The Jed Mental Health Resource Center is a vital organization dedicated to protecting the emotional health and preventing suicide among our nation's teens and young adults. With a strong focus on providing evidence-based resources and support, the Jed Foundation has established itself as a leading authority in the field of mental health. Founded in 2000 by Donna and Phil Satow after the loss of their son Jed, the organization has been driven by a mission to empower young people with the skills and knowledge necessary to maintain good mental health and to seek help when needed.
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, in 2020, approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode, highlighting the pressing need for accessible mental health resources. The Jed Foundation addresses this need through its comprehensive approach, which includes working with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health programs, promoting awareness and understanding of mental health issues, and providing online resources and support to young people and their families. By focusing on prevention, education, and support, the Jed Foundation plays a critical role in fostering a culture that encourages young people to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
Key Points
- The Jed Foundation is a leading organization in the field of mental health, dedicated to protecting the emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults.
- The organization provides evidence-based resources and support, including online tools and guidance for young people and their families.
- The Jed Foundation works with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health programs and promote awareness and understanding of mental health issues.
- By focusing on prevention, education, and support, the Jed Foundation helps to foster a culture that encourages young people to prioritize their mental health and well-being.
- According to the National Institute of Mental Health, approximately 1 in 5 adults in the United States experienced at least one major depressive episode in 2020, highlighting the importance of accessible mental health resources.
Programs and Initiatives

The Jed Foundation offers a range of programs and initiatives designed to support the mental health and well-being of teens and young adults. One of its flagship programs is the Jed Campus Program, which provides colleges and universities with a comprehensive framework for assessing and improving their mental health support systems. The program includes a comprehensive assessment of the institution’s mental health policies and procedures, as well as recommendations for improvement and ongoing support and guidance. To date, over 300 colleges and universities have participated in the Jed Campus Program, demonstrating the organization’s significant impact on the higher education landscape.
Online Resources and Support
In addition to its work with educational institutions, the Jed Foundation also provides a range of online resources and support services for young people and their families. The organization’s website offers a wealth of information on mental health topics, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse, as well as guidance on how to maintain good mental health and seek help when needed. The Jed Foundation also operates an online support group, where young people can connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges and receive support and guidance from trained mental health professionals. With over 1 million unique visitors to its website in 2022, the Jed Foundation’s online resources are a vital lifeline for many young people struggling with their mental health.
Program | Description | Participants |
---|---|---|
Jed Campus Program | Comprehensive framework for assessing and improving mental health support systems | Over 300 colleges and universities |
Online Support Group | Online community for young people to connect with others and receive support and guidance | Thousands of registered members |
Online Resources | Information and guidance on mental health topics, including depression, anxiety, and substance abuse | Over 1 million unique website visitors in 2022 |

Impact and Evaluation

Evaluating the impact of mental health programs and initiatives is crucial to understanding their effectiveness and identifying areas for improvement. The Jed Foundation has a strong commitment to evaluation and research, and has conducted numerous studies on the effectiveness of its programs and initiatives. For example, a study published in the Journal of American College Health found that colleges and universities that participated in the Jed Campus Program showed significant improvements in their mental health support systems, including increased access to counseling services and improved policies and procedures for responding to mental health crises. By using data and research to inform its work, the Jed Foundation is able to continually refine and improve its programs and initiatives, ensuring that they are having the greatest possible impact on the mental health and well-being of young people.
Challenges and Future Directions
Despite the progress that has been made in recent years, there are still many challenges to be addressed in the field of mental health. One of the most significant challenges is the lack of resources and support for mental health services, particularly in rural and underserved communities. The Jed Foundation is working to address this challenge through its partnerships with educational institutions and community organizations, and by advocating for increased funding and support for mental health services. As the organization looks to the future, it is clear that there will be many opportunities for growth and innovation, from the development of new programs and initiatives to the expansion of existing services and support. With its strong foundation and commitment to evidence-based practice, the Jed Foundation is well-positioned to continue making a positive impact on the mental health and well-being of young people for years to come.
What is the mission of the Jed Foundation?
+The mission of the Jed Foundation is to protect the emotional health and prevent suicide among teens and young adults.
What programs and initiatives does the Jed Foundation offer?
+The Jed Foundation offers a range of programs and initiatives, including the Jed Campus Program, online resources and support, and advocacy and education efforts.
How can I get involved with the Jed Foundation?
+There are many ways to get involved with the Jed Foundation, including volunteering, donating, and participating in advocacy and education efforts.
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