Sixty-one students from all four Santa Maria Joint Union High School District (SMJUHSD) campuses recently earned their Youth Mental Health First Aid Certification, marking the highest level of student participation in the program to date.
The training equips students with the knowledge and skills needed to recognize signs of mental health challenges, respond appropriately, and connect peers with professional support and resources.
Most participants completed the certification for the first time, while returning students continued to strengthen their leadership and peer-support skills.
“Students from every grade level were represented, reflecting a growing commitment among youth to promote mental health awareness and well-being within their school communities,” the school district said.
The certification training empowers students to identify when a peer may be struggling, and provides practical strategies for offering support while encouraging individuals to seek help from trusted adults and mental health professionals.
The program is one of many efforts by SMJUHSD to foster safe, supportive, and connected school environments where every student feels seen, heard and valued, the district said.
“It was amazing to see how large our clubs have grown and how invested our peers are in helping others,” said Lorene Cowell, wellness coach. “The experiences shared and the conversations that were had proved just that.”
The training was made possible through the support of community partners, including YouthWell, whose sponsorship helped expand access to the program for students across the district.
“Seeing over 60 student leaders from across all our campuses step up for Teen Mental Health First Aid training is deeply inspiring,” said Crystal Buchan, school counselor in the Wellness Center. “Thanks to YouthWell’s sponsorship, these peers are equipping themselves with the tools to recognize when a friend is struggling and offer compassionate, lifesaving support.
“They truly understand the power of their presence, and they are actively shaping safer, more caring cultures on every single one of our school sites.”
Students also reflected on the importance of the training and the responsibility that comes with supporting their peers.
“Being a leader to help other people’s emotional well-being is not only about giving support but also having the courage and responsibility to remind them that there is always a caring community ready to help,” said Marco Zaragoza, a senior at Santa Maria High School.
Building on the success of this year’s training, SMJUHSD will continue offering additional certification opportunities throughout the school year.
The trainings will further develop student leaders who can serve as wellness advocates, help reduce the stigma surrounding mental health, and strengthen peer-to-peer support networks across all campuses.
“Through initiatives like Youth Mental Health First Aid, SMJUHSD remains committed to equipping students with the skills and confidence to foster a culture of care, connection, and resilience, ensuring that mental health awareness remains a priority throughout the district,’’ said Jose Pereyra, director of Wellness Services.