Active Minds

Active Minds is the United States' leading nonprofit organization committed to transforming the landscape of mental health for young adults. Founded in 2003 by Alison Malmon, following the tragic loss of her brother to suicide, the organization was born from a desire to eradicate the silence and stigma surrounding mental health issues. Malmon, then a junior at the University of Pennsylvania, recognized a critical need for open dialogue and peer-to-peer support on college campuses. What began as a student group has since evolved into a national movement, dedicated to creating communities of support and saving lives. The core of Active Minds' mission is to empower young adults to change the conversation about mental health, making it as valued and discussed as physical health. By mobilizing students and young adults, the organization fosters a culture of acceptance and encourages help-seeking behavior before a crisis point is reached.

The organization's impact is driven through a multi-faceted approach that includes a vast network of chapters in high schools, colleges, and communities across the country. These student-led chapters are at the forefront of changing campus culture through awareness campaigns, educational events, and advocacy initiatives. Active Minds provides these chapters with the resources, training, and support needed to be effective mental health advocates. Beyond its chapter network, Active Minds implements a variety of acclaimed national programs. 'Send Silence Packing' is a powerful traveling exhibit that displays backpacks to represent the number of college students who die by suicide each year, sparking conversations and raising awareness. The Active Minds Speakers bureau features a diverse group of presenters who share their personal stories with mental health, providing relatable and educational content to audiences nationwide. Furthermore, initiatives like Active Minds @Work extend the conversation into the workplace, promoting mental health-friendly environments for the next generation of the workforce. Through these comprehensive efforts, Active Minds is not only supporting young adults but is also building a lasting movement of champions for mental health.