Ad Council Initiative re: Mental Health Crisis

By | April 25, 2023

The Ad Council launched a $65 million multiyear initiative to address the mental health crisis in the U.S.

The new effort will unite brands, marketers, media companies and nonprofits. The initiative encompasses current campaigns below and new efforts to meet the needs of multiple audiences.

The Huntsman Mental Health Institute made a $15 million contribution to the initiative. In 2019, the Huntsman family made a donation of $150 million to create the Huntsman Mental Health Institute (HMHI) in Salt Lake City, Utah.

According to the Ad Council:

4 IN 10 ADULTS: Reported anxiety and/or depression symptoms in 2021, a fourfold increase from 2019. Black and Latina communities report even higher at 48% and 46%, respectively.

56% OF YOUNG ADULTS: Reported symptoms of anxiety and/or depressive disorder during the pandemic.

95% OF EMPLOYEES: Take time off due to mental health issues but cite another reason.

Sound It Out uses the power of music to help parents and caregivers have meaningful conversations with their middle schoolers about emotional wellbeing. The album is available at SoundItOutTogether.org and EscuchandoSentimientos.org, where caregivers can also access free, expert-vetted resources to guide conversations with their child about emotional wellbeing.

Learn about emotional wellbeing: https://sounditouttogether.org/emotional-wellbeing

Guide to conversations: https://sounditouttogether.org/prepare-for-conversation

Common emotions and topics: https://sounditouttogether.org/select-an-emotion-or-topic