Mental Health Care Access Must Remain a Public Priority

The Jed Foundation (JED) is deeply concerned about the fear, grief, and distress that youth and families are experiencing amid uncertainty, loss, and community upheaval. Across Minnesota and communities nationwide, critical work is being done to support individuals and families, often with limited resources. 

These efforts underscore the strength of communities and highlight the limits of what local response alone can carry. They also unfold within a broader national policy and budget context that shapes both enforcement activity and access to mental health care. Taken together, they point to the urgency of prioritizing access to mental health supports and services for all, no matter their status or country of origin. Ensuring access to mental health care must remain a core public priority, especially during times of heightened stress and community disruption. Meeting that responsibility requires sustained, collective commitment so that those already responding on the ground are reinforced with the support and resources they need.

As an organization dedicated to promoting emotional well-being and preventing suicide, JED is committed to advocating for emotional health resources for all young people and families. We encourage institutions — schools, health systems, employers, and civic organizations — nationwide to expand access to emotional support services, promote trauma-informed care, and collaborate with culturally competent providers to meet the needs of diverse populations. 

If you are experiencing fear, stress, grief, or anxiety related to these events:

Ask for help and connect with others.

• Reach out to trusted friends, family members, counselors, or community support networks.
• Talk about what you are feeling. Normalizing emotional responses during collective stress can be healing.
• Stay connected with supportive groups, faith communities, and peer support spaces.

Seek professional support if you need it.

• If stress feels overwhelming or impacts your daily life, please consider seeking professional care. You can contact:
  • Local mental health providers, school counselors, or university health services.
  • Crisis Text Line: Text “HOME” to 741741 to connect with a trained crisis counselor. For Spanish, text “HOLA.” For Minnesota residents, text “MN.”
  • The 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline (call, text, or chat 988 or 988lifeline.org): free, confidential support 24/7 from trained counselors for anyone in emotional distress.
  • To access mental health crisis teams located in Minnesota, you can find county-specific resources 24/7 at NAMI Minnesota.