Support Us Button Widget
Sponsored Content

Save lives with this essential mental health course

Build valuable skills to help yourself + others struggling with mental illness at the YMCA’s free Youth Mental Health First Aid course.

Sponsored by
Photo 1: A grown woman with curly black hair and a teen girl with long red hair stand next to each other, with the teen holding a sign that says "I choose to #BeTheDifferrence because... this is waht my past self needed." ; Photo 2: Two teen girls hug in a classroom smiling.

Organizations like the Y are here to help and provide hope to anyone struggling with mental health.

Photos provided by the YMCA

May is Mental Health Awareness month. This month will end, but many people, especially teens, will continue to struggle silently with mental illness every day.

Do you know how to make a difference?

Add fundamental, potentially lifesaving, skills to your toolkit with the YMCA’s Youth Mental Health First Aid course.

You’ll learn how to identify, understand, and respond to someone who might be struggling or in crisis, where to find professional support and resources, and gain the confidence to speak up and step in.

Here’s why those skills are important:

  • One in six youth aged 6-17 experiences a mental health disorder
  • 19.1% of high school students in NC experience major depression
  • 9.5% report attempting suicide

The YMHFA course is entirely free and offered monthly in English and Spanish. Whether you’re a teen, parent, friend, or neighbor, registration is open + valuable to all.

If you or someone you know is struggling, help is available, and you’re not alone.

Register + view key resources

More from AVLtoday
Support these local organizations to make sure our community stays fed.
A grant from the Center for Disaster Philanthropy Truist WNC Recovery and Resiliency Fund allows the program to continue its work into eastern TN with a bigger team.
The renowned Danish artist is installing 19 massive, whimsical troll sculptures across the state. Here’s where to find them.
Including gifts for significant others, retirees, holiday parties, young people, and gifts that ship fast.
These ten spots are dishing up the ultimate comfort food.
Buncombe County Commissioners approved an amendment creating a new office dedicated to managing long term Helene recovery projects.
Before the bouldering gym had a chance to open, it was flooded during Helene. But now, Cultivate Climbing is back stronger than ever.
Got a hot new fling? Hoping to spice things up with your longtime partner? We’re here to help plan your next date in Asheville.
Show some love to your fave businesses in Asheville.
Blind Tiger Asheville is the only local hotel ever recognized with a MICHELIN Key.