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DENVER, Sept. 19, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK), a national nonprofit that partners with school districts, families, and communities to create healthier learning environments, has launched TrustEd, a free online resource hub designed to help educators, school staff, youth-serving professionals, parents, and guardians build stronger connections with youth. TrustEd, which can be accessed by visiting www.trusteducation.org, offers virtual and on-demand training opportunities for school staff and youth-serving professionals that equip adults to create relationships with young people and discourage vaping and promote overall well-being. In-person training is also available throughout the state of Colorado. Through the site, parents and guardians can explore the TrustEd blog to learn about navigating the teen years and the connection between vaping and mental health.
“Now more than ever, youth need trusted adults who can step in, build meaningful connections, and create safe, healthy environments,” said Rob Bisceglie, Chief Executive Officer at AFHK. “TrustEd equips adults with practical tools to strengthen relationships with youth, support youth mental health, and reduce risky behaviors.”
The latest Youth Risk Behavior Survey (2023) found that about 40% of high school students are struggling with persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Mental health concerns seem to be part of what is driving young people to vape: a 2024 study found that relaxation was the top reason young people vaped, suggesting that young people are turning to nicotine to address stress. TrustEd provides adults with practical, trauma-informed strategies for supporting young people to build their coping skills and create healthier environments.
The training, developed in partnership with two Colorado-based organizations, UpRise, and Abundant Black Health, actively incorporates youth voice in every stage of development through youth consultants, focus groups, and interviews.
“Young people have a strong sense of what they need and can help teach adults how to create more inclusive, more caring environments,” said Anais Murphy, Senior Manager, Mental Health and Wellness at Action for Healthy Kids. “Tapping into that was important for this project, and we think it makes the training and resources more effective for youth people and for communities.”
Virtual and on-demand training sessions are available now to Colorado educators and other school professionals at: www.trusteducation.org/get-training. In-person training sessions can also be scheduled. While training is currently open only to Colorado residents, AFHK has plans to expand TrustEd programming nationwide at a later time.
About Action for Healthy Kids
Action for Healthy Kids (AFHK) is a national nonprofit that partners with school districts, families, and communities to create healthier learning environments where every child can thrive. Our evidence-based programs support nutrition, physical activity, mental health, and risk behavior prevention. To help schools put these practices into action, AFHK offers professional development, technical assistance, and communities of practice that build local capacity and drive lasting change. Learn more at www.actionforhealthykids.org.
SOURCE Action For Healthy Kids
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