JED and AASA announce district mental health partnership to support student well-being
The Jed Foundation (JED) and AASA, The School Superintendents Association, have launched a multi-year partnership to improve mental health support in pre-K–12 school systems.
The JED and AASA District Mental Health Initiative is based on the JED Campus programme and follows a successful pilot involving 15 school districts across 14 states. The team-up is designed to help district leaders implement long-term strategies to promote student well-being and address mental health concerns, including suicide prevention.
JED is a nonprofit organisation dedicated to protecting emotional health and preventing suicide among teens and young adults. Through its partnerships with schools, JED works to strengthen mental health and suicide prevention programmes.
AASA, founded in 1865, is a professional organisation for educational leaders, supporting over 13,000 school system leaders in the USA.
Addressing student well-being
The partnership provides district leaders with tools and support to develop a comprehensive mental health system that supports the well-being of students. The two-year programme will assist school districts in creating a strategic plan tailored to their specific needs, helping schools foster safe, supportive environments that contribute to student success.
David Schuler, Executive Director of AASA, said:
"As school leaders, we are responsible for ensuring the well-being of every student, both academically and emotionally. Through this partnership with JED, we are equipping school leaders with the tools and strategies necessary to build safer, more supportive environments where students can thrive.
“By addressing mental health at the systems level, we are transforming how we care for the whole child, ensuring that every student is set up for success both in and out of the classroom."
Youth mental health continues to be a critical issue, with suicide remaining the second leading cause of death for young people aged 12 to 24. Suicide rates for children aged 5 to 11 increased by nearly 15% per year from 2012 to 2017, while rates for preteens have also risen annually.
Dr. Tony Walker, Senior Vice President of Academic Programmes at JED, noted the importance of school districts in promoting mental health, saying:
"No two school districts are the same and the leaders of those educational systems play a critical role in supporting student mental health, an often overwhelming and monumental task.
“When students feel connected to their school community, their mental health is positively impacted. Together with JED and AASA, school districts can improve their mental health support programmes while also building a true safety net for all pre-K–12 students."
Customised strategic planning
The JED and AASA District Mental Health Initiative uses the Comprehensive Approach to Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention, an evidence-based framework. Participating districts will work with an expert team to assess their current mental health systems and develop customised strategic plans to improve them. These plans will be informed by input from students, staff, and district leaders, ensuring they reflect the unique needs of each school district.
The initiative also provides districts with ongoing technical assistance and opportunities to connect with other districts. Monthly professional learning sessions, led by school mental health experts, will focus on practical approaches to improving mental health support in schools.
Dr. Rupak Gandhi, superintendent of Fargo Public Schools, spoke on the benefits of participating in the initiative’s pilot programme, stating:
"Our participation in the pilot programme has laid a strong foundation for enhancing mental health support across our district. By joining the JED and AASA District Mental Health Initiative, school districts will build on existing efforts to promote healthier school environments and further prioritise student well-being and success."
