The Jed Foundation
The Jed Foundation (JED) is a non-profit organization that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for teens and young adults in the United States.
 | |
| Founded | 2000 |
|---|---|
| Focus | Suicide prevention, Mental illness |
Area served | United States |
| Method | Education |
Key people | Phil and Donna Satow |
| Website | www.jedfoundation.org |
JED partners with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse and suicide prevention programs and systems. They equip teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. They encourage community awareness, understanding and action for young adult mental health.
History
"In 1998, we lost our youngest son Jed to suicide. Since then, we have worked to understand this unendurable tragedy. Although suicide was and continues to be a leading cause of death among young adults, schools had no uniform model for preventing suicide on campus. Communities struggled to overcome the shame and secrecy that prevented honest discussion of mental health. Campus prevention programs were limited in scope and priority. In 2000, we founded The Jed Foundation (JED) to surmount these hurdles and launch a blueprint for prevention. Today, JED is the nation’s leading organization dedicated to young adult mental health.
We thank our friends, partners and supporters for making this possible. We thank all of you who have accompanied us on this journey from loss to hope. Your commitment to protecting the lives of young people is transforming the conversation around mental health and mobilizing communities to action. Together we are helping students navigate the emotional challenges of college, prepare for adulthood, and thrive."
-Donna & Phil Satow
The JED Foundation is rated 4-stars by Charity Navigator, their highest rating.[1]
Campaigns
JED's Mental Health Resource Center: jedfoundation.org/help
The JED website provides information about common emotional health issues and provides guidance for those concerned about themselves or others.
JED Campus: jedcampus.org
A nationwide initiative designed to help colleges and universities develop campus-wide systems, programs and policies to support mental health and prevent substance abuse and suicide. Following JED’s Comprehensive Approach, JED Campuses embark on a multi-year strategic partnership with JED to build a safety net for their students. The JED Campus program involves nearly 170 campuses.
Set to Go: settogo.org
A new program that guides students, families and high school educators through the social, emotional and mental health challenges related to the transition out of high school to college and adulthood. Set to Go currently features a Transition of Care Guide, Right Fit Worksheet and other tools for students and families.
ULifeline: ulifeline.org
A mental health resource center for college students that provides information about emotional health issues and the resources available on their campus. It also offers a confidential mental health self-screening tool. Over 1,600 colleges and universities are registered on ULifeline.
Half of Us: halfofus.com
An award-winning program from JED & MTV featuring a library of free-for-use videos including PSAs, celebrities and students talking about their personal experiences with mental health and substance use. Half of Us helps young people feel less alone and encourages them to reach out for help.
Love is Louder: loveislouder.com
A community-oriented site offering advice, support, and information on well-being and self-care. Co-founded by actress and singer Brittany Snow.
JED also partners with a number of organizations on educational and awareness campaigns and projects and creates guides and tools for professionals, parents and students.
Seize The Awkward: seizetheawkward.org
A national campaign in partnership with Ad Council and American Foundation for Suicide Prevention that encourages teens and young adults to "seize the awkward" by reaching out to a friend who may be struggling with mental health problems.