Free autism screenings for young children. -COURTESY PHOTO
With teen mental health challenges on the rise, a free Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) training aims to equip high school students with the tools to recognize and respond to a crisis, just like CPR prepares them for a medical emergency.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, more than 40% of U.S. high school students reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023, and nearly one in five seriously considered suicide. The need for early intervention and peer support has never been greater.
The YMCA of Southwest Florida will host a youth MHFA training from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Forum Theatre at Grand Living Wellen Park, 19985 Market Way, North Port. The goal is to train 60 students in grades 9–12 to recognize signs of mental health and substance use challenges, respond appropriately and connect peers to help.
“Raising awareness about mental health is critical to building a stronger, more compassionate community,” said Kelsey Visser, chairperson of the Englewood YMCA community board. “By sharing resources and encouraging open conversations, we empower young people to care for themselves and support others. This training gives students the confidence to act when it matters most.”
Students will learn:
- Signs and symptoms of mental health and substance use challenges
- How to interact with someone in crisis
- How to connect a person with help
- Expanded content on trauma, substance use and self-care
The event is free to attend, but reservations are required. A boxed lunch is provided.
To register, call 844-630-5295 or visit HCAFloridaHealthcare.com.
This event is hosted by the YMCA of Southwest Florida and sponsored by HCA Florida Healthcare, Paradise Exclusive Real Estate and the Girl Scouts of Gulfcoast Florida.
Free autism screenings for young children
Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida offers free monthly autism spectrum disorder screenings for toddlers 18 months to 5 years of age. The next screenings will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Oct. 15 and 17 at the Pediatric Specialist Office, 15901 Bass Road, Suite 102, Fort Myers.
It is estimated that one in every 44 children is diagnosed with some form of autism spectrum disorder, making it more common than childhood cancer, juvenile diabetes and pediatric AIDS combined.
Medical consultants for the project stress that an early diagnosis can make a vast difference for toddlers and their families. They say early intensive behavioral intervention can make an immense difference not just in the development of the child, but in their families as well.
The ASD screening is conducted by the Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida. The screenings are administered by an advanced practice registered nurse who has extensive training and experience in typical child development and developmental disorders.
A physician referral is not required. To schedule a screening, call 239-343-6838.
Established in 1994, Golisano Children’s Hospital of Southwest Florida has been named a “Top Hospital” by The Leapfrog Group for three consecutive years. It is the only recognized children’s hospital between Tampa and Miami.
Lee Health opened the new 134-bed Golisano Children’s Hospital in May 2017, relocating the children’s hospital from the adjacent HealthPark Medical Center. It includes comprehensive pediatric services, including a 24-hour pediatric emergency department, hematology-oncology unit, milk lab, Regional Perinatal Intensive Care Center, and Level II and Level III NICU with 70 private rooms. Golisano Children’s Hospital has also been named Soliant’s 2018 Most Beautiful Hospital in the U.S. — a recognition determined by popular vote.
For more information, visit GolisanoChildrensSWFL.org.
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