The Jed Foundation

As Congress writes its health reform bills we need your help to ensure America’s young people receive access to appropriate mental health services.

Please contact your Senators and Member of Congress to urge them to support proposals to provide every young person age 12 to 18 with access to an annual Mental Health Checkup.

Call the Capitol switchboard at 202-224-3121 and ask to speak with your member or send an email and tell them that providing young people access to a mental health screening will detect illnesses early and result in the prevention of full-blown diagnosable disorders.  

·         In March, the U.S. Preventive Services Task Force recommended that all young people age 12 to 18 should be screened annually for Major Depressive Disorder. 

·         According to the National Institute of Mental Health 50 percent of all lifetime mental health disorders start by age 14. Yet, because the early signs of a disorder often are missed, the average diagnosis regularly occurs 10 years or more after the onset of symptoms.

·         The Institute of Medicine reports that missing the early symptoms can result in disorders that create a lifetime of disability or result in suicide. Sadly, suicide remains the third leading cause of death for Americans age 15 to 24.  Additionally, mental illness is the leading cause of disability for Americans age 15 to 44.

Please act now to help. Contact you Senators and Member of Congress and tell them that providing America’s young people with access to an annual screen must be included in health reform. Doing so will ensure we catch the warning signs early and protect the health and well-being of America’s youth.  Thank you for your advocacy for America’s children and adolescents.

Find out more from the Check Up Now Coalition.