This summer, Michigan State University Extension, in collaboration with the Michigan Community Service Commission, initiated the 4-H HealthCorps pilot program. This initiative aims to enhance the mental, social, and emotional well-being of youth by placing six AmeriCorps members in counties across Michigan. As announced in December 2023, the program focuses on fostering positive coping skills, self-care strategies, and health practices through educational workshops and family-oriented events.
Supported by $350,000 in grants from AmeriCorps and the Michigan Community Service Commission, the program has already made a significant impact in seven counties: Genesee, Saginaw, Clare, Gladwin, Oakland, Luce, and Marquette. From June to September 2024, AmeriCorps members facilitated 65 workshops and events, reaching a total of 847 youth through various avenues, including 4-H summer camps, Special Interest clubs (SPIN clubs), and collaborations with community organizations such as local parks, recreation departments, and libraries.
The AmeriCorps members have played a crucial role in bringing the 4-H HealthCorps programming to life. In Genesee County, Maddison Campbell delivered mental health and wellness workshops across four different summer school programs, focusing on developing positive coping strategies and promoting self-care practices. Her efforts directly addressed the mental health needs of local students during a critical time of year.
In Saginaw County, Oshay Mitchell connected with youth and their families through neighborhood community centers, providing a safe and supportive space to learn about emotional wellness and healthy living. Her work fostered meaningful connections within close-knit communities, enhancing participants’ ties to each other and the 4-H program.
Erin Breault, serving in Clare and Gladwin counties, concentrated on mindfulness and self-care education within several SPIN clubs. Her programming equipped youth with essential tools to manage stress and prioritize mental health, instilling life skills that they could carry beyond the summer months.
In Oakland County, Shameca Dillon adopted a creative approach by partnering with local libraries, parks, and recreation departments to offer weekly classes across four locations. These classes integrated healthy eating habits, positive coping skills, and mental health education, creating a comprehensive approach to youth well-being.
In Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Mackenzie Dunbar and Justice Nix were assigned to Luce and Marquette counties, respectively. Both members engaged youth through 4-H summer camps, where they blended outdoor activities with workshops on mental and emotional health. Their contributions were especially impactful in rural areas, bridging gaps for youth who may have limited access to mental health resources and educational programs. Through these camps, Mackenzie and Justice created an environment of learning, growth, and emotional support.
The necessity for the 4-H HealthCorps program is evident. In recent years, Michigan’s youth, similar to their peers nationwide, have faced a significant rise in mental health challenges. A 2021 report from the Citizens Research Council of Michigan revealed that over a third of the state’s youth experiencing mental health issues do not receive the necessary services due to barriers like provider shortages, geographic limitations, and financial constraints. Furthermore, an April 2022 article in the journal of Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America and the Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ Youth highlighted vulnerable populations, including Black, Indigenous, and people of color (BIPOC), LGBTQIA+ individuals, and youth with disabilities, as disproportionately affected. This underscores the urgent need for accessible mental health education and support.
The 4-H HealthCorps program aims to address these challenges by delivering mental health education directly to communities. The 847 youth who participated in the workshops not only acquired valuable skills but also gained access to resources that can assist them in navigating the complexities of mental and emotional well-being.
As the pilot program successfully reached hundreds of youth this summer, it lays the groundwork for future expansion. Entering its first full year in October, MSU Extension remains committed to supporting youth through these essential initiatives, ensuring that all children are equipped with the tools they need to thrive.
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