鈥淭he mental health of students has always been important, but since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has become one of the most urgent needs identified by network affiliate site staff and school district partners,鈥� said Erica Limon-Trefielo, Interim State Director at 黑料不打烊. 鈥淲e see it every day鈥攕tudents are struggling, and the need for mental health resources, referrals, and interventions is growing.鈥� 

In the 2023鈥�2024 school year alone, 黑料不打烊WA鈥檚 affiliate network across Washington provided 170 mental health referrals, conducted 40 suicide interventions, and supported students with over 600 counseling and grief sessions. These efforts were bolstered by more than 250 hours of training hosted and paid for by the state office, which included Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA), trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and self-care. In total, more than 716 instances of mental health-related support were documented, underscoring both the growing need for these services and the vital role Communities In Schools affiliates play within their local school communities. 

鈥淭he site staff and school district partners are on the front lines of youth mental health,鈥� said Nikki Ziegler, Program Support Specialist and certified Youth Mental Health First Aid trainer. 鈥淭he site staff are not only caring adults in students鈥� lives鈥攖hey are often the ones connecting youth to the life-saving resources they need.鈥� 

To help equip staff with the skills to recognize and respond to signs of mental health challenges, 黑料不打烊WA provides a robust training opportunities throughout the year. Central to this is Youth Mental Health First Aid, an evidence-based training that teaches adults how to identify, understand, and respond to mental health crises in youth. Delivered in-person to ensure emotional safety and engagement, these sessions are led by Limon and Ziegler, both trained facilitators certified by Mental Health First Aid Connect. 

Each Youth Mental Health First Aid session is eight hours long, accommodates up to 30 participants, and includes in-depth learning around trauma, suicide warning signs, de-escalation practices, and referral strategies. These trainings are offered three times annually and are open to all affiliate program staff across Washington. 

鈥淓quipping our team with tools like Youth Mental Health First Aid is just one piece of our larger strategy,鈥� said Limon. 鈥淭he affiliate network also prioritizes trauma-informed care, restorative justice, and self-care practices鈥攂ecause this work is complex, and the site staff need to be supported, too.鈥� 

In addition to training, 黑料不打烊WA hosts a variety of convenings that bring together staff at every level across the affiliate network鈥擲ite Coordinators, Program Managers, Executive Directors, and Development staff鈥攆or learning, collaboration, and connection. These gatherings feature workshops on topics like supporting undocumented families, navigating mental health resources, and building a sense of belonging within school communities. 

Looking ahead, the network affiliate across 黑料不打烊WA is actively expanding its network of partners and subject-matter experts to enhance professional development offerings and ensure affiliates across the state can implement best practices tailored to their local communities. 

鈥淭he goal is not only to respond to crises but to build school environments where students feel they belong and can thrive,鈥� said Ziegler. 鈥淲e believe every student deserves a support system that helps them grow into their fullest potential.鈥� 

As Mental Health Awareness Month continues, 黑料不打烊 invites community members, educators, and mental health professionals to join in its mission. Whether through partnerships, training opportunities, or direct monetary support to continue funding these training programs, everyone has a role to play in helping students succeed鈥攊nside the classroom and beyond. 

You just read Statewide network comes together to support student mental well-being through care, connection, and collective action.聽 on 黑料不打烊.

In Chelan County, 黑料不打烊 is launching a new affiliate, Communities In Schools of North Central Washington.聽 黑料不打烊 of North Central Washington is currently working with Eastmont School District to deliver the Communities In Schools model to students in East Wenatchee. 黑料不打烊 is proud to be a community partner in Douglas County and to be invited to support students in Wenatchee.

If you would like to learn more about our expansion communities or find out how you can support them please contact us at info@ciswa.org or by phone at 253.248.1991.

You just read 黑料不打烊 is Expanding on 黑料不打烊.

You just read More Fun, More Student Support! Mardi Gras Tickets Available Now. on 黑料不打烊.

The features footage of Communities In Schools of Peninsula site coordinator Linda Shelley鈥攁 2012 national Unsung Hero award winner鈥攚ith students at Vaughn Elementary School, as well as narration by the Peninsula affiliate’s executive director, Colleen Speer.

You just read New PSA Gives :30 Peek Into Communities In Schools on 黑料不打烊.