Beth Morrison, Cascade County As the 2025 Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS) approaches, prevention specialists across Montana are encouraged to connect with school administrators to promote participation in this critical survey. While past efforts have largely focused on advocating for the Montana Prevention Needs Assessment, the spotlight has now shifted to ensuring schools understand the …
MTPLC Leads Initiative to Expand Mental Health Supports for Rural and Tribal Schools in Montana The Montana Professional Learning Collaborative (MTPLC), in partnership with STOPit Solutions and the Montana Small Schools Alliance (MSSA), has announced the launch of the Expanding Montana Rural Student Mental Health Supports initiative. Funded by a STOP School Violence Act Grant …
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Gina Lamb, Phillips County The 19th Annual Ice Classic Fishing Tournament was held at Nelson Reservoir for 200 anglers of all ages. Prevention provided Fishing Gadgets to all participants. The winning catches for adults were a 1 lb 8 oz Perch, 7 lb 5 oz Walleye and 22 lb 2 oz Northern Pike. And for …
Barb Reiter, Jefferson County On January 22 a Health and Safety Fair was held at Jefferson High for all students. Some of the booths students visited were: CPR, energy drinks and nutrition, inflatable brain and VR tour of the brain, Natural High, FCCLA booths on heart health, resilience and buckle-up, cell phone and internet safety, …
Anita Wotkyns, Ravalli County Along with the Bitterroot Discovery Children’s Museum and the Hamilton Masonic Lodge, we helped put on a community event we called, “LEGO and Eggo.” We got sponsored food from Costco to have a waffle bar, and the children’s museum put together 8 different STEM activities, all centered around LEGO. I was …
Teens face challenges that can feel overwhelming. Emotional struggles, pressure to fit in, and unresolved pain can take a toll. When mental health problems go unaddressed, they can lead to dangerous consequences. Many teens look for ways to cope, and some turn to drugs or alcohol. Ignoring mental health in teens doesn’t just affect their …
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Deborah McNelis M.Ed In most communities today, far too many children are struggling. Whether it’s with mental health challenges, school performance, emotional regulation, social skills, physical health, or feelings of worth, the reality is clear: many children are not doing well. The good news? We have the science and knowledge to change this. Entire communities …
Erin Montgomery, Beaverhead Be The Change Coalition Some amazing youth coalition members traveled to Helena to support a bill that would add e-cigarettes to the Clean Indoor Air Act. They did an outstanding job, showing professionalism and dedication as they shared their voices on such an important issue. A few of them also testified in …
Gina Lamb, Phillips/Valley Counties The MSU Extension Office of Phillips County hosted the annual Ag Day celebration. There was a free will offering lunch, pie contest and several display booths from community businesses and organizations were available. Prevention promoted the upcoming State of Mind performance and the Hidden in Plain Sight room presentations that are …
