Following the covid pandemic, mental wellness continues to a topic of concern for youth and adults. Local schools are addressing this need by reaching out to local agencies to provide support with school enrichment programming. In partnership with the Breckinridge County Middle School, the FCS agent provided educational presentations on improving self-esteem and wellness with personal hygiene and nutrition lessons during the 2021-22 school year.  

As part of a monthly mental wellness day, the 2-part program, It’s Cool to be Clean and My Plate-Be My Best was shared with 480 middle school students.  Through group discussion and learning activities, youth gained the understanding of how good personal hygiene can improve self-esteem and support resiliency for day-to-day living. To further encourage, self-care, a nutrition lesson was shared on healthy eating and physical activity, which also aids in stress management and depression prevention.  Youth got to sample a simple muffin recipe that included pumpkin and taste mango to demonstrate that eating healthy can taste good.

In addition to the agent’s presentations, support and resources were secured with the University of Kentucky Extension program to provide the Botvin Lifeskills program. School and Extension staff received the certification to implement the workbook series that teaches decision making skills to encourage positive lifestyle choices by youth. 

With follow-up discussion, youth were able to identify stress management tips which included eating healthy, exercising and taking pride in their appearance. The mental wellness days and the Botvin Lifeskills program provided the opportunity for youth to share concerns, reach out to others and gain knowledge and skills to support their friends, family, and themselves.