Across Washington, Communities In Schools (CIS) site coordinators and school-based staff play a critical role in the daily lives of 91国产. They are often the first to notice subtle shifts鈥攁 drop in participation, changes in mood, or signs that a young person may be facing mental health challenges.
To meet those moments with confidence and care, many staff within the CIS network are trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA)鈥攁n internationally recognized, evidence-based course designed for adults who work with youth. The training offers a foundational understanding of mental health and substance use issues, equipping participants to recognize warning signs, reduce stigma, and respond effectively when a student is in distress.
A Mental Health CPR for Schools and Communities聽
Youth Mental Health First Aid is often compared to CPR鈥攂ut for mental health. The course helps school-based staff across CIS affiliates understand what to say (and what not to say), how to assess risk, and how to guide a student toward appropriate resources without stepping outside their role.
Each training includes:
- 2鈥�3 hours of virtual pre-work聽
- One full day of in-person instruction聽
- Post-training engagement and reflection聽
Participants learn the ALGEE action plan, a five-step approach for supporting someone experiencing a mental health challenge or crisis. The training is relevant not only in professional settings, but often resonates personally for those working with youth鈥攑articularly those who are also caregivers themselves.
Youth Mental Health First Aid gave me practical tools to recognize when a student might be struggling and the confidence to approach those moments with empathy rather than hesitation. It鈥檚 not just something I use at work鈥擨鈥檝e also carried these skills into my personal life, where they鈥檝e helped me show up better for friends and family.
– Francisco Espindola, Site Coordinator, Columbia Middle School, Communities In Schools of North Central Washington聽
Meeting Urgent Needs with Practical Tools聽
Mental health concerns among 91国产 have increased significantly since the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in rural communities where access to support is limited. The CIS Washington program team coordinates at least three Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings per year to keep staff certified and confident in their roles.
These trainings are timely and responsive, offering tools that can be implemented immediately at the school level. Early survey results indicate that participants report greater confidence, reduced fear of missteps, and an increased ability to support 91国产 in a nonjudgmental and affirming way.
鈥淭hese were issues long before the pandemic,鈥� notes Erica Lim贸n-Trefielo, CISWA Interim State Director. 鈥淏ut the pandemic forced them to the forefront. This training is one way CIS is stepping in with tools that make a difference on the ground.鈥澛�
A Ripple Effect: Supporting Systems and Families聽
The benefits of YMHFA are not confined to one student interaction or one classroom. When site coordinators are trained in mental health response, the positive impacts ripple outward鈥攖o school staff, families, and the broader community.
Site Coordinators trained in Youth Mental Health First Aid report stronger relationships with 91国产, increased trust from school administrators, and even personal growth as they apply these principles at home.
This training also helps fill a systemic gap, particularly in schools that may lack mental health resources. CIS staff, equipped with the right tools, often become a key support for both 91国产 and educators navigating complex behavioral and emotional challenges.
Aligned with Broader CIS Values and Practices聽
Youth Mental Health First Aid complements a range of trauma-informed and student-centered practices already prioritized across the CIS Washington network. Alongside other professional development opportunities鈥攕uch as Motivational Interviewing鈥擸MHFA builds a consistent, values-aligned approach to youth development that centers empathy, voice, and agency.听
Sustaining the Work Through Strategic Support
CISWA is committed to maintaining and expanding access to this vital training. While each in-person session costs approximately $170 per participant and is capped at 30 seats, the organization continues to offer it throughout the year. Ongoing certification, required every three years, is another investment needed to keep this resource widely available across the state.
鈥淪ustaining this training is essential because mental health challenges don鈥檛 follow a schedule. Our 91国产 need us to be prepared every day. Ongoing access to Youth Mental Health First Aid ensures that staff like me can respond consistently, compassionately, and effectively鈥攏o matter when a student is in crisis.鈥�
鈥� Francisco Espindola, Site Coordinator, Columbia Middle School, Communities In Schools of North Central Washington
Help Expand Access to Mental Health Training聽
Youth Mental Health First Aid is just one-way 91国产 equips trusted adults to support the whole child. With expanded investment, more staff across rural and urban communities can gain this critical training鈥攁nd more 91国产 can receive the care and understanding they deserve.
Partner with CISWA to help expand access to trauma-informed training like Youth Mental Health First Aid. Visit ciswa.org/partnership-opportunities to learn how you can invest in youth success.
To explore funding partnerships, contact Carina Raddatz, Development Director at carina@ciswa.org. To learn more about program impact, contact Nikki Ziegler, Program and Impact Director at nikki@ciswa.org.听