Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Katherine Alexander
Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health - CED
Farmers and persons residing in rural areas consistently report elevated levels of stress associated with farming and rural living. The combined effects of farming, rural mental health challenges and their stressors have shown associations with higher rates of suicide in farming occupations and in Kentucky. To address rural mental health challenges, farm stress, and suicide among youth and in rural communities, a mutual partnership was created between the UK Cooperative Extension Service and the
Author: Amanda Sears
Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health - CED
According to the American Farm Bureau Federation, three in five rural adults (61%) say the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted mental health in rural communities a lot or some. Unfortunately, there is a stigma around mental health that can often prohibit people from seeking help. Half of rural adults (48%) think people in their local community attach at least a fair amount of stigma to mental health issues.The Madison County Horticulture Agent worked with the Madison County Farm Bureau Women’s
Author: Brenda Cockerham
Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health - CED
Knowing what to do about substance use disorder remains one of the greatest challenges in the country. At a time when life is most dismal, finding ways to stay positive becomes an even greater challenge. The lack of mental health can be a great obstacle for overall happiness as well as lay the groundwork for other problems. Pete Wentz made the statement “If you aren’t just a little depressed, then you aren’t paying attention to what’s going on in the world.” S
Author: Laura Weddle
Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health - CED
1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness. Adult Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges among adults. The curriculum includes; common signs and symptoms of mental health challenges, common signs and symptoms of substance use challenges, how to interact with a person in crisis, how to connect a person with help, and expanded c
Author: Melody Nall
Major Program: Substance Use and Mental Health - CED
Partnerships to Provide Mental Health First Aid in Kentucky The Community and Economic Development Initiative of Kentucky (CEDIK) partners with UK FCS Extension on grants and programs. One recent partnership is Mental Health First Aid (MHFA). Melody Nall, CEDIK Extension Specialist completed MHF instructor training in May 2019. During COVID, it was apparent that mental health was a top priority in communities. The extension specialist completed additional training with the National Council
