The Jed Foundation (JED) Hosts Congressional Briefing on Pathways to Strengthen Student Mental Health in the Classroom, Campus, and Digital Realm

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.

[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:

• Insights from A Decade of Improving College Mental Health Systems: JED Campus Impact Report
• Student perspectives on their mental health experiences and the role of AI
• Effective federal policies and programs making a difference in the lives of young people today

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. 

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Media Contact

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