The University of North Carolina System has announced an expansion of its Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training to reach K-12 students in the upcoming academic year. The initiative, which coincides with National Suicide Prevention Week from September 7-13, aims to train up to 420 future teachers and principals in Youth Mental Health First Aid.
According to the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, suicide is the second leading cause of death among young people aged 10-18 in the state. The UNC System’s new focus on early intervention comes as mental health challenges continue to impact students at all educational levels.
Roughly 14% of college students in the United States have reported serious thoughts of suicide within the past year, according to data from the Healthy Minds Network. This has increased demand for counseling and outreach services on campuses nationwide.
Since launching a $1 million MHFA initiative in 2021, the UNC System, working with partners such as the North Carolina Community College System and private colleges and universities across North Carolina, has trained more than 10,000 individuals—including students, faculty, and staff—in adult-focused MHFA. More than 400 participants are now certified instructors.
“Recognition of mental health challenges helps our community members to support students, and to prevent harmful behaviors, including substance abuse, self-harm and suicide,” said Kelley Greer, behavioral health programs consultant for the UNC System. “The MHFA program is also a tool that helps students recognize mental health challenges in themselves, allowing them to seek support when they need it.”
Sherri Rajesh, a graduate student at Appalachian State University who completed MHFA training as an undergraduate resident assistant, described how it shaped her approach: “The training helped me recognize early warning signs of mental distress, gave me language to approach difficult conversations, and equipped me with confidence to respond rather than freeze in the moment.”
Rajesh now serves as a graduate assistant for residence life while pursuing a master’s degree in social work at App State. She recalled helping one student access community resources during a period of depression and supporting another through a panic attack during finals week.
“I remembered the MHFA strategies for staying calm, offering support without judgment, and ensuring safety without overstepping. Just knowing how to respond in a way that’s informed and compassionate made all the difference!”
In response to ongoing needs among younger populations, UNC System leaders say their programming will increasingly target middle and high school students next year.
“We have a responsibility to serve all North Carolinians, and that means strengthening student mental health earlier in their educational journey,” said Suzie Baker, assistant vice president for student affairs for the UNC System. “Reaching K-12 students begins with preparing our teachers and school leaders. Our role is to ensure future educators can recognize signs of mental health challenges and are equipped with the knowledge and skills to support young people when they need it most.”
The UNC System oversees programs such as North Carolina Teaching Fellows—which provides tuition assistance for undergraduates committed to teaching high-need subjects—and NC Principal Fellows—which invests in developing school leaders—both designed to improve outcomes in public schools across North Carolina.
Baker and Greer will join Kristen Moran (training specialist) and Kim Mitchell (director for student engagement) in leading youth-focused MHFA trainings this academic year for participants in both fellows programs. These sessions will be covered by program funds so there is no cost for attendees.
Rajesh supports extending these efforts into K-12 education: “If future teachers are trained in MHFA, they’ll be better prepared, not only to spot signs of distress but to help normalize mental health conversations in their classrooms,” she said. “That early support can be life-changing.”
Anyone experiencing a mental health crisis can call or text 988 or chat online at https://988lifeline.org/.
