MANKATO, Minn. (KEYC) – During Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, In The Spotlight host Lisa Kaye welcomed representatives from 2BContinued, a regional nonprofit dedicated to suicide prevention, education, and mental health advocacy. Founder Tammy Diehn was joined by media specialist Christine Pasek and St. Peter High School counselor Regina Cerenotti to discuss how evidence-based programming is equipping teenagers and community members with lifesaving intervention skills.
Diehn established 2BContinued in memory of her sister, Shelly “To Be” Tubert, an inpatient mental health nurse who died by suicide. Today, the organization serves a nine-county region in central/south-central Minnesota—including Brown, Carver, McLeod, Meeker, Nicollet, Redwood, Renville, Sibley, and Wright counties.
Teen Mental Health First Aid: Upstream Prevention
Recognizing that teenagers are far more likely to turn to their peers than adults when facing emotional distress, 2BContinued delivers the National Council for Mental Wellbeing’s Teen Mental Health First Aid (tMHFA) program directly into high school classrooms:
- Curriculum & Reach: Designed for grades 9–12, the evidence-based curriculum consists of eight 45-minute classroom sessions. Starting with two pilot schools in 2021, the program has grown to 32 schools and 140 sections across the region.
- School Safety Net: Before entering a school, at least 10% of staff must be certified in Youth Mental Health First Aid. School counselors, such as Cerenotti, remain on-site during every lesson to connect with students who request immediate one-on-one check-ins.
- No Cost to Schools: Funded through community donations and local grants, 2BContinued provides the training—valued at roughly $2,500 per section—completely free to participating districts.
Community Trainings & Crisis Resources
Beyond schools, 2BContinued offers community education and public outreach:
- QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer): Described as the “CPR of mental health,” this straightforward gatekeeper training teaches everyday citizens how to recognize crisis warning signs and guide individuals to professional care. An upcoming virtual QPR training is scheduled for October 12.
- 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: A free, confidential 24/7 national resource available by call, text, or online chat. Dialing 988 provides immediate support for individuals in crisis or friends/family seeking guidance (Press 1 for Veterans, Press 2 for Spanish).
Get Involved & Connect
Schools interested in bringing Teen Mental Health First Aid to their classrooms or individuals looking to register for upcoming QPR sessions can learn more at 2bcontinued.org
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