By: Richard L. Smith
People’s Prep Charter School in Newark goes above and beyond to make a difference in students’ lives by showing them how to identify and help friends and peers showing signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), one in five teens in the U.S. will experience a mental health challenge by the time they are 18. However, 64% will not seek help.
“As mental health concerns in our youth rise, it is more important than ever for schools to equip their students with the skills to help themselves and each other,” remarked Dr. Nicolette Rittenhouse-Young, Psy.D., Director of Student Supports at People’s Prep Charter School.
The school's mental health team partnered with iEvolve, a community-based non-profit organization that provides evidence-based programs to youth and their families. Through this partnership, students at People’s Prep have been afforded teen Mental Health First Aid (tMFA) training.
Funding for this initiative is made possible by a grant awarded to iEvolve Experience from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing. This initiative is being completed in waves of cohorts, starting with 10th through 12th grades, as part of the school’s required social-emotional learning curriculum.
This is the first school year in which tMHFA training has been provided to students at People’s Prep. Teen Mental Health First Aid teaches students how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge among friends and peers.
During the course, students learn about common mental health challenges and create an action plan for recognizing someone who needs help. After completing the course, students receive a certification in tMHFA and have the knowledge and skills to help reduce the stigma of receiving mental health treatment.
This valuable program also empowers youth to make a meaningful impact in the lives of their loved ones and their community. Students attend three classes per week for two weeks before receiving a 3-year certification in tMHFA.
People's Prep Student Lazey'us shared his experience with the program, “I enjoy how they care for all of our mental health and make sure we know the correct information to help us if ever we go through challenges. It helps students understand the real meaning of mental health and how to cope with it without using drugs.“ He continued, “I was just going through a mental health issue.
Taking tMHFA has helped me understand that I need to focus on doing stuff that makes me happy, like making music, creating content for my YouTube channel, and chilling with my family.
After taking tMHFA, I can help my friends get through a mental health issue because I learned the steps I must take and what I should and shouldn't do when someone needs help.”
"The surge of young people undergoing mental health crises is alarming. We applaud People's Prep for being proactive and implementing this unique mental health program for their students," said Harry Lee, President and CEO of N.J. Public Charter Schools Association (NJPCSA).
"N.J.'s public charter schools remain committed to providing students and staff with opportunities to obtain resources and training to promote their mental, physical, and overall wellbeing.”
“In a climate where mental health challenges plague our communities, teen Mental Health First Aid training is a movement designed to create a safe environment to thrive and reduce stigma so that students learn the application of evidenced-based skills to support their friends or classmates and themselves.
As a result of our unwavering commitment to break down barriers and provide resources to our youth, iEvolve Experience has trained over 600 students in tMHFA in the last year,” explained Khalimah Poole, Founder of iEvolve.
In addition, eight People’s Prep staff members have received the Youth Mental Health First Aid training and certification. “I've developed a greater ability to recognize when a student might be experiencing a mental health challenge, be in crisis, or have a substance use issue, so I can refer that student to our student supports team,” stated Allison Addona, Assistant Principal at People’s Prep Charter School.
For more information about People’s Prep Charter School, visit www.peoplesprepnewark.org.