Community Town Hall Shines Light on Hope, Healing, and Action for Youth and Adult Mental Health in Fayette County

Concerned parents, community leaders, educators, and mental health advocates gathered this week for an inspirational town hall hosted by Parent 2 Parent, a local allicance and support group dedicated to strengthening families facing teen and young adult mental health and substance abuse challenges. 

The gathering addressed some of the most urgent challenges facing Fayette County today—including youth and adult suicide, rising substance use, and growing mental health concerns—while uplifting the message that healing is possible when a community stands together.

The event offered an open space for honest conversation in the wake of recent tragedies, emphasizing both the gravity of the issues and the hope found in collective action. Speakers highlighted the importance of early intervention and attendee Wendy Martinez Farmer, representative of the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifelife, reminded the group that this resource provides 24/7 access to trained counselors for immediate confidential help and direction to other valuable resources. 

Attendees discussed current local support networks and the importance of building stronger community connections to help individuals and families manage the stress, fear, and uncertainty that often accompany mental health or substance use struggles. They also encouraged schools and community partners to explore the APEX Program, an initiative that expands school-based mental health services for Georgia students, and other relevant evidenced based programs to help build resilency.  

A significant point of discussion centered on expanding access to social and emotional skill-building programs for both youth and adults. Participants explored opportunities to host practical, skills-based workshops in churches and community centers—giving families the tools they need to cope, communicate, and thrive.

With demand increasing across the county, Lou Koon, President of Stop Suicide USA, spoke about the organization’s life-saving work in suicide prevention and the training programs available to equip community members, educators, and other professionals to respond when someone is in crisis. 

Parent 2 Parent organizers—including Nick Rebholz of The Insight Program, Andra Prowant of Arise Counseling & Coaching, and community parents Carolyn McDermott, Alicia Zondervan, Holly Gazaway, and Lydia Ulhand—emphasized that this town hall marks the beginning of a broader initiative for Fayette and surrounding counties.  Their shared mission: to strengthen awareness of mental health and substance use issues, reduce stigma, expand access to resources and spread hope that fosters connection and a strong community of wellbeing. 

For more information on upcoming meetings or to get involved in upcoming community efforts, please reach out on Facebook, P2P (Parent to Parent), or Fayette Factor  [email protected]