I visited The Jed Foundation in Manhattan today to talk with John MacPhee, its Executive Director. Being the leading organization addressing issues related to mental health and suicide in the college population, I felt the necessity of letting them know about my upcoming Ring Our Country with Kindness ride.The following is taken directly from their website, www.jedfoundation.org which I highly recommend visiting.
The Jed Foundation’s mission is to promote emotional health and prevent suicide among college and university students. To achieve this end, the organization collaborates with the public and leaders in higher education, mental health, and research to produce and advance initiatives that:
- Increase understanding of the warning signs of suicide and emotional disorders and the fact that emotional distress can be managed, mental illness treated and suicide prevented.
- Facilitate adoption of a comprehensive, community-based approach to mental health promotion and suicide prevention on campuses
- Foster help-seeking so that those who need supportive services reach out to secure them, or are referred to services by a peer
- Build & strengthen resilience, coping skills and connectedness among young adults, their peers, families and communities
- Raise the importance of mental health services, policies and programs in the college selection process of students and parents
I met Emily-Anne Rigal on the set of GimmeMo a couple of nights ago. Two years ago, at the age of 16, Emily-Anne founded We Stop Hate because she wanted to share her story about overcoming bullying. She created a website where others could share their stories and help them overcome the hurt caused by bullying. She is a driving force, helping kids realize the power of “teen esteem.” Everyone is urged to write letters to themselves as a reminder of the positive aspects of their lives. Teens who are happy won’t put others down.
