AZYP's Arizona Trusted Communities Initiative: Trusted Adults. Trusted Peers. Stronger Communities. - AZYP will implement the 3-year Arizona Trusted Communities Initiative: Trusted Adults. Trusted Peers. Stronger Communities. across Arizona’s 5 regions, reaching urban, rural, frontier, and Tribal communities. The project will train trusted adults ages 18 and older—including educators, healthcare and behavioral health professionals, first responders, military personnel, faith leaders, parents, and community members—and high school students to recognize mental health concerns, respond safely to crises, and connect people to behavioral health services. AZYP will deliver Adult, Youth, and teen Mental Health First Aid in person, virtually, and through blended formats; distribute a Mental Health Services Pocket Guide featuring 988 and local, regional, state, and national resources; conduct statewide outreach; and strengthen referral pathways with schools, higher education, healthcare, public safety, and licensed behavioral health providers. Annually, AZYP will certify 350 trusted adults in Adult Mental Health First Aid, 350 in Youth Mental Health First Aid, and 300 high school students in teen Mental Health First Aid, totaling 1,000 participants annually and 3,000 over the project period. It will distribute 5,000 pocket guides annually, increase participants’ knowledge of available behavioral health resources by at least 60%, and track individuals linked to supports through follow-up surveys at 2 weeks, 1 month, and 3 months.
