The Jed Foundation Joins Major Federal Agencies and Private Sector Groups to Unite on a Mental Health & Suicide Prevention National Response to COVID-19

First-of-its-kind effort launched by the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention is being guided by a Steering Committee, led by the Director of the National Institute of Mental Health, Dr. Joshua Gordon, and former U.S. Rep. and Founder of The Kennedy Forum, Patrick J. Kennedy.

Recognizing the significant impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the country’s mental health and well-being, the National Action Alliance for Suicide Prevention (Action Alliance), which serves as the nation’s public and private partnership for suicide prevention, is launching the Mental Health & Suicide Prevention National Response to COVID-19 (National Response). This coordinated response effort brings together influential national organizations, including The Jed Foundation, to address mental health and prevent suicide.

According to a recent Gallup online survey, Americans say their mental health is suffering more than their physical or financial health due to COVID-19. These findings underscore the urgency to address the short-term and long-term mental health consequences of this pandemic. “We at JED are excited to participate on the Steering Committee for the National Response to help provide people with increased access to real-time, actionable mental health and suicide prevention resources to help them navigate this unprecedented period, maintain a sense of hope about their future and even lay the groundwork for post-traumatic growth,” says John MacPhee, Executive Director and CEO of The Jed Foundation.

The Action Alliance will convene government agencies, corporations, and other non-governmental groups to comprehensively and collectively address mental health and suicide prevention. The National Response aims to:

• Leverage the nation’s public-private partnership’s collective influence and expertise to coordinate a national mental health and suicide prevention response
• Support and disseminate evidence-informed best practices to help communities across the nation prioritize mental health
• Unite efforts to amplify messages of hope, resiliency, and support

For more information on the National Response, Steering Committee members, and how to get involved, click here.