Forty-two students from Pioneer Valley, Righetti, Santa Maria, and Delta high schools recently completed Teen Mental Health First Aid training at the district office.

The students will now serve as mental health peers, providing support and outreach at their respective campuses as part of Phase 2 of the district’s ongoing Mental Health Initiative launched last school year.

Participating students, who successfully completed the course, earned a one-year certification in Teen Mental Health First Aid. Students are pictured here studying in small groups. (Courtesy photo)
Participating students, who successfully completed the course, earned a one-year certification in Teen Mental Health First Aid. (Courtesy photo)

By completing the training, the students earned a one-year certification in Teen Mental Health First Aid, according to Jose Pereyra, director of Wellness Services.

The training was facilitated by Ashley Kelly-Holden, director of Community Engagement & Education at YouthWell, a local organization dedicated to improving youth mental health and wellness.

“I am grateful for the opportunity to attend the First Aid Mental Health training with YouthWell and to see the enthusiasm of our dedicated Wellness Center Student Leaders,” said Margarita Guillen-Franco, SMHS wellness school counselor.

“These students are committed to learning more about mental health and supporting their peers,” she said. “Their leadership and dedication to helping each other are invaluable and truly reflect the strength of the wellness community. The trainer is outstanding.”