About the Project

Explore This Section
About the Team Project Impact Past Programming Selected News
Explore This Section
About the Team Project Impact Past Programming Selected News
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Who We Are
Meet our Collaborative

Strengthening the Heartland, a program created by South Dakota State University Extension and North Dakota State University Extension to invest in the wellness and prosperity of rural communities across the Dakotas.

Strengthening the Heartland Team posed in front of a brick wall
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About
Our Team
Our interdisciplinary team brings a broad range of experience. We equip teachers, counselors and other professionals who work with rural youth free professional development opportunities and resources. Our passion for serving rural communities for a healthier tomorrow drives everything we do.
Meet our team
Who We Are | Video Series
Program Highlights
Map of communities reached in North and South Dakota
In Person Adult and Youth Programming

33 professionals were trained to facilitate a one-hour, one-touch opioid misuse prevention program. This is (NOT) About Drugs, aimed at youth, and The Opioid Public Health Health Crisis, for adults, address opioid misuse, risk factors, and suggested prevention methods.

鈥淵our organization is doing some amazing things that I hope to bring to our reservation communities!鈥

- OPHC Presentation Attendee
Stacks of Strengthening the Heartland's Coping Skills Pocket Guide on a table
Educational Resources

Our team created and distributed highly requested print resources to hundreds of schools across the Dakotas.
Popular resources included:

  • Coping Skills Pocket Guide: A 3 inch x 3 inch guide containing practical tips for managing stress.
  • Self-care Hacks Bookmark: A bookmark offering healthy tips for handling stressful situations.
Get Connected
Want to learn more about our free resources? Here's a few ways to get in touch with us:
Email the Team