Coalition To Empower Our Future Elevates Youth Mental Health During the 2026 Winter Olympics, Launches National Ad Campaign

CEF Leverages Olympic Moment to Spark National Conversation Around Comprehensive Solutions to Support Young People and Families, Including Mentors, Sports and Community-Based Solutions

For Immediate Release
February 2, 2026
Contact: [email protected]

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Today, the Coalition to Empower our Future (CEF), a growing partnership focused on understanding the complexity of factors and solutions surrounding youth mental health and wellbeing, announced the launch of a new national advertising campaign that will air during the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics broadcast in the United States on National Broadcasting Company (NBC) and the USA Network.

By advertising during one of the world’s most widely watched global events – where themes of perseverance, teamwork, mentorship and resilience are front and center – CEF aims to shine a light on the urgent importance of youth wellbeing at a moment when millions of families, educators and community leaders are paying attention. The campaign is designed to elevate the national conversation around youth mental health and spotlight practical, proven solutions that are too often left out of the discussion, including the powerful role of sports, trusted mentors and coaches.

The campaign underscores the need for comprehensive, community-based approaches that support young people and families, particularly those that build on existing strengths rather than relying on narrow or short-term quick fixes.

“Youth mental health isn’t a challenge we can solve in isolation or through quick fixes,” said Glen Weiner, executive director of CEF. “The Olympic Games remind us of the power of teamwork, dedication, sport and mentors. By bringing together families, coaches, mental health professionals and communities, we can drive comprehensive solutions – through sports, mentorship and community-based programs – that meet young people where they are and help ensure that parents are not facing these challenges alone.”

The ads, titled “Jared” and “Lasting Solutions,” highlight the critical role mentors and coaches play as trusted allies in supporting youth mental health and wellbeing, while elevating proven solutions that are often overlooked. “Jared” features longtime high school baseball coach Jared Mounts and focuses on the challenges young people face today and the impact coaches can have both on and off the field. “Lasting Solutions” spotlights evidence-based approaches – from sports and physical activity to school-community partnerships, mental health support and digital literacy – that together form a comprehensive, long-term path forward for young people and families.

Learn more about the importance of comprehensive solutions by visiting: empowerourfuturecoalition.com/solutions.

Jared Script:

I’ve coached high school baseball for 15 years.

When a kid is struggling, it’s important to have good mentors…And today, they’re needed more than ever.

Too many children are suffering from depression, economic anxiety, falling behind in school, and overuse of devices are all contributing factors.

We should start by acknowledging that each child is unique and then work together to support parents.

Youth mental health is a complex challenge.

Watch “Jared” here.

Lasting Solutions Script:

Youth mental health is a complex challenge that requires comprehensive solutions.

We must strengthen after-school programs.

We must make digital literacy tools available in our schools.

We must work with mental health professionals to support children.

And we must empower mentors, educators, and parents to keep kids happy.

Watch “Lasting Solutions” here.

About the Coalition to Empower our Future

Coalition to Empower our Future is a newly formed organization bringing together a range of voices to fully inform solutions that empower youth, parents, communities, and society. The Coalition to Empower our Future supports solutions that are inclusive of the full spectrum of factors impacting youth mental health. Former Montana Governor Steve Bullock, former U.S. Representative Carlos Curbelo, and Dr. Caroline Carney, a board-certified psychiatrist and internist, serve on the board of directors of the Coalition to Empower our Future.

To learn more, visit empowerourfuturecoalition.com or follow Coalition to Empower our Future on. Facebook, X, Instagram and YouTube.

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