Advocacy Day
Youth Mental Health Advocacy Day
June 23, 2026 • Washington, DC
During Youth Mental Health Advocacy Day, join Crisis Text Line and the Youth Power Project in elevating the voices, experiences, and needs of young people, and urging Congress to take bipartisan, life-saving action to prioritize youth mental health.
Today, young people across the United States are facing a growing mental health crisis:
Suicide is the second leading cause of death among adolescents
More than 36% of young adults 18–25 experience mental illness each year
Over 40% of high school students report feelings of sadness or hopelessness
One important step forward is the bipartisan Improving Mental Health Access for Students Act, which would place the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, Crisis Text Line, and additional campus mental health resources directly on student IDs for college students nationwide.
For many young people, student IDs are one of the first places they learn about available crisis support.
You can help make this happen. Take action today by emailing your representative and urging them to support this critical legislation.
About the Youth Mental Health Advocacy Day Hosts:
Crisis Text Line is a global mental health organization dedicated to supporting people in their most difficult moments. The nonprofit focuses on both crisis intervention and prevention, providing free, 24/7, confidential support in English and Spanish through a text-based platform that meets people where they are. We pair human connection with scalable technology, research, and partnerships to strengthen mental health systems and drive lasting change.Since its launch in 2013, Crisis Text Line has supported over 12 million conversations in the United States.
Youth Power Project creates peer-driven opportunities for young people with adverse health experiences to access, experience, and trust democracy by training and platforming them to write state and federal policies according to their lived experiences.
About the Youth Mental Health Advocacy Day Sponsor:
Thank you to our partners at American Eagle for powering our day of advocacy in D.C.
Since 1977, American Eagle has offered an assortment of specialty apparel and accessories for everyone that enables self-expression and empowers our customers to celebrate their individuality. American Eagle encourages today’s digital generation to enjoy the world around them through optimism, culture and connection with themselves and others, all while wearing the clothes that make them most confident. The brand has broadened its leadership in jeans by producing innovative fabric with options for all styles and fits for all. Visit www.ae.com to find your perfect pair of #AEJeans.
Youth Mental Health
Advocacy Day
On June 23, More than 50 youth advocates will engage with congressional offices, participate in policy discussions, and share firsthand perspectives on the urgent need to expand access to mental health support and crisis resources for young people nationwide.
If you are participating and have more questions, please reach out to saanvi@youthpowerproject.org
Interested in contributing to our youth mental health day? Please reach out to policy@crisistextline.org
