Mental Health Policy, Advocacy, and Practice: A Trauma-Informed Approach
Yes
5/27/2026 1:00 PM
5/27/2026 2:00 PM

About the Webinar

This collaborative webinar—presented by the American Council on Education (ACE), the Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors (AUCCCD), and The Jed Foundation—brought 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 examined:

  • 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.

Don’t miss this important Mental Health Awareness Month program.


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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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

Recording Available

​​​This webinar took place on ​May 27, 2026.​

Watch video

Partners

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

Association for University and College Counseling Center Directors logo 

The Jed Foundation logo