New York City Public Schools and JED Update “Let’s Talk NYC” Online Course to Support Student Mental Health

[November 9, 2026, New York City] — The New York City Public Schools (NYCPS) and New York City Health Department: Office of School Health (OSH) and The Jed Foundation (JED) announced today the release of the revamped Let’s Talk NYC: Recognize, Respond, Connect online course. This curriculum builds on the strong foundation of the 2021 Let’s Talk NYC campaign, which helped raise awareness about mental health in New York City schools, trained staff to support student mental health needs, and encouraged students to reach out to school staff for help.

“Our students learn best when they feel safe, seen, and supported, and the adults in our schools are often the first to notice when a young person is struggling,” said Schools Chancellor Kamar Samuels. “We’re proud of this partnership and look forward to reaching as many school-based staff as possible so that every classroom in New York City is a place where students feel they belong and know where to turn for help.”

This new training translates the original campaign into a high-impact online professional learning course for middle and high school educators, school leaders, support staff, and community-based organizations working in NYCPS middle and high schools. The virtual training will equip adults in the New York City public school community with practical, accessible tools to understand their role, recognize signs of distress, and connect middle and high school students who may be struggling with care. The goal is a more connected, compassionate school environment where adults respond with openness and confidence.

“Data continues to show that too many of New York City’s young people are struggling, and we have a responsibility to step up,” said NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin. “Equipping trusted adults in schools with the tools they need to help students navigate their mental health opens more doors to care. We’re grateful for our partners at New York City Public Schools and JED for their commitment to supporting the wellbeing of the next generation of New Yorkers.”

Let’s Talk NYC: Recognize, Respond, Connect  comes near the start of a new academic year for local middle and high school students. In 2025, more than 30% reported persistent feelings of sadness and hopelessness. Schools and community-based organizations are uniquely positioned to reach young people where they spend a great deal of their time, making them essential partners in promoting emotional well-being and connecting students to vital systems of support.

This transformational course focuses on several key priorities:

• Raise awareness of mental health and suicide prevention: Increase staff understanding of youth mental health, including warning signs for suicide, and suicide trends.
• Build a community of care: Create connected, supportive environments where students feel seen, heard, and supported.
• Reduce stigma and promote help-seeking: Normalize conversations about mental health and help-seeking among staff and students.
• Understand and respond to suicide risk and emotional distress: Provide foundational knowledge for recognizing warning signs of suicide and practical steps for connecting students to support during emotional distress.

Pilot survey participants of Let’s Talk NYC praised the online course’s flexible and engaging format, learning reinforcements, and ease of access for non-clinicians and the “everyday adult” working in a school building.

“Student wellness is a shared responsibility, and schools play an integral role in creating environments where students feel seen, valued, and celebrated,” said Dr. Tony Walker, JED’s senior vice president of school programs and consulting. “When educators, school staff, and community leaders have the understanding and assurance to notice a young person in distress and respond early, they can make a meaningful difference in a student’s life. Together with New York City Public Schools, we’re helping build stronger systems that promote student well-being and reduce suicide risk.”

This collaboration builds on a longstanding partnership between NYCPS, NYC Health, and JED. In addition to the 2021 Let’s Talk NYC campaign, in 2024 NYCPS, the New York City Department of Health , and JED developed and scaled a standardized suicide prevention training for NYCPS school nurses across more than 1,800 pre-K–12 public schools. To date, more than 3,870 school nurses completed the training, strengthening their ability to identify, screen, and refer pre-K–12 students at risk of suicide to life-saving resources.

Funding for Let’s Talk NYC: Recognize, Respond, Connect  is supported by Wellness Classroom and Gotham Gives. To learn more about the training course, visit the website or email [email protected]. 

Anyone seeking mental health services in New York City can explore the options that meet their needs using Mental Health Connect, the city’s new virtual tool. Youth-facing organizations in New York City interested in improving their ability to support young people in crisis, connect them to services and build resilience can enroll in free Guiding Youth Through Intervention, Diversion, and Empowerment workshops with NYC Health.

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About New York City Public Schools
New York City Public Schools is a testament to the history and impact of urban education in the United States. With over 1,600 schools spread across five boroughs, the system is made up of approximately 1 million students and staff, making it the largest public school system in the nation. These schools employ more than 75,000 teachers, who deliver a rich tapestry of educational experiences to a student body that reflects the city’s vibrant and diverse cultural heritage. This network of educational institutions represents not just the scale of New York City’s commitment to public education, but also its dedication to fostering a learning environment that is as dynamic and diverse as the city itself.

New York City Office of School Health (OSH) School Mental Health Program (SMHP)

School Mental Health designs, implements, and coordinates mental health supports across districts and schools. SMH connects with school staff, Community Based-Organization providers, and State and City agencies to build sustainable, school‑based mental health systems for students and families. Our work streamlines communication, aligns partners, and ensures consistent mental health expertise across the system.

About The Jed Foundation
JED is committed to protecting emotional health and preventing suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. JED partners with high schools, colleges, school districts, and youth-serving community-based organizations to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. JED equips teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other, and encourages community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.

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Media Contact
Chancellor’s Press Office
New York City Public Schools
[email protected]

Justin Barbo
PR Director
The Jed Foundation (JED)
[email protected]