The Duplin County 4-H Prevention Program recently made a meaningful contribution to local students’ well-being by donating 26 books focused on health and wellness to each of the K-8 schools in the Duplin County School system. This initiative comes just ahead of Mental Health Awareness Month in May, a time dedicated to increasing understanding of mental health and promoting resources that support emotional well-being.

The books, carefully selected to address topics such as stress management, emotional resilience, self-care, and overall wellness, will be distributed throughout the school system to provide students and educators with valuable tools for learning and conversation. By placing these resources directly into schools, the program aims to encourage open dialogue about mental health and help reduce stigma among young people.

This effort was made possible through funding from the Partnership for Success grant. A key goal of this grant is to raise awareness of NC 988, the state’s connection to the national 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. By integrating wellness education with information about available crisis resources, the program is helping ensure that students not only learn about mental health but also know where to turn if they or someone they know needs support.

Through this donation, the Duplin County 4-H Prevention Program continues its commitment to fostering healthier communities by equipping youth with knowledge, resources, and support systems that promote both mental and emotional well-being.