Mississippi Models and Innovations

These stories feature model programs and successful rural projects that can serve as a source of ideas. Some of the projects or programs may no longer be active. Read about the criteria and evidence-base for programs included.

Effective Examples

I Got You: Healthy Life Choices for Teens (IGU)

funded by the Federal Office of Rural Health Policy

Updated/reviewed April 2026

Need: To increase rural east central Mississippi 8th graders' awareness of behavioral and mental health topics.
Intervention: With federal funding support, an intensive mental health outreach program was created for 8th graders and implemented in 2015.
Results: Since 2015, thousands of rural Mississippi students have received education on a variety of behavioral health topics to improve their understanding of mental health issues, high risk behaviors, and skills to best manage their choices. A decade after implementation, the program continues to reach an annual average of 3,000 students.