New Partnership with The Jed Foundation Supports Student Mental Health

Madison, Wis. (January 23, 2024) – Edgewood College is pleased to announce it has partnered with The Jed Foundation (JED) to become a JED Campus, bolstering support for student well-being and mental health. JED’s program is a nationwide initiative designed to help colleges and universities evaluate and strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs, ensuring the students have the best possible mental health safety nets. Edgewood College joins more than 400 campuses engaged in the JED Campus program.

“We are grateful for The Jed Foundation and their work to support students’ mental health,” President Andrew Manion, said. “Our team at Edgewood College is committed to the health and safety of our students as they pursue their goals both in and out of the classroom. With the support of JED, Edgewood College will continue to enhance and strengthen our community of learners.”

By joining the program, Edgewood College expands its promise to support the emotional well-being of its students. Colleges in partnership with JED take part in a multi-year strategic collaboration to evaluate and augment the work currently being done and to help create positive, long-term, systemic change to the campus community. The College is thankful for this partnership with JED and the programming support from the Charles E. Kubly Foundation and former students Julie and Justin Randall through their inaugural Drewfest fundraiser.

“The college years are the age when many mental health issues first manifest, and it can be a time of significant stress and pressure,” said John MacPhee, Chief Executive Officer of JED. “JED Campus helps schools by working with them to evaluate what their college or university is doing to support student emotional health and well-being and find practical ways to augment these efforts in a comprehensive way. We believe that the implementation of a campus-wide approach to mental health will lead to safer, healthier communities, and likely greater student retention.”

Edgewood College’s first step in this partnership with JED is to assemble a team to assess the College’s mental health support systems. JED’s experts will provide the team with a comprehensive study illustrating strong points in the College’s mental health programming and identifying opportunities for growth. Edgewood College and JED will then work together over four years to implement the recommended enhancements for student services.

About The Jed Foundation (JED)
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for our nation’s teens and young adults. We’re partnering with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. We’re equipping teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other. We’re encouraging community awareness, understanding, and action for young adult mental health.
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