News from National
June 25, 2026

New! Free BIPOC mental health resources available

July is Bebe Moore Campbell National Minority Mental Health Awareness Month, and to support your efforts, MHA's 2026 BIPOC Mental Health Toolkit is ready to download. This year's toolkit, available in both English and Spanish, provides free, practical resources for individuals and organizations looking to improve mental health in communities of color. 

The wait is over! Explore our 2026 agenda and secure your spot before it disappears

The 2026 Mental Health America Conference agenda is finally here, and seats are filling fast! This October 8-9 in Washington, DC, we are gathering the brightest minds to answer one crucial question: How do we build a world with More Good Days, Together?

Don’t miss your chance to hear from experts as they share practical strategies, innovative tools, and lived experiences.

Youth Policy Accelerator applications are now open

Mental Health America’s Youth Policy Accelerator is a youth leadership program that ensures that the priorities and voices of young people are at the forefront of national mental health policy discussions. The 2026 YPA will equip five outstanding young adults (ages 18-25) with the skills, relationships, and experience to advance youth peer support policy.

The all-virtual YPA will take place from July 2026 to March 2027. Participants will receive a $3,000 stipend. Applications are due July 17.

New! Free employee wellness survey 

Last week MHA launched a free survey and analytics tool to help employers measure their employees’ well-being and experiences with available resources. We received 82 sign-ups on our first day of launch!

In partnership with Retensa, the global leader in employee retention, this employee survey and dashboard tool is designed to help employers capture important employee feedback to identify key wellness patterns across the organization, inform strategies to support employee well-being, and benchmark progress toward creating a healthier workplace. 

Get started today! Fill out this quick form and learn more about the MHA and Retensa partnership here. Also, check out this new resource for more guidance on survey best practices.

MHA’s Dr. Jessica Jackson shares a "big idea" for mental health at the Aspen Ideas Festival

Dr. Jessica Jackson, Mental Health America’s VP of Alliance Development, spoke at the 2026 Aspen Ideas Festival. During the festival's opening session, Dr. Jackson discussed the importance of establishing a mental health baseline as a part of routine healthcare. She also participated in a panel focused on the intersection of AI and mental health.

Back in stock! The perfect way to turn awareness into action in your community

The Mental Health Action Box is designed to help you raise awareness, spark meaningful conversations, and encourage people to check in on their mental health. Inside each box, you’ll find items to help you turn awareness into action for your business, organization, school, and more.

Mental Health America on the road

MHA is on the road connecting with partners and advocates across the country to strengthen our mission. Here are some highlights from the past two weeks.

• MHA traveled to California to visit one of our affiliates, Mental Health Association of Alameda County. MHA Interim President & CEO Dr. Pierluigi Mancini and Chief Affiliate Network Officer Valerie Sterns caught up with Interim Executive Director Robert Hubbard on-site to strengthen our partnership and support for the local community.
• MHA Interim President & CEO Dr. Pierluigi Mancini participated in a Brain Health fireside chat at the ALEC Life Sciences Academy in La Jolla to discuss critical solutions and advance the conversation around mental wellness.
• MHA was in San Diego for the BIO International Convention. MHA Interim President & CEO Dr. Pierluigi Mancini met with funders and partners to foster new collaborations and advance our mission.
• MHA welcomed Cathy Applefield Olsen, CEO of Hollywood & Mind, to our National office in Alexandria, VA. Stuart Allen, MHA’s Chief Marketing & Advancement Officer, hosted the visit and chat, which focused on the powerful intersection of entertainment and mental health.
• MHA hosted a visit from Michelle Roberts, MBS, Senior Director of Medical Patient Advocacy at TEVA Pharmaceuticals, one of our great partners.

Upcoming virtual events and webinars

Starting culturally affirming therapy: A guide for BIPOC individuals

July 22, 2026 at 1:00pm ET

Affiliate news

Greater Mental Health named a 2026 Top Healthcare Organization

Greater Mental Health of New York (Greater Mental Health) has been recognized by City & State as one of its 2026 Top Healthcare Organizations, honoring leaders driving the sector forward and impacting policy, politics, and the economy through their services. Celebrating 80 years of service, Greater Mental Health provides community-based behavioral health and substance use treatment to more than 15,000 adults and children annually across Westchester and Rockland counties.

MHASCK featured in All Access with Andy Garcia

Mental Health America of South Central Kansas (MHASCK) has been selected for a national television segment showcasing innovative, coordinated mental health care in Kansas. Featured on All Access hosted by Andy Garcia, the program highlights how MHASCK brings prevention, counseling, children's services, housing, aging services, recovery support, and community-based care together to improve lives. Filmed in Wichita, the segment demonstrates the power of integrated services to reduce barriers and expand access to care.
Read the press release.