NC S550

All middle and high school coaches and athletic directors must obtain unexpired certification from a State Board of Education-approved youth mental health first aid training program

Training programs must cover recognizing signs of mental health challenges and substance abuse, assisting youth experiencing mental health issues, and connecting youth with professional resources

Counties and cities cannot allow youth athletics organizations to use public parks or recreational facilities unless all coaches have valid youth mental health first aid certification

The State Board of Education must publish approved training programs annually by March 1, with The National Council for Mental Wellbeing's courses designated as the initial approved programs through March 1, 2030

Effective July 1, 2026, with middle and high schools and local governments required to maintain compliance records