HENDERSONVILLE, N.C. (April 4, 2023) – The community is invited to join teachers, support staff, community partners, medical and mental health providers, faith-based leaders, parents, and other concerned individuals for a day of training around how to recognize, understand and support young people facing a behavioral health concern or crisis.
Through a collaboration between the NC Department of Public Instruction, the NC Center for Safer Schools, and HCPS, district student services staff are again offering Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training. Financed through a Community Partners Safety Grant, the trainings are scheduled to take place on six different Saturdays this year, with two remaining dates on April 29 and May 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The training is the same on each date, so interested participants should sign up for the date that works best for them. Free to all participants, YMHFA attendees also receive a catered lunch, courtesy of Advent Health, and a $120 stipend from our partners at WRESA.
With a focus on common conditions such as ADHD, Anxiety and Depression Disorders, Substance Abuse, and Suicide, participants in YMHFA training learn to see related signs, symptoms, and risk factors; protect students by establishing safe spaces and positive relationships; and intervene to help keep students, their families, and others safe.
“While our participant groups are so diverse, the feedback from them tends to be very similar,” says Matt Gruebmeyer, HCPS Director of Student Services. “They have shared the following comments:
‘Everybody should take this.’
‘This is SO relevant to my work with young people.’
‘Some of the best training I’ve had, anywhere!’
Anyone in the community can benefit from attending this course. However, those who work with children and youth – in any capacity – are encouraged to attend.
Space is limited. Please register by contacting Matt Gruebmeyer, HCPS Director of Student Services, at mwgruebmeyer@hcpsnc.org, or register online for the training at this link.
If you or someone you know would benefit from assistance, access the comprehensive “Mental Health & Crisis Resources” document for detailed listings of the local agencies that offer various support services to children, youth, and adults in our community.
- Mental Health & Crisis Resources Document in English
- Mental Health & Crisis Resources Document in Spanish
This resource was compiled and designed by the HCPS Public Information Office and Office of Student Services, with assistance from the Henderson County Department of Public Health.
Access the “Mental Health Information for Staff, Students and Families” document for information on mental health, signs a young person may be facing a mental health challenge, tips on approaching the subject, and how to get help.
- Mental Health Information for Staff, Students and Families in English
- Mental Health Information for Staff, Students and Families in Spanish
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