A Central Coast non-profit is teaming up with the Santa Maria Joint Union High School District to promote mental wellness with staff and students. Transitions-Mental Health Association professionals will soon conduct Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR) and Youth Mental Health First Aid with faculty, counselors, administrators and student leaders. The courses teach how to spot youths with unmet mental health needs and help them get what they require. The team will also work with student leaders such as ASB (Associated Student Body), Link Crew members and others so they can use the (QPR) techniques to mentor fellow students. In addition, they will teach mental health awareness, self-care options, and the ability to recognize when peers are in distress in some health classes and during assemblies. “We are helping these young people have the conversation about this topic in a way that is meaningful and respectful,’’ said Transition Fund Grant Manager Michael Kaplan. A grant from the Gertrude & Leonard Fairbanks Foundation enabled Transitions to create this new high school outreach program. Last year, it served several schools in San Luis Obispo County. This year, the agency will also involve northern Santa Barbara County through the SMJUHSD. “This is one piece of a larger effort to focus on mental health efforts for all students, which includes additional school psychologists, excellent counselor-to-student ratios and a partnership with Fighting Back Santa Maria aimed at student wellness,’’ said SMJUHSD School Board Member Carol Karamitsos.
