News Summary
The Youth Action Team (YAT) from the Newton Community Partnership has gained recognition for its leadership in mental health awareness. Their initiatives have led to May being declared Mental Health Awareness Month by the Newton County Board of Commissioners. High school student Francisco Alvarado represented YAT, discussing the importance of recovery resources for youth. The YAT’s initiative, ‘Kick the Habit,’ focuses on critical issues like substance use and relationship violence. Their work emphasizes the importance of youth advocacy in addressing mental health challenges within the community.
Newton County – The Youth Action Team (YAT), a youth-led initiative of the Newton Community Partnership (NCP), has garnered significant recognition for its leadership in mental health awareness and prevention during spring 2025. As a testament to their efforts, the Newton County Board of Commissioners officially proclaimed May 2025 as Mental Health Awareness Month, highlighting the vital contributions of the YAT in promoting mental wellness and prevention initiatives.
At a recent board meeting, high school student Francisco Alvarado represented the YAT, speaking about the importance of recovery resources and the support available to youth. His address illustrated the real-life impact of mental health challenges on students and the critical role of community initiatives in addressing these issues.
In addition to local recognition, the YAT showcased its work at the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) Provider Meeting held in Augusta. Three YAT members participated in a youth panel and organized an engaging event titled “Kick the Habit.” This interactive program specifically focused on critical issues such as relationship violence, vaping, and alcohol use. “Kick the Habit” is a consistent feature of YAT’s efforts in local schools, aiming to educate peers about the dangers associated with substance use and unhealthy relationships.
Every spring, YAT conducts full-scale “Kick the Habit” events, and they also engage in outreach activities during Red Ribbon Week in the fall. This ongoing commitment to education and awareness reflects the organization’s dedication to enhancing the mental and emotional well-being of high school students in the community.
Further amplifying its impact, Francisco Alvarado represented YAT on a national scale at the 2025 CADCA National Leadership Forum. At this event, he presented Newton County’s youth-driven prevention strategies to national coalitions, showcasing the effective approaches being implemented by the team. Participation in such a high-profile forum emphasizes the potential of youth advocacy in shaping public health policies and community awareness on mental health issues.
The Newton Community Partnership (NCP) is a well-regarded local nonprofit organization focused on empowering youth, supporting families, and delivering prevention education. Operating with a clear mission, YAT strives to cultivate leadership and advocacy skills among students, fostering positive changes within their communities. This emphasis on youth involvement highlights the organization’s belief in the power of young people as change agents.
The recognition garnered by YAT during this spring serves as an encouragement for other youth programs and highlights the importance of tackling mental health challenges at every level. As communities increasingly confront the realities of mental health issues among teenagers, programs like YAT play a crucial role in advocating for resources, education, and support mechanisms. Their proactive approach not only raises awareness about mental health but also equips students with the tools needed to make healthy choices and promote wellness among their peers.
As May 2025 is commemorated as Mental Health Awareness Month, it stands to reinforce the collective efforts toward raising awareness and fostering discussions regarding mental health challenges. Through the commitment of organizations like the Newton Community Partnership and the Youth Action Team, communities are better positioned to make strides in mental health education and prevention efforts.
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