Community Partnership Promotes Youth Well-being in Black River Falls
The Jackson County Health Department, Black River Falls School District, and Rise Together partnered to bring a hope filled and fun experience to Black River Falls students on Friday, February 28th. Throughout the day, students at both the middle and high schools heard powerful stories from Rise Together, a group whose mission is to inspire young people to rise above challenges, build resilience, and create lasting changes in their lives and communities. These presentations centered on vulnerable storytelling and overcoming personal challenges together. Rise Together aimed to show students that they can achieve their dreams by connecting with and lifting up each other.
Following these presentations Black River Falls Middle School hosted over 150 middle school students at a special event focused on positive mental health and substance-free living called Late Night at the Middle. This free event began with a storytelling portion from Rise Together followed by a Glow Party! A professional DJ played music, and students participated in glow-in-the-dark volleyball, made glow bracelets, and painted with glow-in-the-dark paint. The atmosphere was lively, and everyone enjoyed the activities.
A key part of the event’s success was the involvement of Black River Falls High School students. They helped plan and run the event, giving them a chance to give back to their community and be positive role models for the younger students.
"Our goal was to show middle school students that they can have fun and enjoy themselves without using substances," said a representative from the Jackson County Health Department. "The high turnout and positive feedback we received show that the event was a big success."
The event was made possible by the Vaping Prevention and Treatment Initiatives grant awarded by the Wisconsin Department of Health Services. Funding for the grant comes from the JUUL Settlement and is used for community-and school-based programs to prevent vaping and help teens and young adults quit. Jackson County Public Health has not only used the funding for this event, but also to carry out vaping prevention education at multiple grade levels in each Jackson County school district.
Students loved the event, with many asking if it will happen again. The event highlighted the power of community partnerships in promoting healthy choices and well-being among young people in Black River Falls.
Jackson County: Healthy People, Strong Community.