Mind Matters:
Implementing with Diverse audiences in New Mexico

The New Mexico State University Cooperative Extension Service has widely implemented Mind Matters to support mental health, which was identified as a priority area for the state. County Extension Agents have successfully reached a variety of audiences including youth, families, adults, indigenous communities, and underrepresented groups. Some underrepresented audiences include individuals who had experienced incarceration, homelessness, and/or substance use challenges.

Evaluations showed participants felt more confident in their ability to manage stress and build resilience after attending the program.

This webinar will highlight the experiences of the Extension Family Life team that spearheaded and implemented Mind Matters in their communities. They will share their successes reaching diverse audiences as well as lessons learned to improve future implementation efforts.

Objectives: Participants will be able to:

• Learn how Mind Matters was implemented with diverse audiences in a variety of settings.
• Review evaluation results from Mind Matters
• Practice self-soothing at least once during the webinar.

Presenters:

• Karim Martinez, PhD, CFLE- Extension Family Life and Child Development Specialist- New Mexico State University
• Dianne Christensen– Bernalillo County Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Agent- New Mexico State University
• Charlene Carr– Southern Pueblos Extension Agent- New Mexico State University
• Augusta Ahlm– San Juan County Extension 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences Agent- New Mexico State University
• Phillip Alden– Bernalillo County Extension 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences Agent- New Mexico State University

Who should attend: Cooperative Extension Specialists, County Extension Agents, Farm and Ranch Stress Networks and Grantees, school counselors, SEL programs, domestic violence shelter staff, tribal youth programs, Family and Consumer Sciences teachers, afterschool program staff, and anyone interested in utilizing Mind Matters with the people they serve.

Resources:

• October 2024 Webinar Slide Deck
• ACEs Questionnaire
• Compiled Mind Matters Case Studies in NM
• New Mexico Case Study