Mental Health

In 2024–2025, 25 YMCA associations across North Carolina used the Hello Insight platform to assess and strengthen their teen programs.

On October 11-12, 2025, teens from across North Carolina came together at YMCA of Greensboro Camp Weaver to launch the YMCA’s inaugural NC State Teen Mental Health Advisory Council (TMAC).

During Suicide Prevention Month, we are highlighting two young North Carolina changemakers who are helping shape the future of how YMCAs address youth mental health through Y-USA’s Teen Mental Health Fellowship. This 18-month initiative empowers teens to create youth-led, youth-informed solutions that promote emotional well-being resilience and community support through local YMCAs.

APPLY HERE BY SEPTEMBER 10!

Since North Carolina Ys launched grant-funded work to support teen mental health last March, the approach has varied across the state with some Ys launching teen programs for the first time and others expanding opportunities for teens. Our Ys meet regularly to share best practices, challenges and wins.

Our Ys across the state have been incorporating mental health resources and support as part of the Mental Health Community Care Model via the Alliance's statewide funding to expand or launch teen programming with an intentional focus on mental health. 

Five students from three high schools Onslow County participated in the Connecting the Dots: Teen Mental Health First Aid Ambassador’s Retreat in Wilmington June 20-22 at UNC-Wilmington as part of the New River YMCA’s work around supporting teen mental health through the Alliance’s grant.