Motion approving Opioid Remediation Grant to YWCA Mankato for Youth Mental Health First Aid Training to teach how to help an adolescent who is in crisis, or experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge.

Motion approving grant.

The city received an Opioid Remediation Grant application from YWCA Mankato requesting $24,560 (for 2025) for the use of providing Youth Mental Health First Aid Training to adults designed to teach parents, family members, caregivers, teachers, school staff, neighbors, health and human services workers, and other community members how to help an adolescent (age 12-18) who is in crisis, or experiencing a mental health or addiction challenge. The course introduces common mental health challenges for young people, reviews typical adolescent development and teaches a five-step action plan for how to help young people in both crisis and non-crisis situations. Topics covered include anxiety, depression, substance use, disorders in which psychosis may occur, disruptive behavior disorders, and eating disorders. See attached budget. 

The funding will enable the recruitment and provide financial support for two contracted trainers responsible for facilitating Youth Mental Health First Aid training within the community. Each course will be led by a certified instructor who will adhere to national curriculum guidelines and teaching standards, with a strong emphasis on fostering hope for recovery. The full-day training will be at no cost to the participants. 

A grant review panel consisting of three staff members reviewed the application and recommended approval of the grant allocation.