McLean County High School (MCHS) is setting a new precedent in Kentucky by becoming the first traditional high school in the state to train an entire class of students in Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA). This initiative, a partnership with RiverValley Behavioral Health (RVBH), aims to equip students with the tools to identify and respond to mental health challenges among their peers, offering a proactive solution to an increasing mental health crisis among youth.
A Proactive Approach to Mental Health
Caitlin Ranburger, the school counselor at MCHS, emphasized the importance of addressing mental health head-on, especially in the face of rising concerns among young people. “Mental health issues and struggles are on the rise, especially for our young people,” Ranburger noted. “What better way to combat those issues than to be proactive and educate our youth about mental health? I am excited our students are getting the opportunity to participate in this program, and I can’t wait to see the impact it has on our school.”
By training the entire class of students, MCHS is fostering an environment where mental health conversations are not only welcomed but encouraged, helping to break down the stigma surrounding these critical issues.
What Is Teen Mental Health First Aid?
Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) is an evidence-based program that teaches young people how to recognize and respond to the early signs of mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts. The training focuses on giving students the knowledge to approach, support, and guide their peers to appropriate resources when they are experiencing a mental health crisis.
Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta, President & CEO of RVBH, expressed optimism about the potential impact of the program. “This effort has the potential to make an incredible, positive impact on the school and the surrounding community,” she said. “By empowering students with this knowledge, the program aims to reduce stigma, increase peer support, and create a safer, more connected school environment, fostering a supportive space where seeking help is normalized and encouraged.”
The Growing Need for Mental Health Education
Mental health challenges among adolescents are widespread, with statistics from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) showing that one in five teenagers in the U.S. faces a mental health challenge each year. In Kentucky, the situation is particularly concerning, with recent data revealing that more than 18% of high school students report experiencing depression severe enough to impact their daily lives.
Given this context, the tMHFA program at MCHS is timely and essential. By providing students with the skills to recognize the warning signs of mental health struggles and guide their peers to help, the program offers a direct response to the challenges faced by many teens today.
The Power of Peer Support
Mattea Meadows, RVBH’s Transition-Age Youth Coordinator, highlighted the significance of peer-to-peer support, especially when it comes to mental health. “Students often turn to peers when struggling, making it critical for their friends to have the knowledge to respond effectively,” Meadows said. “Equipping teens with these skills can be a lifeline, ensuring those in crisis feel heard and supported.”
Through this initiative, students are not only learning how to intervene in mental health crises but also fostering an environment of empathy and understanding, where reaching out for help is seen as a strength rather than a weakness.
Building a Stronger, More Supportive Community
The collaboration between MCHS and RiverValley Behavioral Health reflects a broader effort to build a more supportive and connected community. By training students to recognize and respond to mental health issues, the program is contributing to a larger movement aimed at destigmatizing mental health and encouraging young people to seek help when they need it.
Ultimately, the goal of the tMHFA training is to empower students to become active advocates for mental health, not just within their school but throughout their communities. With the success of this program, there is hope that other schools in Kentucky—and beyond—will follow MCHS’s lead in training students to be mental health first aiders.
Looking Ahead
The Teen Mental Health First Aid program at McLean County High School is a vital step toward building a future where young people are equipped with the skills, knowledge, and resources to support their peers through mental health challenges. As more students graduate with this training, it is expected to have a lasting impact on the community, helping to create a more compassionate, understanding, and mentally healthy generation.
