide. ADE and JED launched an online training course to help Arizona school mental health professionals better identify, screen, and refer students who may be at risk for suicide. This initiative will equip school-based mental health professionals statewide, including nurses, counselors, social workers, and psychologists, with an evidence-informed suicide prevention training course. 

“Across student age groups, suicide is one of the leading causes of death,” said Tom Horne, the Arizona Department of Education’s superintendent of public instruction. “It is imperative that our mental health professionals are provided with the latest information to help recognize, and the best practices to respond to the warning signs that may help families avert these devastating tragedies.”

The two-hour course, Suicide Prevention for Arizona School Mental Health Professionals, will train participants to:

  • Identify signs of self-injury and crisis, including signs of suicidal thoughts or intense emotional distress.
  • Understand the role of suicide risk screening in a comprehensive prevention approach and learn how to administer screening tools.
  • Take action when a student is in crisis by engaging the support team, ensuring immediate safety, and documenting and following school protocols (or helping to establish protocols, when needed).

“School-based mental health supports are critical to student well-being, stronger academic outcomes, and preparing young people for the workforce and future opportunities,” said Dr. Tony Walker, senior vice president of school programs and consulting at JED. “We’re proud to partner with ADE and help to ensure Arizona’s school-based mental health professionals are prepared and confident to identify warning signs, act quickly in a crisis, and connect students to the right support so they can thrive in school and in life.” 

Nearly 1 in 4 Arizona high school students seriously consider attempting suicide each year, and 10% make an attempt. ADE partnered with JED to develop a customized training initiative tailored to Arizona’s policies, staffing structures, and cultural and educational contexts. 

“As a school mental health professional and school safety trainer, I found this training to be well-designed and easy to navigate,” said Dr. Stacy Anderson, school psychologist at Paradise Valley Unified School District and social media co-chair of the Arizona Association of School Psychologists, where she served as president from 2022-2023. “The content clearly highlights the key objectives with current best practices. The activities and graphics are engaging, while the resources are useful to those who take this course.”

Arizona’s new training builds on JED’s nationally available online course, Suicide Prevention for School Nurses, originally co-developed with New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) Office of School Health. To date, more than 1,600 school nurses completed the Suicide Prevention for School Nurses course training in New York City.

JED’s specialized training courses are designed to help schools and communities promote student emotional well-being and prevent suicide. Please visit JED’s website for more information on mental health education and training. 

Media interviews are available upon request with representatives from JED, the Arizona Department of Education, and a school-based mental health professional.

 

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About Arizona Department of Education
The Arizona Department of Education is a service organization, committed to raising academic outcomes and empowering parents. It is led by Superintendent of Public Instruction Tom Horne, an elected constitutional officer for the State of Arizona.

About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health. 

Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube 

Media Contact

Justin Barbo
Director of Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
914-844-4611

Doug Nick 
Communications Director
Arizona Department of Education
602-364-2347

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CCP Implements JED Campus Collaborative for Student Parents Recommendation https://jedfoundation.org/ccp-implements-jed-campus-collaborative-for-student-parents-recommendation/ Tue, 30 Sep 2025 17:51:15 +0000 https://jedfoundation.org/?p=41583         FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Sept. 30, 2025 Contact: Antwon R. Martin armartin@ccp.edu 267.666.7881 Philadelphia Councilmember Kendra Brooks joins CCP for grand opening

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Community College of Philadelphia Logo

 

 

 

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sept. 30, 2025

Contact:
Antwon R. Martin
armartin@ccp.edu
267.666.7881

Philadelphia Councilmember Kendra Brooks joins CCP for grand opening of Roary’s Cubhouse family study room
Roary’s Cubhouse, named after CCP’s lion mascot, Roary, is a place for student parents/caregivers to study while their children play 

PHILADELPHIA – Community College of Philadelphia celebrated the opening of a new family study room for students with children today. Leadership of the College and partner organizations were joined by Philadelphia City Councilmember and CCP alum Kendra Brooks for the unveiling of Roary’s Cubhouse, named for CCP’s lion mascot, Roary. The event took place outside the new family study room in the Library and Learning Commons on the College’s Main Campus.

Research shows over three million undergraduates, or 18% of the student population in the United States, are student parents—and they are largely understudied and underserved.

“Roary’s Cubhouse is a milestone in our commitment to our student parents and caregivers,” said CCP interim president Dr. Marshall. “The new family study space will empower students who have children to continue working toward their academic and career goals while balancing their education with parenting. We created this space to bring you ease, joy, and connection—for students and their young ones.”

During the grand opening event, attendees heard from Councilmember Kendra Brooks; Dr. Alycia Marshall, interim president of CCP; Aisha Folkes, director of strategic education initiatives at The Jed Foundation; Melissa Fogg, executive director of Student Support at CCP; and Quianna Footman, student and parent at CCP.

“When I first started at CCP, I was juggling school, work, and parenting,” said Councilmember Brooks. “Roary’s Cubhouse would have made a big difference for me and my daughter. It’s a safe, welcoming space on campus, and it sends a clear message to parenting students and their children: You belong here. We see you, and we support you.”

Roary’s Cubhouse will be a welcoming environment for students who are parents/caregivers to study while their children play in the same room. The space will include study materials, desks, and computers for students and toys, games, child-safe furniture, and more for children.

“Our research shows that student parents often don’t feel a true sense of belonging on campus, and can even feel unseen. Belonging is a powerful protective factor for mental health and the reason why JED recommends designated spaces—such as Roary’s Cubhouse—that meet the specific needs of this sometimes-overlooked population,” said Aisha Folkes, JED’s director for strategic education initiatives who has worked with Community College of Philadelphia as a participant in the JED Campus Collaborative for Student Parents. “Roary’s Cubhouse is a wonderful example of a family-friendly space serving as a creative solution for parents who need to bring their children to campus to continue their education. Parenting students at CCP no longer have to choose between study time and caregiving responsibilities. Seeing one of JED’s recommendations come to life demonstrates how impactful our collaboration is and we’re proud to continue to support CCP in prioritizing the needs of all students.”

CCP is one of 10 schools in the JED Campus Collaborative for Student Parents, a mental health collaborative designed to enable community colleges to better support students who are parents. Each school in the learning community receives a student parent action plan with recommendations, selects at least two interventions, receives technical assistance, and a $5,000 subgrant towards implementation which is generously supported by ECMC Foundation. CCP identified “designated family friendly areas” as one of their interventions and used the funding given toward bringing Roary’s Clubhouse to life. 

Students can reserve Roary’s Cubhouse starting today.

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About Community College of Philadelphia
Community College of Philadelphia is the largest public institution of higher education in the City of Philadelphia. With an open admissions policy, the College serves all who may benefit – regardless of age, income, or ability. For more than 50 years, the College has lived up to its mission and goals by providing educational access for over 700,000 Philadelphians, setting families, businesses and neighborhoods on the path of shared prosperity and opportunity. For information on the College’s degree and certificate programs, workforce development strategies, and community engagement initiatives, visit ccp.edu and follow us on social media @CCPedu.

About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health. 

Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube

Media Contact
Justin Barbo
Director of Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
914-844-4611

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The Jed Foundation and America’s Promise Alliance Announce Institute for Youth Mental Health to Support Emotional Well-Being Supports in Community-Based Organizations https://jedfoundation.org/the-jed-foundation-and-americas-promise-alliance-announce-institute-for-youth-mental-health-to-support-emotional-well-being-supports-in-community-based-organizations/ Thu, 25 Sep 2025 12:30:27 +0000 https://jedfoundation.org/?p=41010 Fifteen leading nonprofits join inaugural cohort to advance mental health support and suicide prevention for more than 1.8 million youth [September 25, 2025, New York

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Fifteen leading nonprofits join inaugural cohort to advance mental health support and suicide prevention for more than 1.8 million youth

[September 25, 2025, New York City] The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults, and America’s Promise Alliance (APA), a community of more than 150 youth-serving nonprofits, today announce the launch of the Institute for Youth Mental Health. This bold new initiative will enable the nation’s leading community-based organizations (CBOs) to strengthen their mental health strategies and help prevent suicide among the youth they serve. 

This initiative marks a significant step toward embedding supports into the places where teens and young adults already spend their time, hold trusting relationships, and feel a sense of safety and belonging. Grounded in JED’s Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention for Community-Based Organizations, the Institute works with a cohort of APA member organizations over a period of 18 months, providing content knowledge, expert training, assessment tools, strategic planning, and implementation support to ensure mental health and suicide prevention strategies are integrated into their day-to-day programming.

The Institute builds on JED’s decades of work with colleges, high schools, and school districts, adapting proven, systemwide strategies to meet the unique needs and opportunities of CBOs. By enabling participating organizations to identify and respond to emerging youth mental health needs, implement comprehensive prevention strategies, and establish stronger pathways for referral and care, the Institute aims to create a replicable model that can be scaled across APA’s full membership and, eventually, the broader nonprofit sector.

“At JED, we believe that weaving mental health support into youth-serving institutions is one of the most powerful ways to prevent crises before they happen,” said John MacPhee, JED CEO. “Through the Institute, we’re equipping organizations with the tools, training, and strategic guidance they need to meet young people where they are with care, intention, and data-driven practices.”

APA’s national network reaches more than 31 million young people through over 150 leading nonprofit organizations working in K-12 education, postsecondary-to-workforce pathways, and civic engagement. Through this partnership, 15 APA member organizations, collectively serving more than 1.8 million youth, have joined the inaugural cohort convening this fall. 

We’ve heard from countless leaders across our network of youth-serving nonprofits that for many of their frontline staff, providing mental health support inevitably becomes part of the job,” shares Mike O’Brien, CEO of APA. “Given their proximity to young people — and the reality that they are often called upon, day or night, to help youth navigate urgent needs, typically under significant resource constraints — community-based leaders represent a deeply trusted, yet deeply under-resourced network of care and support.”

This fall’s Institute for Youth Mental Health cohort includes:

    1. 10,000 Degrees
    2. 826 National
    3. Access Opportunity 
    4. Camp Fire 
    5. Civics Unplugged
    6. Colorado Youth for a Change 
    7. DREAM
    8. Friends of the Children 
    9. Let’s Get Ready 
    10. Literacy Lab 
    11. Peer Health Exchange
    12. Summer Search 
    13. The Opportunity Network 
    14. Youth Guidance 
    15. Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

“Participating in this Institute for Youth Mental Health program offers us a community of practice with other organizations who are deeply committed to improving the lives of youth,” said Terri Sorensen, CEO of Friends of the Children — National. “Connection to this community affords Friends of the Children the opportunity to embed new strategies within our organization to promote mental health for the youth we serve. We see this program as a way to make our mental health outcomes for youth even better.”

This initiative is supported in part by The Goodness Web and Ulta Beauty Charitable Foundation.

For more information about the Institute for Youth Mental Health, click here

To learn more about JED’s support for community-based organizations visit our website.

Upon request by the media, interviews are available with Mike O’Brien, CEO of APA, John MacPhee, CEO of JED, Dr. Katie Hurley, Senior Director, Clinical Advising and Community Programming of JED, and a participating CBO.

###

About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health. 

Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube 

About America’s Promise Alliance (APA)
Since its founding more than 25 years ago, America’s Promise Alliance has mobilized the youth-serving sector to achieve progress around large, shared goals, including high school graduation, national service, and youth employment. A national community of more than 150 nonprofits that collectively reach over 31 million young people annually, the Alliance offers leadership development, knowledge sharing, and capacity building programming alongside national research and Collective Action initiatives that make it possible to tackle challenges that are too large or too complex for any one organization to address on its own.

Media Contact
Justin Barbo
Director of Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
914-844-4611
justin@jedfoundation.org

Lindsey Seltzer
Vice President, Communications
America’s Promise Alliance
202-674-9836
LindseyS@AmericasPromise.org 

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JED and NYCPS District 79 Alternative Schools and Programs Reimagine Mental Health Support at Alternate Learning Centers (ALCs) https://jedfoundation.org/jed-and-nycps-district-79-alternative-schools-and-programs-reimagine-mental-health-support-at-alternate-learning-centers-alcs/ Tue, 16 Sep 2025 13:53:19 +0000 https://jedfoundation.org/?p=40710 In its second year of the program, JED and District 79 will draw on initial data to create actionable plans to promote emotional wellness and

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In its second year of the program, JED and District 79 will draw on initial data to create actionable plans to promote emotional wellness and reduce recidivism for students on Superintendent’s Suspensions. 


[September 16, 2025, New York City] District 79 Alternative Schools and Programs, part of the New York City Public Schools (NYCPS), with the New York City Office of School Health (OSH) and The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, shared an update about their three-year partnership to bolster student well-being and foster thriving school communities at District 79’s Alternate Learning Centers (ALCs). The partnership, which began in the fall of 2024, addresses a critical need: Students in alternative schools frequently face high rates of mental health challenges, but are unable to access needed services including therapeutic care.  

ALCs serve middle and high school students on Superintendent’s Suspension across all five boroughs within NYC, offering both instructional and counseling programs tailored to meet their unique needs.

“We are delighted to partner with The Jed Foundation and the Office of School Health to implement innovative strategies that will lead to improved social-emotional wellness and increased academic achievement for all ALC students,” said Keri-Ann Ket-Ying, School Social Worker at District 79 School Counseling Support.

This collaboration will enhance our ability to support students during their time at the ALC and ensure a smooth re-entry process through close coordination with their home schools. Together, we aim to build a stronger foundation for students academically, emotionally, and socially.”

Some 20% of high school students reported seriously considering attempting suicide in the past year. JED’s original research, Unraveling the Stigma: Exploring Attitudes and Barriers to Mental Health Support Among U.S. Teens, found that although teens are aware of the importance of mental health and seeking support, they still struggle to reach out for help. Asian, Latine, Black, and LGBTQIA+ youth describe specific barriers to reaching out for help, which vary between groups.

In a bold step toward mental health equity, the Office of School Health’s School Mental Health (SMH) program has partnered with JED and District 79 to launch a comprehensive initiative that brings direct, high-impact resources to students in Alternate Learning Centers (ALCs).“At the Office of School Health, we recognize that mental health is foundational to academic success,” said Gail Adman, Assistant Commissioner of the Office of School Health. “This collaboration with SMH and JED delivers targeted tools and meaningful support to students in the ALCs — ensuring no young person is left behind when it comes to their emotional well-being.”

JED is currently implementing its JED High School program at the ALCs, providing expert insights, technical assistance, data-informed action plans, and best practices to support student mental health and well-being. A multidisciplinary team from JED, including a School Mental Health Specialist and clinical experts, is guiding District 79 leaders through this three-year initiative. Activities include assessing student mental health needs and existing resources, identifying gaps, and developing actionable plans for sustainable support. 

Recognizing the unique needs of the ALCs, JED has created tailored assessment tools and established a cross-borough, interdisciplinary committee structure to advance this work. Drawing on data collected during the spring, JED will deliver a comprehensive strategic plan outlining recommended strategic action items to be implemented over the next several years. Additional support will include customized trainings tailored to alternative school environments, and co-hosted strategic planning convenings designed to address the distinct challenges faced by ALCs.

“We are incredibly proud to partner with District 79 and New York City Public Schools to bring essential mental health support to students in Alternate Learning Centers,” said Dr. Tony Walker, Senior Vice President of School Programs and Consulting at JED. “These young people, often facing unique challenges, should have access to resources that foster their holistic well-being. This initiative is about protecting and prioritizing all students so they can thrive and achieve a healthier, more hopeful future.”

This initiative is funded through the generous support of Gotham Gives, The Gray Foundation,

Stavros Niarchos Foundation (SNF), KPMG Foundation, Inc., and Abercrombie & Fitch Co./Hollister.

If your school or a school in your community is interested in partnering with JED, fill out our interest form.


About District 79

District 79 is a citywide district in New York City, offering 10 unique programs that serve over 50,000 students annually. It boasts the largest High School Equivalency (HSE) prep program in New York State, with over 3,000 graduates each year. The district’s diverse student body represents more than 190 countries, and its programs operate in approximately 350 sites across the city. Many students in District 79 were previously disconnected from school, with nearly 80% qualifying for Human Resources Administration (HRA) benefits and over 10% living in temporary housing. Programs are designed to improve both social-emotional and academic outcomes, adhering to federal policies and state regulations.

District 79 helps students achieve their educational and career goals by:

  • Earning a high school diploma, HSE, and/or Career and Technical Education (CTE) certification.
  • Building skills for post-secondary opportunities, including college and career.
  • Gaining social-emotional skills to become confident, productive members of society.

For more information, please visit www.d79.nyc or email District79@schools.nyc.gov

About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health. 

Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube 

Media Contact

Justin Barbo
Director of Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
(914) 844-4611
justin@jedfoundation.org

Stacey OligerDirector of CommunicationsDistrict 79 Alternative Schools and Programssoliger@schools.nyc.gov

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Ten-Day eBay for Charity Auction from September 15-25 to Support The Jed Foundation (JED) https://jedfoundation.org/ten-day-ebay-for-charity-auction-from-september-15-25-to-support-the-jed-foundation-jed/ Mon, 15 Sep 2025 05:00:50 +0000 https://jedfoundation.org/?p=40590 Held during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the exclusive items and experiences include a Logitech gaming set signed by Shroud, a VIP Red Sox fan package,

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Held during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, the exclusive items and experiences include a Logitech gaming set signed by Shroud, a VIP Red Sox fan package, Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live tickets, an American Ballet Theatre experience and collector’s gift package, Rare Beauty collections, and more.

ebay and jed foundation logo

[September 15, 2025, New York] The Jed Foundation (JED) announced today the launch of a 10-day online auction to help raise funds in support of the organization’s mission to protect emotional health and prevent suicide in teens and young adults nationwide.100% of the proceeds will benefit JED. 

By visiting ebay.com/jed, donors can bid on once-in-a-lifetime experiences and coveted items, including:

  • Logitech Gaming Peripheral Set signed by Shroud – Complete with a mouse, keyboard, and headset autographed by the world-renowned gaming creator.
  • The Ultimate Red Sox Fan Experience – 2026 VIP Game Package – Four infield grandstand tickets, a pre-game tour of Fenway Park, warning track access to watch warmups, and a personalized scoreboard message.
  • 2 Tickets to Bravo’s Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen – Experience the Bravo Clubhouse live in NYC and be part of one of late-night TV’s most iconic shows.
  • American Ballet Theatre’s Othello Experience + Collector’s Gift Package – Four orchestra tickets to Othello on March 6, 2026, invitations to an opening night toast, and signed collector’s memorabilia.
  • Rare Beauty by Selena Gomez Collector’s Sets – The Positive Light Luminizing Lip Gloss Collection and the Find Comfort Body Collection, in support of JED through the Rare Impact Fund.
  • 20-Class Pack to Orangetheory Fitness (NYC locations) – Jumpstart your fitness goals while supporting mental health.
  • Glamsquad Glam Package – Two professional blowouts and two full makeup applications delivered by expert beauty pros in select cities nationwide.

“This auction brings together entertainment, sports, beauty, and lifestyle experiences that not only excite fans, but also save lives,” said Adee Shepen, JED’s Chief Growth Officer. “We’re grateful to our partners and bidders for helping us raise critical funds during Suicide Prevention Awareness Month.”

Every bid directly supports JED’s work to ensure young people have the mental health resources they need, when they need them. Suicide is the second leading cause of death for 12-to 24-year-olds, and too many teens and young adults struggle in silence with suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Funds raised through this auction will help JED continue building programs, resources, and partnerships to protect youth emotional well-being and prevent suicide.

For additional information about ways to support JED and help donate, visit JED’s website.


About The Jed Foundation
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.

Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube

 

Media Contact
Justin Barbo
Director, Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
Justin@jedfoundation.org

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The Jed Foundation (JED) Hosts Congressional Briefing on Pathways to Strengthen Student Mental Health in the Classroom, Campus, and Digital Realm https://jedfoundation.org/jed-hosts-congressional-briefing-on-pathways-to-strengthen-student-mental-health-in-the-classroom-campus-and-digital-realm/ Thu, 04 Sep 2025 18:00:34 +0000 https://jedfoundation.org/?p=40333 College students, mental health experts, and policymakers came together to mark Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and examine the life-saving role of federal investments in youth

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College students, mental health experts, and policymakers came together to mark Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and examine the life-saving role of federal investments in youth mental health.

Zainab Okolo of the JED Foundation standing at podium speaking to congressional briefing attendees

[September 4, 2025, Washington, D.C]The Jed Foundation (JED), a leading nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults nationwide, hosted a congressional briefing yesterday at The Rayburn House Office Building. Titled “Seeds of Hope: Strengthening Student Mental Health in the Classroom, Campus, and Digital Realm,” the event marked the start of Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, helping advance the national conversation around solutions that place young people’s mental health and safety at the center of education and policy.

New national data offers hopeful signs of positive change in youth mental health and suicide prevention, yet just as momentum is building, that progress is under threat. The briefing emphasized the need to continue prioritizing student well-being across K-12 and higher education settings, as well as the importance of sustained federal funding for mental health programs. 

“Today’s briefing on Capitol Hill emphasized both the progress made and the challenges that remain for youth mental health in every state throughout America,” said Dr. Zainab Okolo, JED’s Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations. “As Congress finalizes FY26 appropriations, policymakers must remember that federal investments in mental health for teens and young adults are not only vital, but also life-saving. They constitute a real, scalable option for the government to promote our youth’s emotional well-being and prevent suicide, laying the groundwork for long-term policy solutions at the local, state, and national levels. 

A dynamic panel addressed the growing influence of AI, technology, and social media on youth mental health, emphasizing the importance of federal action, including support for the Kids Online Safety Act (KOSA), the Protecting Young Minds Act, and JED’s policy recommendations on artificial intelligence (AI). Martha Sanchez, JED’s Director of Policy, served as moderator to panelists that included Dr. Okolo; John MacPhee, JED’s CEO; Adam Billen, Vice President of Public Policy for Encode; and JED Youth Advocacy Coalition members Gabriel Funches, a Portland State University student, and David Fernandez, an Oxford College of Emory University student. 

“I am honored to have participated in the panel discussion on youth mental health and the impact of AI. These conversations, especially on Capitol Hill, are critical because just as we needed protections in the era of social media, we must act now with AI,” said Fernandez. “Too often, legislation impacting young people is shaped without our voices. So, sharing my perspective on this bipartisan issue is a real opportunity to work together to ensure strong protections for youth in the AI age.”

Additional remarks were shared by Rep. Kim Schrier (D-WA) and Rep. Becca Balint (D-VT), who spoke of the importance of Congress taking steps to protect the emotional health of teens and young adults.

“I’m so grateful to partner with folks who are fighting for real solutions to the growing mental health crisis in this country,” said Rep. Balint. “As a former teacher, a mom of two teens, and a legislator, I’m deeply concerned by the impacts of social media on our students and kids. And I consistently hear from educators, parents, counselors, and students who are all sounding the alarm. Our kids need the right tools and protections to stay ahead of the harms of social media. It’s time Congress steps up and give our kids what they need.”

Key discussion topics and takeaways included:

To view photos from the briefing, click here

Learn more about JED’s policy, advocacy, and government relations work.


About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health. 

Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube 

Media Contact

Justin Barbo
Director of Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
(914) 844-4611
justin@jedfoundation.org

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The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) Partners with The Jed Foundation (JED) to Launch Mental Health Plan for 110,000 Students https://jedfoundation.org/the-kentucky-community-and-technical-college-system-kctcs-partners-with-the-jed-foundation-jed-to-launch-mental-health-plan-for-110000-students/ Tue, 22 Jul 2025 13:30:18 +0000 https://jedfoundation.org/?p=38887 New framework responds to urgent student needs and builds momentum for statewide action [July 22, 2025 VERSAILLES, Ky] — The Kentucky Community and Technical College

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New framework responds to urgent student needs
and builds momentum for statewide action

[July 22, 2025 VERSAILLES, Ky] — The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) is rolling out its first-ever Mental Health Strategy to support the mental well-being of more than 110,000 students across all 16 colleges. The initiative is backed by partnerships with The Jed Foundation (JED), The Healthy Minds Network, and the Council on Postsecondary Education

This new strategy is the result of JED’s technical-assistance support and consultation.  JED assisted KCTCS in establishing and strengthening a community of care among partner campuses, protecting student mental health, and providing and integrating evidence-based mental health resources, programs, systems, and policies. JED and KCTCS approached the work in a systematic manner across the system and within individual member institutions.

Results from the Healthy Minds Study conducted last year across the 16 schools underscore an urgent need for action:

  • 68% of students show signs of depression
  • 66% report anxiety symptoms
  • Only 27% who screen positive for depression or anxiety  are receiving therapy
  • 86% report financial stress

“Community college students experience the same mental health concerns as their university peers, but are more likely to face financial challenges that lead to food and housing insecurity, or less access to medical care, which can compound the issue,” says KCTCS’ Christopher Hetherington, Ed.D., executive director of strategic enrollment management, who leads the system effort. “It’s hard to do well in class when you’re depressed and worried about money. This strategy is about making sure our policies and practices effectively connect students with available resources. Our goal is to empower our students to navigate life’s challenges, stay on track academically, and prepare for meaningful careers.”

Six key focus areas guide KCTCS’s new plan: survey-informed interventions, faculty and staff training, an early-alert guide, mental health communication campaigns, peer wellness programs, and expanded grant and partner-supported services.

The system strategy also aligns with the Kentucky Council on Postsecondary Education’s statewide mental health plan, ensuring shared priorities and coordinated action across institutions.

KCTCS President Ryan Quarles emphasized the deep connection between student well-being and success.

“In Kentucky, we know that the strength of our communities lies in the well-being of our people,” said Quarles. “When we prioritize mental health, we pave the way for brighter futures, stronger communities, and boundless opportunities. This important work has been made possible thanks to the backing of our state and national partners and the KCTCS community.”

“Community and technical colleges serve a diverse and often nontraditional student body — including working adults, first-generation students, and student parents — all while navigating limited institutional resources,” said Erica Riba, Ed.D., senior director of alumni programs and engagement at JED, who advised on the systemwide mental health strategy. “What stands out across KCTCS is the deep care and commitment from campus professionals. This systemwide strategy reflects JED’s approach: using data, strengthening infrastructure, and helping schools build environments where all students can thrive.”

The new strategy represents a significant milestone in Kentucky’s broader effort to prioritize mental health in higher education and a model for how community colleges nationwide can take action. 

“A statewide effort to collect these data is an essential step toward a public health approach that addresses mental health and well-being. We are thrilled that Healthy Minds data can be used to inform statewide decision-making, guided by evidence around students’ needs, addressing disparities in access to resources, and shaping conditions that allow more students to thrive in college,” said Sarah Lipson, Ph.D, Ed.M, principal investigator of the Healthy Minds Network and associate professor at the Boston University School of Public Health.

The full Strategic Mental Health Framework can be found on our website.   

Media interviews with members of the KCTCS Mental Health Taskforce are available upon request.


About The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS)
The Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) consists of a network of regional colleges and a system office dedicated to serving communities across the commonwealth. As Kentucky’s largest provider of workforce training and postsecondary education, KCTCS enrolls more than 110,000 students annually. United in mission and purpose, KCTCS and its colleges are committed to improving the lives of students, strengthening communities and advancing the prosperity of Kentucky’s citizens.

About The Healthy Minds Network
The Healthy Minds Network is one of the nation’s premier research organizations contributing to adolescent and young adult mental health. HMN is dedicated to improving the mental and emotional well-being of young people through innovative, multidisciplinary scholarship. HMN spans coast to coast with our principal investigators at the University of California-Los Angeles, the University of Michigan, Wayne State University, and Boston University. Our network proudly serves as a resource for post-secondary education administrators, students, researchers, clinicians, policy-makers, and the greater public.

For 15 years, the network has administered the Healthy Minds Study (HMS), a population-level survey of post-secondary student mental health. Over 935,000 responses from students at more than 675 colleges and universities have been gathered. In the past few years, the network’s research efforts have expanded into other facets of mental health in educational settings, including the role and health of faculty and staff.

About The Jed Foundation
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.

Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube 

Media Contacts

KCTCS Media Contact
Sue Patrick
859-333-3177
sue.patrick@kctcs.edu

Justin Barbo
Director of Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
914-844-4611
justin@jedfoundation.org

 

 

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JED Launches New Programming to Strengthen Mental Health Support in Fraternities and Sororities https://jedfoundation.org/jed-launches-new-programming-to-strengthen-mental-health-support-in-fraternities-and-sororities/ Thu, 17 Jul 2025 19:00:02 +0000 https://jedfoundation.org/?p=38544 Initiative offers expert support, evidence-informed guidance to promote young adult emotional health and prevent suicide. [July 17, 2025, New York City] — Fraternities and sororities

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Initiative offers expert support, evidence-informed guidance to promote young adult emotional health and prevent suicide.

young people sitting on the beach talking

[July 17, 2025, New York City] — Fraternities and sororities shape the college experience for hundreds of thousands of students, and they can have a powerful impact on the emotional well-being of their members and the broader campus community. Today, The Jed Foundation (JED) announced the launch of new programming to partner with Greek-letter organizations to help them transform member mental health.

Drawing on two decades of expertise and a proven comprehensive approach, The JED Greek-Letter Organizations programs provide tailored, evidence-informed guidance to fraternities and sororities committed to promoting emotional well-being and preventing suicide through a two-year technical assistance program or customized consulting. Over the course of the two-year program, JED partners with participating organizations to:

  • Assess organizational needs and priorities
  • Review, improve, or create policies and procedures
  • Enhance substance misuse prevention through a JED-led, customized workshop, developed in partnership with Partnership to End Addiction
  • Strengthen hazing prevention via a JED-led workshop, developed in partnership with the  Timothy J. Piazza Center for Fraternity and Sorority Research
  • Train staff, volunteers, alumni, and members using JED-developed workshops that meet their needs, including “You Can Help a Member” and “It’s OK to Say Suicide.”
  • Support implementation tools, strategies, and techniques for measurable youth mental health improvements
  • Evaluate progress and develop sustainability plans

Through customized consulting, JED partners with organizations to:

  • Review or co-develop policies that strengthen and protect the emotional health of members and students who socialize with fraternal organizations, including crisis intervention, substance misuse and amnesty policies, bullying and cyberbullying, hazing, and sexual assault
  • Provide workshops and trainings to address the identified needs of the organization
  • Hold one-on-one coaching calls to problem-solve priority issues identities by the organization.

Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity (SigEp), with more than 12,000 undergraduates on 200 campuses, is among the first college fraternities to join this new program. Its mission is Building Balanced Men, achieved through a continuous member development program focused on personal and leadership development in a substance-free environment.

“JED’s approach to supporting mental well-being in fraternity and sorority communities will ensure SigEp’s policies and core experiences continue to be at the forefront in the prevention of suicide, hazing, and substance misuse,” said Brian Warren, CEO of Sigma Phi Epsilon Fraternity. “The partnership will enhance our Balanced Men Program, which supports several dimensions of wellness, by helping our members understand themselves, seek balance, build strong relationships, and pursue excellence in their lives. Recommended by SigEp’s Mental Health Committee based on JED’s proven expertise, this partnership was a natural next step as we evaluate and enhance our experience for undergraduates and volunteers.”

The JED Greek-Letter Organizations programs build on JED’s recent report, Fraternities and Mental Health: Supporting Emotional Well-Being Among Members and Across Campus, which highlights both the potential positives and the risks of Greek life. The findings, coupled with JED’s experience in this area, yielded several key recommendations and themes to enhance the emotional well-being of both fraternity members and other students on campus. While fraternities can provide belonging and social connection — protective factors for mental health — they also present significant risks, including substance misuse and sexual misconduct, that impact both members and the broader campus community, highlighting the need for increased awareness and positive response strategies.

“There are more than 1,500 Greek-letter organizations at colleges and universities across the United States, serving approximately 750,000 undergraduate students. These communities have enormous potential to foster connection, resilience, and support,” said Dr. Katie Hurley, JED’s Senior Director of Clinical Advising and Community Programming. “JED’s new program meets fraternities and sororities where they are, helping them build systems of support that are grounded in research, responsive to their unique needs and cultures, and designed to enhance safety and well-being for their members and broader campus communities.”

The program is rooted in JED’s comprehensive approach, a proven model used across more than 530 colleges and universities nationwide. JED’s recent report, A Decade of Improving College Mental Health Systems: JED Campus Impact Report, analyzed a decade of data (2013 to 2023) from JED Campus schools and the Healthy Minds Network survey. Schools that completed JED Campus saw statistically significant improvements in student mental health at the end of the program. Students were:

  • 25% less likely to report a suicide attempt 
  • 13% less likely to report suicide planning
  • 10% less likely to report suicidal ideation

Students also had improved average anxiety and depression scores, and were more likely to stay in school and graduate.

Fees for The JED Greek-Letter Organizations programs vary depending on organizational needs and scope. Sliding-scale options and grant support may be available.

For more information, contact greek@jedfoundation.org.


About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools, colleges, and school districts to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health. 

Connect with JED: Email | LinkedIn | Instagram | Facebook | TikTok | Snapchat | YouTube 

Media Contact

Justin Barbo
Director of Public Relations
The Jed Foundation
914-844-4611
justin@jedfoundation.org

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