WASHINGTON, D.C. — As students return to classrooms across the country, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) is urging families to have candid conversations about mental health and substance use. The agency has launched Free Mind, a new national campaign aimed at providing youth ages 12–17, along with parents and caregivers, the tools to understand and address these interconnected challenges.
The initiative comes amid troubling trends in adolescent health. In 2024, more than 80,000 Americans died from drug overdoses, with illegally made fentanyl involved in 75% of overdose deaths among youth ages 10–19 between 2020 and 2024. At the same time, reports of poor mental health among teenagers have risen sharply. In 2023, 40% of high school students said they stopped regular activities due to persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness, and one in five seriously considered suicide.
“Teens may use alcohol and other substances to help them cope with stress, anxiety, and depression,” said Dr. Allison Arwady, Director of the CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control. “Talking openly about mental health and substance use, and knowing when to get professional help, is critical to helping teens stay healthy. That’s why this campaign supports youth, parents, and caregivers in having those conversations early, before an issue arises.”
To shape Free Mind, the CDC engaged directly with young people to better understand their perceptions of substance use and mental health. The resulting campaign highlights the links between the two, outlines key risk factors, and offers strategies to reduce harm. It also equips parents and caregivers with up-to-date information on the challenges teens may encounter, along with practical guidance for intervention.
The CDC says the goal is to foster early dialogue and proactive support, ensuring that teens have the resources they need to navigate pressures both in and out of school.
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