First Half of FY2018

During the first half of the fiscal year, the Say it Straight program was off to a slow start due to staffing turnover and hiring. Program supervisors brought in a Trainer to administer a "Train-the-Trainer" of the Say it Straight program, which allowed for 6 new individuals to become facilitators. The training spanned across two and a half days.

Implementation of a new Say it Straight group began in January, with 9 children actively attending and participating. 

Youth Mental Health First Aid continues to be on target to meet or exceed performance measures for the fiscal year.

Second Half of FY2018

During the second half of fiscal year 2018, there were a total of three Say it Straight groups completed in the local middle and elementary schools, Stephen Decatur Middle School, Snow Hill Middle School and Buckingham Elementary School. The Buckingham Elementary School group had a mix group of females and males, and was well received by those that participated in the program. All group were engaged and able to use creative outlets to lean the Say it Straight model. The program will continue to be offered at this developmental level.

A Youth Mental Health First Aid was schedule for June, but was canceled due to a lack of participation. Those who signed up were rescheduled for training in July. The Worcester County Board of Education has taken the lead on initiating the training schedule, which has led to an uptake in trainings be offered. Many of the trainings end up being merged together to have enough participants for the full day of training.

Reflecting on FY2018

A total of 18 students were provided with the Say it Straight program during FY2018. Out of those 18 students, 9 were elementary age, and 9 were middle school age. 17 fully completed the program, and 1 student completed 71% of the program before moving into another school district. All programs were opened to Worcester County Health Department clients as well as the general student body at each of the schools. Caregivers were able to enroll their children as part of the After School Program, regardless of involvement with the health department. 

Additionally, the Worcester County Health Department will continue partner with the Worcester County Board of Education to provide Youth Mental Health First Aid to school staff as well as community members. 

The Youth as One program utilizes "Say It Straight" research based education and training program that results in empowering communication skills and behaviors, increased self-awareness, self-efficacy, personal and social responsibility, positive relationships and quality of life. The "Say It Straight" program may assist with keeping youth connected to school and positive supports while working to reduce risky behaviors.

The Youth as One program also includes Youth Mental Health First Aid training that provides valuable information to teachers and community members how to help children and youth experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. Youth Mental Health First Aid helps to reduce stigma related to behavioral health concerns, especially for vulnerable children, youth and young adults.

The target population for "Say It Straight" is youth ages 10-24 who, by having at least one mental health risk, exhibit a need to build on their assets and protective factors. Many of these individuals are at risk for disconnection from education and/or employment opportunities as well as possibly facing homelessness.

The target population for Youth Mental Health First Aid trainings are all community members that interact with children and youth including: teachers, faith based community, parents and professionals.