Former Mountain Home Student Turns Injury Into Mental Health Mission

October 23, 2026 - 00:29

When Ava Johnson saw how an injury kept her sister from playing sports, she wanted to raise awareness for her entire town. That moment became the starting point for a mental health initiative that has since grown well beyond what she first imagined.

Johnson, a former student at Mountain Home, said watching her sister step away from athletics opened her eyes to the emotional weight that comes with losing something central to your identity. The experience pushed her to speak openly about mental health and to create spaces where young people feel comfortable asking for help.

Her initiative centers on the message that people are worth more than their achievements, their performance, or a single setback. Through conversations with students, community events, and partnerships with local groups, Johnson has worked to normalize discussions about anxiety, pressure, and recovery.

Organizers say the response has been strong, with students describing the effort as a reminder that support is available and that no one has to handle difficult moments alone. Johnson continues to expand the program while finishing her own education, and she says the goal is simple: make sure others hear the message she wishes her sister had heard sooner.