Scott County CES

County Emphasis:

Pathways to Wellness

Concentration 1:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 2:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

Substance use and substance use disorder are persistent public health problems in Kentucky. Kentucky youth fare worse than their US counterparts in terms of numerous indicators of drug use and drug-related harm including cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, vaping, alcohol use, and illicit drug use such as opioid and methamphetamine use. Accordingly, the recent University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2023) indicated substance use prevention is the primary concern among most Kentucky counties. Nevertheless, few Kentucky communities support prevention efforts that are informed by research. Cooperative Extension is well-positioned with deep collaborative community ties to support evidence-based prevention programming. Such programs may target substance use directly or indirectly by focusing on pertinent risk and protective factors and promoting overall well-being for Kentucky youth.

More than ever before, people are feeling the burden of stress on their wellbeing. More than 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness; in Kentucky, 43% of adults report signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression across their lifespan. At the same time, suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in Kentucky for individuals aged 10-34, and those over the age of 59. 

Kentucky’s youth population deserves safe and nurturing environments that foster their growth and wellbeing. Unfortunately, mental health challenges affect a significant portion of our youth, with 17% of those aged 6-17 experiencing mental health disorders, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (2023), and only 50% receiving treatment. The impact is profound, with one person in the U.S. dying by suicide every 11 minutes, and in Kentucky alone, 800 lives were lost to suicide in 2022. Recognizing the urgency, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service’s 2019 and 2023 statewide programming issue surveys highlighted mental health and wellbeing as priority areas. Nationally, 45% of 4-H participants reported high stress in a 2023 survey by 4-H.org. The University of Kentucky Community Needs Assessment (2023) indicates priorities of improve access to mental health and wellbeing resources, minimizing bullying and/or school violence, stronger parenting and relationship-building skills, and social, emotional, and/or behavioral education for adults working with youth. To address these concerns, the 4-H Program provides evidence-based educational programs focused on positive mental health and self-care, aiming to empower youth with decision-making and critical thinking skills, fostering resilience and overall wellbeing. By emphasizing mental health and offering targeted educational initiatives, we can create a brighter future for Kentucky’s youth.

County Situation:

Agents met with county extension and program councils to access currents need regarding mental health and well being in Scott County. Councils identified needs for increase awareness, improve access, and expanded programs highlight key communities needs and priorities for mental health and well-being. Moreover, after Kentucky Extension conducted a Community needs assessment;  "improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources" was indicated as a high priority need in Scott County. Work in this emphasis will help to address this community identified need. Learn more about the community identified needs of Scott County here: https://extension.ca.uky.edu/community-assessment.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Reduced stigma related to youth substance use.
• Increased access to mental health care and resources for all.

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention. 
• Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies. 

Initial Outcomes:

• Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
• Increased knowledge of mental health and well-being resources (interpersonal and community-based). 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies

Indicator: Number of participants who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being.

Method: Follow-up survey/evaluation results

Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program

Outcome: Medium Term 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.
• Number of youth who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community.
• Number of youth who reported behavior change as a result of participation in mental health and wellbeing programming.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: 3-6 Months post-program 

Long-Term Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills
• Number of participants who used self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration and follow-up survey

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele

Project or Activity: Mental Health First Aid 

Content or Curriculum: Mental Health First Aid (Youth). Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know, and National Alliance on Mental Illness

Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. Focus is on Adults working with youth. 

Date: 2025-2026

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Mental Health Education Programming

Content or Curriculum: Adult Mental Health First Aid, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), CODE RED, ACT (Awareness, Communication, and Triage and Treat) for Farm Families, Understanding and Coping with Trauma after Natural Disasters, After the Storm, Blue to You  

Inputs: Programmatic materials, state specialist support, staff training, facilities, community partners (health coalitions, schools, local non-profits, etc.) UK Healthcare mental health resources, 988 community resources.

Date: Ongoing; 2025-2029

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Community-Based Substance Use Prevention

Content or Curriculum: Substance Use Prevention Education (i.e. Addiction 101, Ad Hoc Webinars, etc.), Engaging People with Lived Experience (testimonies), Strengthening Families

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, elected officials, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, and faith-based organizations

Date: 2025-2025

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies

Indicator: Number of participants who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being.

Method: Follow-up survey/evaluation results

Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program

Outcome: Medium Term 

Indicator: 

• Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.
• Number of youth who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community.
• Number of youth who reported behavior change as a result of participation in mental health and wellbeing programming.

Method: Survey 

Timeline: 3-6 Months post-program 

Long-Term Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).

Indicator: 

• Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills
• Number of participants who used self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration and follow-up survey