Palo Alto liaison committee hosts JED Foundation in informal meet-and-greet on youth mental health

The City of Palo Alto and Palo Alto Unified School District liaison committee met Dec. 11 for an informal meet-and-greet with representatives of the JED Foundation to discuss ongoing youth mental health outreach and coordination.

Committee members said JED held a focus group with several youth representatives during the Foundation’s visit and that staff and community members used the brief session to exchange contact information and identify next steps for collaboration. Public commenter Ken H. welcomed JED’s presence, saying he was "a big, big supporter" and urging stronger, coordinated efforts across the city and district.

School and city guests noted it is a busy time of year with holiday performances and final exams but stressed that youth mental health work will continue through the school year. A district representative said the school board and district staff recently attended the California School Boards Association conference in Sacramento and found the event informative for local practice.

The committee asked staff to continue scheduling coordination meetings during the week and indicated they will follow up at future liaison meetings. No formal action was taken; the meet-and-greet was described as informational and relationship-building.

The committee invited continued student and family engagement as the JED Foundation and district develop outreach plans and indicated they will report back on any scheduled public events or programs.