Greetings!

May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Throughout this month, I’ve seen a vital spotlight on mental health and working toward initiatives that will foster the change we need to see nationwide. 

To that end, I’d like to share with you a few updates regarding mental health and significant headlines worth keeping in mind:

A White House Conversation on Youth Mental Health

On May 18th, I attended A White House Conversation on Youth Mental Health, an event led by First Lady Dr. Jill Biden, U.S. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, Selena Gomez, and additional incredible young advocates. The conversation centered around not only raising awareness and shedding stigma, but also action which would lead to broadening evidence-based practices, intersectional advocacy, crisis response, and support systems.

MTV’s Mental Health Action Day, Ask a Therapist Event with Brightline

While May is Mental Health Awareness Month, May 19th specifically focuses on the path forward beyond awareness, with MTV’s Mental Health Action Day, supported by more than 1,300 organizations including The Kennedy Forum. To commemorate, I led a Q&A session with Brightline Behavioral Therapist Lina Rodas, to open the floor for parents and caregivers to ask questions regarding how to support young people’s mental health. You can view our discussion here.

Van Drew Turns Away from Ensuring Child Safety and Care

On May 18th, Rep. Van Drew voted no on the Infant Formula Supplemental Appropriations Act, 2022, a bill desperately needed to deliver baby formula to New Jersey parents. This month, Van Drew also introduced legislation called the My Child, My Choice Act, aimed to prohibit schools from receiving funds if they do not obtain written parental consent prior to sex education – disregarding the fact that all NJ parents already have the right to opt-out their children from sex ed. It’s this needless fear-mongering which prevents us from forwarding change which could actually make a positive difference for our children.

NJ Groups Petition State for Rules on District Use of School Security Aid

Earlier this month, 19 state and local advocacy organizations, including The Kennedy Forum, filed a formal petition with the State Board of Education, urging the adoption of rules to guide the use of state security aid provided to school districts. The petition seeks to ensure funds are spent on evidence-based, effective practices that support student mental health and an inclusive school climate. Students, families, and caregivers have been calling for better access to care for decades. We owe our students safe and secure environments where they can access effective and comprehensive mental health services and education. You can read more about the petition here.

If you find yourself craving a refreshing treat as summer approaches, Jeni’s Ice Cream recently partnered with On Our Sleeves foundation to raise awareness about children’s mental health, and how the struggles young people face are not always worn on their sleeves.

All the best,

Amy Kennedy

Pronouns: She/Her