Healthy EnvironmentPlan of Work

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Gallatin County CES

Title:
Healthy Environment
MAP:
Healthy Communities
Agents Involved:
Hull, Rex, Stewart
MAJOR PROGRAM 1:
Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General
MAJOR PROGRAM 3:
Building Healthy Coalitions
MAJOR PROGRAM 4:
Trail Design
Situation:

Situation:

Each decision individuals make has an impact on health and safety in the family, community and environment. Understanding how daily choices can not only impact our selves but also our environment is vital to conserving and preserving our natural resources and ensuring a healthier generations. Through Gallatin County Extension, individuals improve safety in their home and decrease their environmental footprint. In 2008, Kentucky ranked 18th in total energy consumption and 7th in energy consumption per capita. In 2010, the statewide household participation rate for all curbside garbage collection types was 86.6%. In 2010, Kentuckians recycled 35.7% of all municipal solid waste and 29% of common household recyclables. The average Kentuckian used 67 gallons of water per person per day. In the fall of 2018, the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service began a statewide assessment of community issues and priorities from across the Commonwealth. County Extension offices led the effort by collecting feedback from various county residents, stakeholders, and organizations. Gallatin County collected feedback through surveys, focus groups, and interviews with community stakeholders. As a result of the community assessment it was reported that a clear issue was to have a county with less illegal dumping and littering.

Long-Term Outcomes:

•Participants report that they have lowered their carbon footprint by applying daily practices to make home and environments a healthier place.

•Change knowledge, opinions, skills, and/or aspirations in understanding of issues related to: Disaster preparedness, Pest management, Going green, Energy conservation, Solid waste management, Water conservation, Home safety, Built environment.

Intermediate Outcomes:

•Implement one or more practices that will improve: Disaster preparedness, Pest management, Going green, Energy conservation, Solid waste management, Water conservation, Home safety, Built environment.

Initial Outcomes:

•Knowledge gained about becoming more energy efficient.

•Participants report increase of awareness of community programs.

•Increase in knowledge regarding safe and healthy homes.

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants report knowledge gained in one of the following areas - environment and recycling

Indicator: Attending an educational program, online session or mail out.

Method: evaluations

Timeline: 3-6 months



Intermediate Outcome: Participants report to improving and making better choice related to one of the following areas- Disaster preparedness, Pest management, Going green, Energy conservation, Solid waste management, Water conservation, Home safety, built environment.

Indicator: Participants created a Disaster preparedness plan with their families and prepared a disaster preparedness kit, started recycling, or made improvement to their home and/or lifestyle related to Disaster preparedness, Pest management, Going green, Energy Conservation, Solid waste management, Water conservation, Home safety, built environment.

Method: follow up evaluations, interviews, observations

Timeline: 1-2 years


Long Term Outcome:  Participants report to making better choice related to one of the following areas- Disaster preparedness, Pest management, Going green, Energy conservation, Solid waste management, Water conservation, Home safety, Built environment as a long-term lifestyle change for themselves and/or their families.

Indicator: Participants continue to recycle and/or share their knowledge with others related to Disaster preparedness, Pest management, Going green, Energy Conservation, Solid waste management, Water conservation, Home safety, built environment.

Method: follow up evaluations, interviews

Timeline: 3-6 years

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Adults, KEHA members

Project or Activity: Environmental Education

Content or Curriculum: Household Waste Management: Reduce, Reuse. Recycle, Home Energy Management, Going Green: Living an Environmentally Responsible Life, Water Conservation, Litter and community trash control, The A,B, C's of Organizing, Green and Conventional Cleaning.

Inputs: Extension staff, volunteers

Date: Ongoing, various programs held throughout the year.


Audience: Community

Project or Activity: Earth Day

Content or Curriculum: UK Curriculum

Inputs: Extension staff, volunteers, businesses

Date: Spring 2023


Audience: Adults, KEHA Members, Community Members

Project: Disaster Preparedness and Clean Ups

Content: Focus on the Home, Disaster Preparedness UK Curriculum, other materials and publications from the Extension Disaster Emergency Network (EDEN) and national partners such as Federal Emergency Management Assistance (FEMA), American Red Cross, and Kentucky Office of Homeland Security appropriate for National Preparedness Month (September)

Inputs: Extension Staff, volunteers, local Law Enforcement and Emergency Personnel, weather emergencies

Date: Ongoing


Audience:  Individuals and Families, Families with youth

Project or Activity:  Indoor Air Quality  

Content or Curriculum:  Managing Asthma Triggers in the Home, Home Indoor Air Quality Assessment, Common Indoor Air Pollutants, Indoor Air Pollutants: Detection and Control Measures publications

Inputs:  FCS Extension Agent, 3 Rivers Health Department, Gallatin County Schools 

Date:  Ongoing collaboration and work with 3 Rivers Health Department with Gallatin County Better Health and Safety Coalition  



Success Stories

Ag Water Quality Plan Success in Gallatin County

Author: David Hull

Major Program: Water and Soil Quality and Conservation

As a result of the passing of the Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Act, anyone farming over ten acres in Kentucky is responsible for completing a Kentucky Agriculture Water Quality Plan. But until the completion of this plan became a requirement for receiving cost-share funds through the CAIP program, many landowners delayed making a plan or forgot about is altogether. But since the water quality plan has become a requirement for cost-share funding, the Gallatin County Extension Service has he

Full Story
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