Last summer, the Warren County Extension Office conducted the BARN dinner theater to Bring Awareness Right Now to Mental Health in the rural community.  It was such a successful event; the Warren County Extension Council initiated a follow-up program dedicated to mental health awareness called Harvest Festival.  Agents, council members, and community partners worked together to host an event filled with educational information and health screenings for participants.

Sixty people attended the event and 14 community partners set up educational booths or health screenings.   Dr. Kristie Guffey was the keynote speaker and discussed the importance of mental health awareness, gave tactics on how to cope with stress and encouraged the audience to normalize the conversation surrounding mental health.  

Participants' post-session evaluations showed that 75% increased their knowledge of the importance of health and 75% would like to see more events like this.  Seventy-five percent indicated that they would like to attend follow-up educational workshops on this topic.

Vendor post-session evaluations showed an increase in knowledge and monetary value to the event. A1C tests without insurance usually cost $85.20 and 21 tests were given at the event resulting in a participant's savings of $1789.20.  Out of all the participants in the diabetes screening, 42% had elevated scores and 10% of the participants had scores in the prediabetes range and had not been previously diagnosed with prediabetes or diabetes.

The event planted seeds of hope and importance for the participants and follow-up meetings were suggested.  A quote from one participant, “I had such a wonderful time tonight.  It lifted my spirits, and I was able to see some great friends.   I can’t thank you and your staff enough.   This really did help heal my heart.”