Fayette Youth Behavioral Health Alliance
Youth mental health challenges are rising locally and nationally, and Fayette County students are reporting increasing levels of stress, anxiety, depression, self-harm, and suicidal ideation — beginning as early as middle school. This Alliance exists because no single school, organization, or family can solve this alone. A coordinated, community-wide response is essential.
No. The Alliance is not a crisis hotline or direct treatment provider. We are a collaborative planning and action effort focused on: • understanding local needs • identifying service gaps • improving coordination • strengthening prevention and early intervention • building sustainable community support systems If you or someone you know is in immediate crisis, please call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or seek emergency help.
What is the Alliance working on right now?
Our immediate focus is an 8-month Community Needs Assessment to better understand:
- what services already exist
- where barriers and gaps remain
- what youth and families say they need most
- what solutions will work best in Fayette County
This assessment will lead to a clear, data-driven community action plan.
Who can participate?
Anyone who cares about youth well-being is welcome to get involved, including:
- parents and caregivers
- youth and young adults
- educators and school staff
- mental health and healthcare providers
- nonprofits and community organizations
- faith communities
- civic leaders and volunteers
Youth voices are especially encouraged and valued.
How are youth involved?
Youth are not an afterthought in this work — they are essential partners.
We are committed to engaging youth in developmentally appropriate, emotionally safe ways through surveys, listening sessions, and leadership opportunities. Their lived experience helps shape solutions that are real, relevant, and effective.
Is participation confidential?
Yes. All participation is voluntary, and information gathered through surveys, interviews, or focus groups is used only to inform ethical community planning.
The Alliance is committed to:
- emotional safety
- confidentiality
- respectful listening
- responsible data use
We do not share personal identifying information publicly.
Is the Alliance affiliated with any political organization?
No. The Fayette Youth Behavioral Health Alliance is a nonpartisan, community-based collaboration focused solely on the mental and behavioral well-being of youth.
Our mission is rooted in health, safety, prevention, and support, not politics.
How can I help?
There are many ways to support this work:
- Join the Alliance as an individual or organizational partner
- Volunteer on an Action Team
- Share resources or expertise
- Encourage youth participation
- Help spread awareness
- Support the work through donations or sponsorships
Every contribution strengthens Fayette’s ability to respond with care.
What are Action Teams?
Action Teams are volunteer working groups focused on key areas, such as:
- Surveys & Focus Groups
- Data Research & Analysis
- Resource Development
- Youth Engagement
- Public Engagement
- Equity & Ethics
These teams help turn community concern into coordinated action.
How will donations and sponsorships be used?
Support makes it possible to:
- expand outreach and awareness
- collect and analyze reliable local data
- host public forums and listening sessions
- maintain coordination across partners
- develop resources and long-term solutions
Every dollar helps build measurable, lasting impact for Fayette’s youth.
How do I join or learn more?
- Join the Alliance: Click this link
- Donate: Click here to donate