06/19/2025
HUGE thanks to Tuscola Odd Fellows Lodge #316 for their generous donation to our Teen Mental Health First Aid program. It is because of generous donations like these we are able to continue our prevention work in the community. We are so grateful!!
Noble Grand Dani Kusman presents a check to RISE Behavioral Health and Wellness to support their Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) program.
(L to R: Dr. Shane Brown, Lauren Christina, Barbara Lackey, Dani Kusman)
As teen mental health challenges continue to rise across the country, Douglas County is responding with action. In partnership with local school districts, and community organizations, RISE Behavioral Health and Wellness is brings the nationally recognized Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) program to all high school sophomores, juniors, and seniors in the county.
The initiative couldn’t come at a more critical time.
According to the CDC’s 2021 Adolescent Behaviors and Experiences Survey, over one in three U.S. high school students experienced poor mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic, and nearly half felt persistently sad or hopeless. In 2023, Douglas County data mirrored these trends as 43% of 10th graders in Douglas County reported feeling so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks that it impacts their daily activities, and 24% seriously considered su***de.
Teen Mental Health First Aid is an evidence-based training that teaches teens how to identify, understand, and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among peers. Studies have shown the program reduces stigma, increases confidence in offering help, and strengthens su***de prevention skills.
To support the students, 10% of school staff and additional community members will also receive Youth Mental Health First Aid (YMHFA) training, ensuring teens have informed, caring adults to turn to. Mental health clinicians from RISE and trained staff from the Douglas County Health Department will be on-site during trainings to offer additional support.
This upcoming school year will be the third year of conducting the program at all public school in Douglas County. The results are already making an impact. In post-program surveys, 90% of students said they would recommend the course, and 8 out of 10 called it “extremely important.” Student feedback highlights the program’s relevance and power, with one student sharing, “I think it’s great schools are doing this, and I think it will help out a lot of people.”
Local school principals agree, noting the program is helping reduce stigma, build student confidence, and create a stronger sense of connectedness among peers. One principal emphasized, “If we could provide this each year to our sophomores, juniors, and seniors and incorporate it into our health curriculum, we are guaranteeing that every student is equipped with the tools to protect themselves and their peers.”
When nearly 1 in 4 Douglas County 10th graders considers su***de, this kind of proactive education can be life-changing—and life-saving. In 2025, our Douglas County statistics reflect the impact of this program. Current statistics show a five percent decrease in 10th graders who feel so sad or hopeless almost every day for two weeks that it impacts their daily activities and an 11% decrease in students who seriously consider su***de.
Preventative programs like these are available because of the generosity of the Douglas County community. RISE is proud to announce a generous donation from the Odd Fellows, which will help ensure the continuation and expansion of the Teen Mental Health First Aid program in Douglas County. Their support underscores the importance of community investment in youth mental health and the belief that together, lasting change is possible.
To learn more about the Teen Mental Health First Aid program or get involved, visit http://www.risedoco.com or contact Lauren Christina at 217-253-4731.
