A free, in-person Youth Mental Health First Aid training will be held in Winnfield on Thursday, October 2, 2025, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. The class is open to the general public and peer support specialists, but it is not intended for behavioral health professionals.

Youth Mental Health First Aid is a nationally recognized program designed to equip parents, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, human services workers, and other caring adults with the tools to help adolescents (ages 12–18) who may be experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge—or even a crisis.

The training introduces participants to common mental health challenges facing youth, explores typical adolescent development, and teaches a five-step action plan for supporting young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, eating disorders, ADHD, disruptive behavior disorders, and conditions where psychosis may occur.

Why Mental Health Matters for Youth

• 1 in 5 young people will face a mental health challenge at some point in their life.
• 17.1 million youth under 18 have or have had a psychiatric disorder—more than the number of children with cancer, diabetes, and AIDS combined.
• 7.4% of children in the United States have a mental health visit each year.

“Equipping adults with the skills to recognize and respond to these challenges can make a real difference in the lives of our youth,” said Stephanie Francis, who is coordinating the class.

To participate, please email Stephanie Francis atsfrancis@louisianamha.org or, call     Shonna Moss at 318-628-0169.