MCPS Partnering with Jed Foundation, AASA to Develop Mental Health, Suicide Prevention Program
MCPS has been selected to participate in the District Comprehensive Approach (DCA) created by The Jed Foundation (JED) and The School Superintendents Association (AASA) to strengthen the mental health and emotional well-being of its students.
The DCA will provide select preK–12 school districts nationally with an evidence-based framework combined with expert support, best practices, and data-driven guidance to ensure existing systems support the mental health of—and reduce suicide risk for—all students at all grade levels.
This collaboration establishes a new framework and exemplifies the significance school districts such as MCPS are placing on students’ emotional health. The initiative combines the work underway at MCPS with JED’s decades of nationwide experience protecting emotional health and preventing suicide for more than 500 high schools, colleges and universities, and with AASA’s 150-year commitment to serving public education and school district leadership.
“MCPS remains dedicated and committed to creating an environment where students feel supported and can thrive,” said Damon Monteleone, associate superintendent of well-being, learning, and achievement. “We are excited about being selected and proud to be an inaugural participant in this program and the ways we will be able to positively impact student mental health and wellness.”
Tony Walker, senior vice president of academic programs at The Jed Foundation, said: “We are excited to welcome MCPS into the 2023 inaugural cohort of districts nationwide that will be at the forefront of implementing powerful practices to support their students and staff. Suicide has risen every year over the past decade for students aged 5 to 11 and in 2021, one in five high school students made a suicide plan. Schools play a critical role in reversing these trends, but they cannot do that without adequate resources and training. Together, we can all help students thrive and prevent suicide.”
In the coming months, district and school leaders, as well as mental health professionals, will engage with JED staff in the development of this integrated mental health framework.
About The Jed Foundation
JED is a nonprofit that protects emotional health and prevents suicide for the nation’s teens and young adults. The foundation partners with high schools and colleges to strengthen their mental health, substance misuse, and suicide prevention programs and systems. Jed equips teens and young adults with the skills and knowledge to help themselves and each other.