About 100 JMU students of five majors met on April 18 to consider the current laws of states supporting the mental health of young people and to suggest potential legislative improvements.
Students from the Spring Health Policy Summit at the Conference and Student Center festival were the Tony Wilt delegates, a republican who represents Harrisonburg and certain parts of the Rockingham County, and Ellen Campbell, a republican who represents Staunton, Waynesboro and in certain parts of the counties of Augusta and Rockbridge.
During the event, which is held once each semester, students trained interdisciplinary teams to assess a current law supporting the mental health of young people, then suggest improvements in legislation. The Wilt and Campbell delegates were invited to provide comments after the students presented their subjects.
“The delegates have focused strongly on the feasibility of policies and helped students understand the legislative process and the obstacles they may face when implementing,” said Kara Dillard, Executive Director of Madison Center for Civic Commitment. “It is always a real revelation for students to think about the question of whether policy changes can be brought.”
The summit is organized for students specializing in political science, social work, civic leadership, health administration and occupational therapy. It is managed by the Madison Center for Civic Commitment with the support of Ethical reasoning in action and departments and university units.
The next summit will take place on November 7, 2025 at the festival.