As teen mental health challenges reach alarming levels, the NC Alliance of YMCAs is stepping up with a new interactive Teen Mental Health Resource Hub, now live at www.ncymcas.org/YMCATeenMentalHealth.
The Hub, launched in time for Mental Health Awareness Month, offers teens an engaging mental health style quiz, an emoji-style check-in, and direct links to support. Built with teens in mind, it emphasizes one key message: you are not alone.
“Our goal is to make it easier—and less intimidating—for teens to start conversations about mental health,” said Sheree Vodicka, CEO of the NC Alliance of YMCAs. “We want every teen to know that it’s okay to not feel okay all the time, that support is out there, and it’s okay to ask for help.”
The Resource Hub anchors a broader statewide campaign powered by digital outreach through Snapchat, YouTube, Google Ads, billboards, and grassroots efforts at local YMCAs. Teens are even joining the movement by painting QR codes featuring the campaign’s rallying cry: FEEL IT. FACE IT. TOGETHER.
DOWNLOAD THIS FLIER TO POST WHERE TEENS GATHER
Thanks to funding from the NC legislature, YMCAs across the state expanded teen programming in 2024 to address the worsening mental health crisis. NC Child’s 2025 Child Health Report Card graded the state an “F” for mental health, with nearly 10% of high school students reporting a suicide attempt and nearly 20% experiencing major depression. The data highlights the need for more awareness of the issue and access to help for teens.
NC YMCAs have trained 440 staff in Youth Mental Health First Aid, equipping them to recognize warning signs and connect teens to professional help if needed. To date, Y staff have made over 160 referrals to local mental health providers.
“Every day, Ys across North Carolina are creating spaces where teens feel seen, heard, and supported," Vodicka said. "And that sense of belonging is critical for mental health.” North Carolina YMCAs approach teen programming in different ways, but they all provide resilience-building activities, teen-only events, and mental health check-ins to amplify the message that mental health is part of our health—and everyone deserves support.