RVBH providing teen mental health first aid training to MCHS students

RiverValley Behavioral Health (RVBH) is announcing a partnership with McLean County High School (MCHS) to provide Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) training to all students attending the high school.

According to a press release from RVBH, the training sessions are a significant milestone for the treatment and recognition of mental health situations in high school students because MCHS will be the first traditional high school in the state to offer the program for an entire class of students, allowing students to become Teen Mental Health First Aiders.

“Mental health issues and struggles are on the rise, especially for our young people. What better way to combat those issues than to be proactive and educate our youth about mental health. I am excited that 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,” said Caitlin Ranburger, a school counselor at MCHS.

tMHFA is designed to teach young people how to recognize the signs and symptoms of a mental health crisis through an evidence-based program.

The program allows students to connect with their peers, who might need assistance, with an appropriate support system within the school.

The training sessions help students recognize peers who might be suffering from anxiety, depression or thoughts of suicide. And, hopefully, through the training provided by the program, students will be able to offer their peers support and guidance in order to empathize with those who might be struggling in order to direct them to possible help and accommodations.

“This effort has the potential to make an incredible, positive impact on the school and the surrounding community,” said RVBH’s president and CEO, Dr. Wanda Figueroa-Peralta.

“By empowering students with this knowledge, the program aims to reduce stigma, increase peer support and create a safe, more connected school environment, fostering a supportive space where seeking help is normalized and encouraged.”

One in five teenagers in the United States experiences a mental health challenge each year according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Kentucky data suggests even high rates, revealing that over 18% of high school students report experiencing severe depression including depressive episodes that impact their day-to-day lives. Kentucky also reports that suicide is the second leading cause of death among teens in the state.

RVBH transition-age youth coordinator, Mattea Meadows, said, “By training McLean County High School students in Teen Mental Health First Aid, we are giving them the tools to make a measurable difference. Students often turn to peers when they are struggling, making it critical for their friends to have the knowledge to respond effectively. Equipping teens with these skills can be a lifeline, ensuring those in crisis feel heard and supported.”

The tMHFA training sessions are set to take place in January and February. A graduation ceremony for students and their families will follow upon the completion of the sessions.