NASHVILLE, TENNESSEE — The YMCA of Middle Tennessee has been recognized as a 2026 Gold recipient of the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health from Mental Health America. The designation follows the organization's 2024 launch of mandatory Mental Health First Aid training for full-time staff and part-time managers. In 2024, the YMCA of Middle Tennessee invested in providing employees with tools to identify, understand, and respond to someone experiencing a mental health or substance use challenge.

"MHA's recognition of our association is encouraging and demonstrates that we are doing the right things to support our employees in navigating mental health challenges," said John Mikos, President and CEO of the YMCA of Middle Tennessee. "Just as CPR helps those without clinical training assist an individual having a heart attack, Mental Health First Aid prepares participants to interact with a person experiencing a mental health crisis," Mikos said.

Suzi Craig, vice president of Workplace Mental Health at Mental Health America, addressed the award criteria. "Achieving Gold status reflects the YMCA of Middle Tennessee's exceptional dedication to fostering a supportive workplace culture and aligning with leading industry best practices," she said. "All Bell Seal recipients meet MHA's rigorous evaluation standards, and only two in five employers earn recognition at any level," Craig added.

Since 2019, Mental Health America has awarded the Bell Seal to hundreds of employers based on criteria related to workplace culture, mental health benefits, compliance, and holistic wellness. Bell Seal recipients represent employers across 21 industries in 40 states and the District of Columbia.

The YMCA of Middle Tennessee is hosting several activities in May for staff and the community during Mental Health Awareness Month. On May 15, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., the organization's Spirit-Mind Department will present "Dealing with Difficult People (Without Becoming One)" at the Sumner County Family YMCA in Hendersonville, Tennessee.

On May 17, 24, and 31, from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., the Spirit-Mind Department will offer "Mindful Movement & Meditation" at the Donelson-Hermitage Family YMCA in Nashville, Tennessee. On May 30 at 7:30 p.m., the department will offer "Sunset Sound Bath" at the Therapy Garden at the Margaret Maddox Family YMCA in Nashville, Tennessee; in the event of inclement weather, the class will move indoors.