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North Carolina Teens Launch Statewide Mental Health Advisory Council

On October 11 and 12, 2025, the YMCA of Greensboro Camp Weaver witnessed an inspiring gathering of young minds. Teens from various parts of North Carolina came together to establish the inaugural NC State Teen Mental Health Advisory Council (TMAC). With a composition of 31 high school students, this initiative is dedicated to cultivating a nurturing community that enhances mental, emotional, and social well-being among adolescents across the state.

The TMAC's primary mission revolves around collaboration, advocacy, and education. By focusing on these three pillars, the council aims to lay a groundwork that prioritizes mental well-being, fosters resilience, and promotes inclusivity for all teenagers in North Carolina. By involving youth in these imperative conversations and initiatives, the TMAC strives to establish an environment where every teen feels valued and supported.

Eric Graves, the Association Teen Director for the YMCA of Greensboro, played a pivotal role in the formation of this council, in collaboration with Carrie Watkins, MSW, LCSWA, a counselor at Family Solutions. Their combined efforts are part of a broader initiative by North Carolina YMCAs to strengthen the mental health resources available to teens. The establishment of TMAC was supported by funding from the state legislature, which aimed to promote youth programs focused on resilience and mental health advocacy. This funding has allowed YMCAs to innovate and expand various approaches designed to help teenagers navigate mental wellness effectively.

“This statewide council signifies a major advancement in our objective to make youth mental health a priority,” Graves expressed. He elaborated that the council concept originated from a successful local initiative launched at the Greensboro YMCA in the previous year. The positive feedback and evidence of impact from that initiative spurred the extension of support for teen mental health on a statewide scale.

The TMAC, which comprises students from 9th to 12th grade, serves as an empowering platform for teens to connect with peers, absorb knowledge, and become advocates for mental health awareness. The council not only seeks to reduce mental health stigma but also equips its members with essential leadership skills. These young leaders will work diligently within their schools and communities to advocate for mental wellness and healthy emotional practices.

During their inaugural gathering at Camp Weaver, participants engaged in various team-building activities designed to strengthen camaraderie. They also commenced foundational planning for the upcoming year, which includes electing peer leaders and forming specialized committees dedicated to marketing and community service initiatives. Bi-monthly virtual meetings will be held, with a significant in-person event scheduled for May 2026. During this event, council members will present healthy policy recommendations to their state legislators while also organizing local training and events in alignment with their mission.

One council member, Shane Grafton, a 10th grader, shared his personal experience: “Programs like this make you remember that you're still a kid, and I mean that in the most positive way. This weekend, I felt free from judgment and like I was with people who genuinely care about me.”

Carrie Watkins contributes to the council as an advisor, offering mental health education and facilitating connections to local resources essential for the students’ communities.

Michele McKinley, Director of Communications and Grant Administration for the NC Alliance of YMCAs, stated, “We are committed to ensuring that young people not only feel supported but also empowered to take the lead.” The emphasis on involving teens in finding solutions to mental health challenges is a cornerstone of the TMAC’s philosophy. By granting them a platform to convey their needs, engage in meaningful dialogue, and advocate for change, the YMCA aims to enhance the mental well-being of all teenagers across North Carolina.

About the YMCA and the NC Alliance of YMCAs

The YMCA is a standout nonprofit organization that positively impacts over a million individuals statewide, including youths and seniors, through various programs promoting youth development, healthy lifestyles, and social responsibility. The NC Alliance of YMCAs, an independent nonprofit corporation, is dedicated to fortifying the capacities of 28 independent YMCA associations, enhancing collaboration on creative initiatives, and advocating for the YMCA’s overarching mission at local, state, and national levels. For more detailed information, please visit ncymcas.org.