According to the Center for Disease Control, hand-washing can prevent the spread of 1 in 5 flu, cold as well as numerous other infections. During the COVID-19 pandemic, many local communities and schools were concerned for the safety and health of their students and families. A local school requested a hygiene program to provide students with skills needed during this uncertain time.  By collaborating with the local hospital, Family Youth Resource Centers and 4-H Teen Club, the 4-H Agent implemented a Hygiene 101 Program with 4^th-6^th grade students. Community partners were able to donate items, such as soap, hand sanitizer, toothbrushes, shampoo, and many other supplies. The local 4-H Teen Club helped organize and pack over 150 hygiene bags for students.  

During each 45 minute session, students learned the importance of practicing personal hygiene, proper care for hair, skin and nails, proper hand-washing skills, and how cleanliness fights infections. With pandemic concerns, students demonstrated high interest on the topics and were eager to learn more. After concluding the lesson, students played a review game to evaluate skills obtained during the session and received hygiene bags.

Evaluation results:

98% were able to define the term ‘personal hygiene.’

100% demonstrated proper hand-washing skills.

97% demonstrated proper way to cover sneeze and cough.98% listed key times on when hand washing is the most important.