Eighty-eight 9th grade Health and Physical Education students at Mountain Heritage High School recently completed the Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) program—an evidence-based training designed to teach teens how to recognize and respond to mental health and substance use challenges in themselves and their peers.
This important opportunity was made possible through a partnership with the University of North Carolina School of Social Work, whose support helped bring this nationally recognized program to Yancey County.
The training program, developed by the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, empowers students with the tools they need to support one another and take action when someone may be in crisis. The training was delivered over six weeks in six 45-minute sessions. During that time, students explored how to identify common signs and symptoms of mental health concerns such as anxiety, depression, and eating disorders, as well as warning signs of substance use. Special emphasis was placed on recognizing a mental health crisis—particularly one involving suicidal thoughts—and learning how to respond appropriately.
Students also discussed the impact of school violence and bullying on mental health and were encouraged to think critically about how to foster a safe, inclusive school environment.
A key element of the program involved teaching teens how to open conversations with friends about mental health and substance use challenges. Through guided discussions and role-playing activities, students practiced how to offer support without judgment and how to encourage friends to seek help from a trusted adult.
Trainers Kristin Buchanan and Quincy Sparks, who facilitated the sessions, were impressed by the students’ engagement and willingness to have meaningful conversations.
“These students showed so much courage and compassion throughout the training,” said Buchanan. “They asked thoughtful questions, shared personal insights, and really took the lessons to heart.”
“Mental health isn’t always easy to talk about, but it’s clear this generation wants to break the stigma and support one another,” added Sparks. “They’re learning that it’s okay not to be okay—and that help is always available.”
Thanks to the partnership with UNC’s School of Social Work, Mountain Heritage High School students are now better equipped to support one another with empathy, awareness, and action. The completion of the tMHFA program marks a meaningful step toward building a more mentally healthy school community.
