In 2021, Mental Health America ranked Kentucky 19^th among the 50 states in prevalence of mental illness and access to care.  Measured during the pandemic, 46,000 (13.6%) Kentucky youth ages 12-17 reported suffering at least one major depressive episode in the past year.  Of those, 31,000 teens (9.6%) reported severe major depression, often co-occurring with substance abuse, anxiety, and disorderly behavior.

According to the Department of Health and Human Services, National Institutes of Health, and the Surgeon General (2009), there are several community-level protective factors that help youth avoid mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders, including physical and psychological safety, structure, supportive relationships, opportunities to belong, positive social norms, allowing youth to make useful contributions and feel like they matter, and opportunities for building skills (Search Institute, 2006).  Positive youth development is one of the strongest tools our society has to help prevent depression, suicide, substance abuse and other indicators of adolescent mental disorders.  

In April 2022, teens in Boyle County and Lincoln County 4-H participated in a week-long service-learning trip to New Orleans, Louisiana, to experience all the protective factors listed above.  Thirteen youth, two adult volunteers and both county 4-H agents attended.  Partnering with Rebuilding Hope in New Orleans and Rebuilding Together New Orleans, the youth worked three days on three different storm-damaged homes in the Lower 9^th Ward, Lake Forest, and Gentilly neighborhoods.  Youth built decking, painted, cut, and installed drywall, caulked, cleaned, and mitigated mold and insect damage on the three homes.  In the process, youth learned to use power tools and extension ladders, how to install doors, basic carpentry, and painting skills.  The youth were also able to meet and visit with the homeowners to get a better understanding of life in a very different culture from their own.  

After completing their service work, the group took two days to learn more about south Louisiana, floating through Bayou Manchac, touring the French Quarter, taking a riverboat cruise on the Mississippi, visiting the National World War II Museum, and exploring City Park.  And, of course, no trip to New Orleans is complete without experiencing the food and music of this unique city.

In a post-trip evaluation:

1.  100% of participants agreed 4-H is a place where:

              A.           Adults care about them

              B.           They feel safe

              C.           They have opportunities to help their communities

              D.          They have a chance to be a leader

2.  91% of participants reported learning about a different culture on the trip

3.  100% of participants reported:

              A. The trip challenged them to open their minds to things that were new and different

              B.  Trying a new food

              C.  Sharing something they learned while traveling with someone at home after the trip

Evaluating their time in New Orleans, our teens reflected:

“I learned to try all sorts of things, no matter if you think you don’t like it.”

“I learned so much about the culture and brightness of NOLA and the corruption that affects people every day.”

“I learned how to make gumbo.”

“The most interesting thing I learned was the people’s attitude on life.  It seems more laid back and go with the flow….”

When asked what made the greatest impact on them during their trip to New Orleans, the teens said:

“I’ve been trying new things and new experiences.”

“Learning about the hardships that people face.”

“I learned many new skills from the construction work.  I learned how to paint more effectively and how to put up drywall.”

“What impacted me most was getting the chance to be part of something great and getting to know a group of very wonderful people.”