Creating Great Connections

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 …

Ag Day and Spring Fling

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 …

Mental Health Pop Up

Logan Nugent, Missoula County In 2021 31.5% of Montana high school students reported that their mental health was most of the time or always not good. (Poor mental health includes stress, anxiety, and depression, during the 30 days before the survey) In 2021 41.4% of Montana high school students reported feeling sad or hopeless (almost every …

Why Substance Use Spikes During School Vacations

Substance use among teens often increases during school breaks. Research shows that substance abuse spikes during school vacations, especially in the summer and winter. This trend stands out compared to school months, where structure and daily routines create natural barriers. In contrast, vacation periods remove those boundaries, leaving more time for risky choices. Many young …

Fallon County Happenings

Beth Regan, Fallon County Fallon Fallon County Prevention Specialist, Beth Regan, set up a table at the Baker Jam basketball tournament providing supplies for children, families and teams to make posters supporting their favorite team or player.  A new feature this year was a wheel that players could spin.  Whatever number the wheel stopped at …

Go Bluey/Denim Day

Anita Wotkyns, Ravalli County In conjunction with several Ravalli County organizations, including SAFE, Bitterroot Discovery Children’s Museum, The Bitterroot Cares Prevention Coalition, and many others, we held a community family event entitled, “Go Bluey/Denim Day.” This all-day event will support the prevention messaging of National Child Abuse Prevention Month (known in Montana as Strengthening Families …