Great Falls Schools expand peer mentoring for youth mental health intervention

The House Education Committee of the Montana Legislature convened on February 17, 2025, to discuss the critical issue of youth mental health, focusing on the impact of peer mentoring programs in schools. The meeting featured testimonies from mental health coordinators, students, and medical professionals, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support for students facing mental health challenges.

The session began with Andrea Savage, the mental health coordinator for Great Falls Public Schools, who presented the peer mentoring program initiated in Fall 2021. This initiative aims to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and provide students with the tools to support their peers. Savage reported significant growth in participation, expanding from seven students to 200 across grades 6 through 12. The program includes training in evidence-based mental health practices, enabling students to identify signs of distress and provide appropriate support.

Savage emphasized the program's success in addressing mental health issues, particularly following three suicides in the district over the past two years. She noted a dramatic 95% decrease in sixth graders presenting to emergency departments for mental health crises, attributing this improvement to universal screenings and the involvement of peer mentors in classrooms.

Following Savage, pediatrician Lauren Wilson from the Montana chapter of the American Academy of Pediatrics praised the peer mentoring model, citing evidence from similar programs in other states. Wilson highlighted the need for proactive measures in mental health care, advocating for programs that foster resilience and support rather than solely focusing on crisis management.

Students from the peer mentoring program also shared their experiences. Madeline Hart, a junior at Great Falls High School, recounted how the program provided essential support after losing a classmate to suicide. She expressed gratitude for the training received, which enabled her to intervene in critical situations, ultimately saving lives. Freshman Cruz Murillo and his relative Talia Murillo also spoke about the program's positive impact on their school community, emphasizing activities that promote mental health awareness and reduce stigma.

The meeting concluded with a call for continued support and expansion of mental health initiatives in schools, underscoring the importance of creating safe environments where students feel empowered to seek help. The committee's discussions reflect a growing recognition of the need for comprehensive mental health resources in educational settings, aiming to foster resilience and well-being among Montana's youth.