WVU Developing Resources To Prevent Risky Behaviors In Youth

Youth in rural communities are just as likely to exhibit risky behaviors as their urban and suburban peers but may have less access to help. A coalition of universities is developing resources to change that nationwide. 

The West Virginia University College of Applied Human Sciences will oversee the development of training and other resources to prevent risky behaviors, like substance abuse and self-harm, among rural youth. WVU is working in collaboration with the University of Georgia, South Dakota State University and North Dakota State University.

Kristine Ramsay-Seaner, an assistant professor of counseling at WVU, said early intervention can be key to ensuring access to resources and stopping harmful behaviors, especially in rural communities with limited resources.

“Maybe we can even prevent some of these behaviors, or we can prevent them before they maybe increase in severity and concern,” she said. 

Ramsay-Seaner said youth development professionals will benefit from these resources amidst a broader mental health shortage and ever-shifting societal changes. 

“In particular, we have a youth mental health provider shortage,” she said. “All over the country, youth are existing on these wait lists just trying to get providers to see them. And that’s no more relevant than in rural communities.”