Students discuss youth mental health laws at health policy summit

About 100 JMU students from five majors gathered April 18 to consider current state laws supporting youth mental health and to suggest potential legislative improvements. 

Joining the students at the spring health policy summit at the Festival Conference and Student Center were Delegates Tony Wilt, a Republican who represents Harrisonburg and parts of Rockingham County, and Ellen Campbell, a Republican who represents Staunton, Waynesboro and parts of Augusta and Rockbridge counties. 

During the event, which is held once each semester, students formed interdisciplinary teams to evaluate a current law supporting youth mental health and then suggest improvements in the legislation. Delegates Wilt and Campbell were asked to provide feedback after the students presented their topics. 

“The delegates strongly focused on the feasibility of policies and helped students understand the legislative process and what barriers they may face in implementation,” said Kara Dillard, executive director of The Madison Center for Civic Engagement. “This is always a real eye-opener for students to think about whether and how policy changes can be made.” 

The summit is held for students majoring in political science, social work, civic leadership, health services administration, and occupational therapy. It is run by The Madison Center for Civic Engagement with support from Ethical Reasoning in Action and academic departments and units. 

The next summit will be held Nov. 7, 2025, at Festival.