Mental Health Policy, Advocacy, and Practice: A Trauma-Informed Approach
No
5/27/2026 1:00 PM
5/27/2026 2:00 PM
Format: Online
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Program Type: Webinar

Webinars are free, 30- to 90-minute virtual events. ACE experts, campus leaders, and other voices from within and beyond higher education discuss critical questions and promising practices around a timely topic. Registrants have the opportunity to share their questions during the live event and to access the recording afterward.

About the Webinar

​Join us for a timely and essential conversation as we close out the academic year and prepare for summer planning. This collaborative webinar—presented by the American Council on Education (ACE), Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD), and The Jed Foundation—brings together three leading voices in mental health advocacy and trauma-informed care to explore the critical intersection of policy, practice, and student well-being.

As mental health challenges continue to impact college campuses nationwide, the policies we create at federal, system, and institutional levels have never been more important. This webinar will examine:

  • Why trauma-informed approaches matter in mental health policy development
  • Federal, system, and institutional policy landscapes and their impact on student mental health services
  • Practical strategies for integrating trauma-informed principles into policy advocacy and campus practice
  • Current legislative opportunities, including how to advocate effectively with your congressional representatives

Whether you’re a counseling center professional, administrator, student affairs leader, or mental health advocate, this webinar offers valuable insights as we reflect on the academic year and strategically plan for the months ahead.

Register now to reserve your spot for this important Mental Health Awareness Month event.


Speakers

Zainab Okolo
Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations, The Jed Foundation
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Zainab Okolo - Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations, The Jed Foundation - Speaker
Speaker
Zainab Okolo
Senior Vice President of Policy, Advocacy, and Government Relations, The Jed Foundation
Kim Gorman
Associate Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellness, Western Carolina University
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Kim Gorman - Associate Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellness, Western Carolina University - Speaker
Speaker
Kim Gorman
Associate Vice Chancellor for Health and Wellness, Western Carolina University
Eric Wood
Director, Counseling and Mental Health Center, Texas Christian University; President-Elect, Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors
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Read More
Eric Wood - Director, Counseling and Mental Health Center, Texas Christian University; President-Elect, Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors - Speaker
Speaker
Eric Wood
Director, Counseling and Mental Health Center, Texas Christian University; President-Elect, Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors

Register

​The ​May 27 ​w​ebinar is free, but registration is required.

Register

Partner

This webinar is hosted in collaboration with AUCCCD and The Jed Foundation.

Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors logo 

The Jed Foundation logo