The JED Foundation (JED) is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults, giving them the skills and support they need to thrive today…and tomorrow.
How We Work
Our work shifts the culture and conversation around mental health by focusing on two components to change and save lives:
- Strengthening the emotional health of teens and young adults
- Preventing substance misuse, self-harm, and suicide as a result of emotional distress.
We do this by equipping individuals, strengthening schools, and mobilizing communities.
For Individuals
Research shows that building resiliency and life skills, promoting social connectedness and encouraging help-seeking and help-giving behaviors in teens and young adults supports their overall well-being, helps them thrive, and protects their emotional health, making it less likely they will fall into unhealthy behaviors. JED uses digital campaigns, the media and partnerships to engage this audience where they are and in a way they’ll understand.
In Schools
For students, their school community is a critical part of their support network and emotional safety net. JED works directly with high schools, colleges and universities representing millions of students to put systems, programs and policies in place to create a culture of caring that protects student mental health, builds life skills and makes it more likely students will seek help and struggling students will be recognized, connected to mental healthcare and supported.
In the Community
Our mental health is impacted by the world around us. There are a range of factors that can influence the perspective, well-being and behaviors of our teens and young adults including families, friends, media and high-profile voices. JED partners with these communities to create a culture of caring, grounded in deeper understanding and reduced shame and secrecy, and to collaborate on amplifying their positive impact while minimizing potential harm.