Mistie Gallegos

“FFE and the LSN seek renewed support to build on our current Youth Mental Health & Peer Support Interns (previously SEL Ambassadors), which trains and compensates LSN students and alumni in promoting SEL in their schools and communities. This project addresses New Mexico's standing as sixth in the nation for teen suicide for the last six years, when our suicide death rate rose from 16.2 to 23.5 per 100,000 adolescents (America's Health Rankings, 2016-2021). COVID-era stress and isolation has further impacted students' mental health, school engagement, and career exploration. In response, funds will provide the student stipends and facilitation/evaluation time needed to help improve school mental health. First, we will increase the number of LSN and FFE staff trained and certified in evidence-based Youth Mental Health First Aid training (YMHFA) designed for adults working with youth). FFE will then provide paid internships for eight Mental Health & Peer Support Interns (ages 18+) to receive yMHFA certification and mentorship from their school's student support mentor. Interns will support implementation of Teen Mental Health First Aid (TMHFA) designed for teens to support each other) and lead other positive school culture activities that center mental health and wellness. ”