A central Illinois school district is joining many others by implementing a program that helps equip teens with the tools they need to deal with and help those battling a mental health or emotional health crisis.

Issues of mental and emotional distress have drastically risen in youth in recent years and Warrensburg-Latham Schools recently began implementing 'Teen Mental Health First Aid', a program that several schools in central Illinois have begun to introduce to combat mental and emotional health issues in its student body.

Principal of Warrensburg-Latham High School, Allison Nolen indicates this was something she was very excited to bring on at the recommendation of Superintendent Cheryl Warner.

According to Nolen, they survey students about where they are from a mental and emotional perspective. She feels it gives staff a good idea of where they need to focus for the program.

Adrian Moody is the high school counselor and says they are currently in the middle of training students. Training helps students be able to effectively talk to peers and when to tag in a trusted adult.

According to Moody, students do follow-up surveys after each session. She explains this gives students a chance to volunteer when they need help and it can be assistance in any area.

The program will continue to be rolled out as more students get trained. Nolen says one thing they are trying to stress to students is oftentimes, mental and emotional health challenges will roll into other areas of their lives, including academics.