Youth volunteers lead wellness lessons through Mississippi Extension program
In Mississippi, 4-H members are stepping up to educate those in their communities about a wide variety of health topics.
Through the Mississippi State University Extension’s 4-H Junior Master Wellness Volunteer Program, 100 youths made 96,000 contacts in 2024 through one-on-one and group presentations, community service projects, social media messages and a health fair. After receiving training and with guidance from their Extension 4-H agents, they can share information with the public on chronic conditions, oral health, relationships, vaccines and more.
Not only are the teenagers helping get word out about important health information. They also are fulfilling a key tenant of 4-H, which is learning by doing. They gain skills in health and wellness topics, teamwork, speaking and event planning. And they see firsthand the value and impact of volunteering and giving back to the community.
“I’d always wanted to be involved, but I didn’t know how,” said one participant in the program from Yazoo County. “Junior Master Wellness gave me purpose, to become my best self and to give that knowledge back to my community.”
View the full statement on the NIDB.
Project supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) funds and Private Grants & Contracts. Photo courtesy of Christophe Paul, USDA.
