Dear Me, a mental health and drug prevention program was conducted at Wolfe County Middle School for all 7th and 8th grade students. Prior to conducting the program Wolfe County Youth Service Center Director approached Wolfe County 4-H Agent about doing a program with middle school students to promote mental health, drug prevention as well as promoting inclusivity and anti-bullying. Recently a survey had been conducted that reported 40% of 212 students at Wolfe County had in some way thought about harming themselves more than 1 time during the last 30 days. These students also listed that the main thing they are concerned with is stress and feeling pressure to succeed in sports, school and other extra curricular activities. 

During this day long program each child received 6 hours of education in mental health, learned ways to cope with stress, participated in drug prevention lessons and activities, as well as became aware of resources in their community that they can be utilized. Each student rotated through these 8 sessions and the day was concluded by a pep rally in the gym that was conducted by Jiggy, a positive message program. Overall the students expressed a great deal of appreciation for this program. 

Mental Health is not easy for people to talk about but is so important to the positive development of our youth. After this program, 

100% of students could name three resources in their communities that they could reach out to for help with an issue. 

 84% of students could name 3 ways to cope with stress that they face.

94% of students reported that they have learned something new that they can use to help them with problems.

78% of students can name the risk factors associated with using juuls, and other e-cigarettes