150 Youth Leaders Certified as Mental Health First Aiders

Story by Helen Herñandez

In recognition of the Allegheny West Conference Youth Mental Health year, more than 150 club directors, youth leaders and Master Guide candidates were recently certified as National Mental Health First Aiders during the Youth Leadership Conference (YLC) 2026 at Camp Chautauqua in Miamisburg, Ohio.

The weekend commenced Friday evening with a worship experience led by Philadelphie church’s Haitian Master Guide Club, located in Columbus, Ohio. Inspiring devotional messages from Johnathan B. Fields Jr., associate pastor of the Grace Community church in Euclid, Ohio, challenged the leaders to trust God’s process and purpose in leadership and ministry.

“With God, the process is the preparation for your purpose,” Fields reminded participants throughout the weekend.

The evening concluded with the Inclusion of Youth with Disabilities Adventist Youth Ministry Training, facilitated by Jamal Franklyn, conference Youth and Young Adult Ministries director. The training equipped leaders with practical tools to better support and include youth with learning disabilities, ADHD, those on the autism spectrum, intellectual disabilities and mobility disabilities within local church ministries and club programs.

On Sabbath, guest facilitator Chardé Hollins, a licensed clinical social worker and CEO of Relevant Connections, assisted by Carolyn Henry-Hurst,  program coordinator for Legacies Empowered, delivered two impactful sessions titled, “Unveiling the Healing Network” and “Youth Mental Health First Aid Training.” Hollins, who regularly serves as a trainer and consultant for organizations, including Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Destination Cleveland, Ohio State University and the University of Wisconsin, trained attendees to use the Mental Health First Aid action plan known as ALGEE:

A – Approach, assess for risk of suicide or harm, and assist
L – Listen nonjudgmentally
G – Give reassurance and information
E – Encourage appropriate professional help
E – Encourage self-help and other support strategies

Participants engaged in interactive discussions and practical response strategies designed to help youth leaders identify, understand and respond to mental health challenges among youth and young adults.

At the conclusion of the leadership conference, more than 150 attendees successfully completed the certification process, making YLC 2026 the largest group of

Mental Health First Aiders certified together in the state of Ohio.

Helen Herñandez is the administrative assistant for Youth and Young Adult Ministries