During Mental Health Awareness Month in May, Polk County 4-H will share information about a variety of training and programs that educate on the importance of mental health and well-being available through Iowa 4-H and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. According to a national survey conducted last year by the National 4-H Council, 82% of youths said they wished Americans would speak more openly about mental health. “As 4-H professionals, we have the ability to utilize our skills and provide programs to help support this need in our youth,” said Madisen Gaskin, Polk County 4-H county youth coordinator at ISU Extension and Outreach in Polk County. Currently, Polk County 4-H offers programs aimed at boosting mindfulness and stress reduction among teens, among them a six-week mindfulness series. It will incorporate more education on mental health and well-being strategies and techniques into existing after-school and summer programs. Community partners, educators, adult 4-H volunteers and others who work with youths are eligible to be trained in facilitating the Mindful Teen program. For more information about these and other Polk County 4-H opportunities, call 515-957-5760, follow Polk County 4-H on Facebook @PolkCountyIA4H or visit  https://www.extension.iastate.edu/polk/4h.