Success Stories By MajorProgram FY2025Jul 1, 2024 - Jun 30, 2025
Mental Health First Aid
Author: Kaitlyn Fryman
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
The Fleming County Extension Office recently hosted a Mental Health First Aid program, led by Katherine Jury, a specialist from the University of Kentucky. Through Fleming County's Program of Work, it was noted that mental health would like to be addressed through various programming. The event saw the participation of six individuals, representing a diverse cross-section of the community, including various age groups, businesses, and volunteer organizations from Fleming County. The program
Full Story
Self Care-Self Pamper
Author: Laken Campbell
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
Success Story: Breathitt, Lee, Leslie, Letcher, Owsley, Perry, and Wolfe Counties Program Dates: March 7 - April 12, 2024 To help the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) deal with the many different types of loss individuals and families may have experienced over the past few years, the Family and Individual Development Program of Work (POW) is reaching in (versus reaching out) and addressing self-care. The 2023-2024 program focuses on Self-Care: Self-Pamper. Se
Full Story
All about me Spa Day Fayette County/ Lincoln Co FCS extension Spa Day
Author: Maranda Brooks
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
Looking at Kentucky Kids Count Data we see the following statistics that impact students in Lincoln County:In 2021, 24.4% of Children in Poverty (below the 100% poverty line) ranking Lincoln County 59 out of 120 counties. In 2017-2021, 57 % of children in Lincoln County are considered CHILDREN IN LOW-INCOME FAMILIES (below 200% of the federal poverty level) ranking Lincoln County as 93 out of 120 counties.In 2021, 14% of Children in Lincoln County are considered CHILDREN LIVING IN FOOD INSE
Full Story
Understanding Suicide - KEHA Leader Lesson
Author: Macey Stewart
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
Suicide is a public concern and one of the most preventable causes of death. Every eleven minutes someone dies by suicide in the U.S., however, in Kentucky people die by suicide more frequently. In the U.S. and Kentucky, males die by suicide more often than females while individuals between 10 and 34 years old are at the highest risk for suicide. There are many risks for suicide including age, sex, stress, job hazards and health conditions, but it is important to note suicide can affect any
Full Story
Sewn with Love: Bringing Joy to Young Patients & A Sense of Purpose to Volunteers
Author: Natalie Taul
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
We are blessed in Grayson County with a local hospital that holds patients and community as a top priority. Over the past several years, FCS Extension in Grayson County has built a strong partnership with Owensboro Health Twin Lakes Medical Center. One of the many programs supported by the Women’s Auxiliary in the hospital provides hand made sock monkeys to all children undergoing surgery. This program has been implemented for decades, but their stock was running low and they were at risk
Full Story
QPR Suicide Prevention
Author: Alethea Price
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
The QPR mission is to reduce suicidal behaviors and save lives by providing innovative, practical and proven suicide prevention training. The signs of crisis are all around us. We believe that quality education empowers all people, regardless of their background, to make a positive difference in the life of someone they know.Suicide rates are high for certain audiences, senior aged individuals are at high risk. The FCS Agent attended a meeting with a group of seniors who have lost their spouses
Full Story
Extension Homemakers Honor Local Veterans
Author: Vicki Wynn
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
Marshall County Extension Homemakers have a special place in their hearts for men and women who currently serve and have served in the military. They have established connections with the local Disabled American Veterans (DAV) group for the past two years, and have learned how they can honor and serve the large veteran population in our area. A workshop was held at the Extension Office to make laundry detergent that will be distributed to veterans that will assist with everyday needs. Volun
Full Story
Crafting Calm: Mindfulness in Handmade Creations
Author: Ronda Rex
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “it is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (59.3 million in 2022; 23.1% of the U.S. adult population). Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe.” According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, “746,000 adults in Kentucky have a mental health condition. That’s more than 10x the po
Full Story
Crafting Calm: Mindfulness in Handmade Creations
Author: Elizabeth Evans
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
According to the National Institute of Mental Health, “it is estimated that more than one in five U.S. adults live with a mental illness (59.3 million in 2022; 23.1% of the U.S. adult population). Mental illnesses include many different conditions that vary in degree of severity, ranging from mild to moderate to severe.” According to the National Alliance of Mental Illness, “746,000 adults in Kentucky have a mental health condition. That’s more than 10x the po
Full Story
Festive Journey: A holiday Adventure
Author: Robert Brockman
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
The winter holiday season can be difficult for many seniors and other members of the public. With the weather being cold and the days short, many seniors are struggling with seasonal depression and many additional seniors have lost family members that they used to do holiday traditions with. There is also a sizable population of immigrants in Boone County who have different winter holiday traditions than those that are commonly celebrated in this region. In an effort to give the public a ch
Full Story
The Importance of Child Mindfulness
Author: Kate Thompson
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
Teaching children mindfulness can help them focus on the present moment, deal with stressors, and understand their emotions. According to the Child Mind Institute, mindfulness can have a positive impact on children’s mental health. In order to encourage mindful habits with children, the Cooperative Extension Service offered a two-part series day camp called Mindfulness in Nature. The FCS and Horticulture Agent teamed up to offer the program to 14 children aged 7-10 years old. T
Full Story
Mental Health Is Key to Optimum Health
Author: Jennifer Bridge
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
1 in 3 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness. Mental Health First Aid, from the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand, and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, providing an action plan that teaches people to identify and address a potential mental h
Full Story
Leader Lessons Raise Awareness on Important Issues
Author: Whitney Morrow
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
Addiction and mental health issues continue to take their toll on communities, families, and individuals in northeast Kentucky and all over the country. The statewide Extension Needs Assessment showed the top needs as support for substance use prevention and recovery and improved assess to mental health and wellbeing resources. In Carter County, 20% of residents reported to having 14 or more mentally unhealthy days a month. From 2020-2022 there were 1,1173 reported ER visits due to s
Full Story
Self-Care: Building Meaningful Relationships and Strengthening Social Connections
Author: Jill Harris
Major Program: Mental Health and Well-being - FCS
Self-care refers to taking time to do things that improves physical and mental health. Common self-care practices include eating healthily, managing stress, and getting adequate sleep and exercise. According to the National Institutes of Health, meaningful social connections also contribute to self-care in terms of overall health, happiness, well-being, and quality of life. When committed to strengthening social connections, you are better able to support, maintain, and/or improve the life quali
Full Story
- Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
- S107 Ag. Science Center North
- Lexington, KY 40546-0091
- +1 (859) 257-4302
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment