Hardin County CES

County Emphasis:

Community Health and Well-Being

Concentration 1:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 2:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 3:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Concentration 4:

Family and Youth Development

Situation:

     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.  Concern over the state of mental health and access to care was echoed in the Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, where respondents listed “improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources” as one of the top 6 priority issues. Kentuckians are aware of their need for knowledge and skills to recognize and respond to a mental health challenge, whether it be their own or to help someone else, and the ability to advocate for more mental health resources in all areas of the state.  Cooperative Extension is poised with the research and evidence-based resources needed to serve as a beacon of hope in times of distress through our ability to help overcome stigma, connect people to care, and amplify the voices of many to advocate for better quality of life for all.

     The opportunities and resources available to support the health and well-being of adults and families in Kentucky vary widely. Disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure contribute to higher rates of chronic health conditions and lower quality of life. Prevention, early detection, and care are essential to maintain and/or improve quality of life. Yet, this burden is often placed on individuals to navigate the healthcare system and traditional public health entities. Additionally, for decades, little attention has been given to the external factors that undoubtedly affect health such as access to care, education, nutritious foods, and safe physical spaces. These same issues and concerns were echoed throughout the 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Assessment. Within the top 15 priority issues identified by Kentuckians, “ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious foods” was #4 and “reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise” was #8. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, UK Extension aims to become a critical public health partner for addressing disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure through comprehensive health, nutrition, and wellness programming that supports adult physical health and well-being.

     Though substance use and substance use disorder have been pressing social problems for decades, the public health burden and consequence associated with substance use has rapidly worsened in recent years. Drug overdoses have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of accidental death and overdoses have contributed to a reduction in average life expectancy in the US. Much of the substance use-related morbidity and mortality is a result of a persistent treatment gap. Each year, about 90% of people who need treatment for SUD in Kentucky do not receive it. To address this gap in service provision, more community-level programming is required to meet the complex needs of Kentuckians who use drugs. Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned, both with deep connections to each Kentucky county and with its transdisciplinary team of specialists, to address the holistic needs of Kentuckians who use drugs including mental health, fair housing, second-chance employment, nutrition and physical health, and much more.

     Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development.

Youth Focus

     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.

     Thriving youth are healthy, productive, and engaged (Arnold, 2024). According to Kentucky Kids Count Database (AECF, 2023) 41% of Kentucky teenagers are obese or overweight. Youth are also experiencing alarming levels of negativity about themselves, their confidence in the future, and their ability to find contentment in life (McKinsey & Company, 2022). 30% of youth are chronically absent (United States Department of Education, 2024). The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment (2024) identified key priorities issues related to health and wellbeing as need for improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources, reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise, minimizing bullying and/or school violence. To address these issues, Kentucky 4-H creates opportunities for youth in the five domains of physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health and well-being.

     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.

County Situation:

Hardin County participants of the Extension State Needs Assessment identified the need for practical education targeting substance use prevention, recovery, and sober living; treatment centers and programs; smoking and vaping cessation; and transportation and employment support for people in recovery. As well as practical education to support seniors and elders in areas such as low-income housing, transportation, help with chores and home repairs; provision of senior centers, health care, nursing homes/assisted living; respite for caregivers; computer training for seniors; programs to enhance connection and reduce isolation. Lastly, they expressed desire for practical education on topics related to parenting, discipline, and child wellbeing; training (and support) for relatives raising children; support for parents raising children with special needs; support and education on domestic, child, and sexual abuse; respite for caregivers; household money management and budgeting; affordable/accessible childcare; family time, activities for the family. 

Add this to the county's strained mental health professional availability per resident (per the Lincoln Trail District Health Department's needs assessment findings) and the above state average number of mentally unhealthy days our citizens report, and Extension finds a need for community health and well being programs that will improve quality of life for our residents, which will in turn build stronger, healthier communities. This includes mental health programs, but also physical health programs and the opportunity for social programs, as we know that physical and emotional health contribute to positive mental health as well. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

ADULT

• Increased access to mental health care and resources for all
• Increased recovery capital
• Increased meaningful social connections
• Increased support network
• Increased kindergarten readiness rates in the county and state
• Increased caregiver preparation
• Improved quality of family life

YOUTH

• Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in 4-H Health and Well Being.
• Improved social and emotional competency
• Improved quality of life

Intermediate Outcomes:

ADULT

• Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies
• Increased partnerships (number or strength) to address mental health and wellbeing issues within the community
• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based recovery capital-building programs
• Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorde
• Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy community, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together.
• Enhanced community partnership that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)

YOUTH

• 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.    
• Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to mental health and wellbeing among 4-Hers.
• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs
• Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention

Initial Outcomes:

ADULT

• Increased knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies
• Increased ability to recognize and respond to a mental health concern
• Increased knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies
• Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder
• Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
• Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). 
• Increased knowledge about nurturing parenting and caregiving across the life span.
• Increased awareness of community resources to support healthy families.
• Increased confidence making decisions related to parenting and caregiving.
• Increased confidence and motivation to reduce loneliness and social isolation.
• Improved skills related to nurturing parenting and caregiver support
• Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., reading to your child, spending time together, self-care, caregiver preparation, active living).

YOUTH

• Increased knowledge of positive mental health and general wellness practices 
• Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects
• Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
• Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).

Evaluation:

4-H Youth Development

Initial Outcome:

Youth are informed of community systems, are better connected to communication networks, are more confident and skills in identifying and implementing strategies for change in their community (local/state/national/global)

Indicator: Youth is inclusive of all individuals

Method: Number of youths who receive education related to inclusion & diversity

Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026

Long-Term Outcome: Decrease in number of overweight children, youth, adults and elderly.

Indicator: County population will increase average consumption of fruits and vegetables by one or more servings per day. Citizens improve food management skills and healthy eating habits.

Method: Evaluation throughout program participation.

Timeline: Beginning through end of program.

 

Long Term Outcome: Youth will maintain positive health habits

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated they learned about healthy food choices through 4-H

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025- June 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increase in consumption of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables

Indicator: Of the total number of families reached with information on accessing healthy foods the number of families reached that gained knowledge about eating more healthy foods.

Method: Featured Program questions

Timeline: September 2025 -  May 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased adoption and mastery of healthy behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated they made healthy lifestyle choices as are result of what they learned through 4-H programming?(PRACTICE)

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025- June 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Improved perceived stress and ability to cope and practice refusal skills

Indicator: Number of youths who indicated they made healthy lifestyle choices as are result of what they learned through 4-H programming (PRACTICE)

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 - June 2026

Long-Term Outcome: Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society.

Indicator: Number of youth who report personal contributions to self, family and community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community.

Indicator: Number of youth who report applying skills learned in 4-H in other venues such as home, school and the community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

:

 

Agriculture/Natural Resources

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline:

 

Family & Consumer Sciences

Outcome: Physical Activity knowledge, skills, and competencies 

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reported: knowledge and skills gained about the benefits of physical activity; adoption of physical activity practices; increase in physical activity levels

Method: Self-report survey

Timeline:  Pre-post implementing curricula or program

Outcome:  Substance Use

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reported: gained knowledge of the resources that are available for substance use in the community as a result of Extension programming

Method: Self-report survey

Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program

Outcome: Chronic Disease Prevention

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reported: participants who had one or more health indicator (cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, blood glucose) improved.

Method: Self-report survey

Timeline:  Pre-post implementing curricula or program

Outcome:  Availability / Access to healthy lifestyle choices 

Indicator:  Number of communities, health coalitions, or organizations who reported: implemented policy, system, and/or environmental changes to promote healthy eating and active living

Method: Self-report survey

Timeline:  Pre-post implementing curricula or program

Outcome: Residents Feel more prepared for a future disaster

Indicator: self reporting of individuals who feel prepared, number of residents displaced after disaster, number of residents post disaster who felt Extension programming helped them be more prepared

Method: survey

Timeline: post program and post disaster assessments

 

Cross-Program Efforts

Initial Outcome: Increase youth awareness of safety practices in agriculture settings.
Indicator: Number of youth demonstrating improved knowledge of ag safety through quizzes or group activities.
Method: Pre/post assessments, observation, feedback from teachers.
Timeline: 1 month

Learning Opportunities:

4-H Youth Development

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Cooking School

Content or Curriculum: 4-H Foods Projects, Cooking 101-104, Teen Cuisine, Put It Up!, Food Science: What’s on Your Plate?

Inputs:  4-H members, FRYSC, community sponsors, extension facilities, extension staff , volunteers

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Middle and High School Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Teen Cuisine Club

Content or Curriculum: Cooking 101-104, Teen Cuisine, 4-H Foods Projects, PIate it Up!, Food Science: What’s on Your Plate

Inputs: extension staff, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel, local volunteers

Date: Spring 2026

Agents: DKR 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: 4-H Mental Health Programs

Content or Curriculum:

Mindful Me, Centering on me

Inputs: extension staff, volunteers, school personnel

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Addiction Prevention Programs

Content or Curriculum: Health Rocks!

Inputs: extension staff, volunteers, parents, school personnel

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Youth

Project or Activity: Physical Health Programs

Content or Curriculum: Keeping Fit & Healthy, SPARK, Steps to a Healthy Teen, Outdoor Adventures

Inputs: extension staff, volunteers, parents, school personnel, Fort Knox staff/volunteers

Date: September 2025 - May 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

Project or Activity: 4-H Day Camp Series

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for science, engineering & technology; foods; food preservation; natural resources; arts; home environment; needlework; photography; woodworking and 4-H trends projects.

Inputs: extension staff, 4-H Intern, local volunteers

Date: July 2025 - June 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

 

Project or Activity: 4-H Babysitting Basics Course

Content or Curriculum: Babysitting Basics

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers, Youth Service Center Coordinator, school personnel

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR, JK

Audience: Homeschool Youth

Project or Activity: Hardin County 4-H Homeschool Club

Content or Curriculum: Approved 4-H curriculum for all seven core curriculum areas.

Inputs: extension staff, extension specialists, local volunteers

Date: Monthly, September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: DKR

 

Audience: Clover Bud Club Youth, ages 5-8

Project or Activity: 4-H Clover Bud Clubs

Content or Curriculum: KY 4-H Clover Bud Curriculum and additional Clover Bud Resources from other states and National 4-H Mall Catalog

Inputs: extension staff, local volunteers

Date: September 2025 – May 2026

Agents: JK, DKR

Agriculture/Natural Resources

Audience:

Project or Activity:

Content or Curriculum:

Inputs:

Date:

Agents:

 

Family & Consumer Sciences

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity:  Policy, Systems, and Environmental Approaches

Content or Curriculum: Faithful Families, Health Coalitions, Story Walk, Shared Space Agreements, Trail Development, Active Community Toolkit, Be More Guide, resources for early care and education settings

Inputs: Volunteers, grant funds, faith-based organizations, community partners, key stakeholders, elected officials, Department of Transportation, Health Coalitions, Employee Health and Wellness, SNAP-Ed Toolkit 

Date: Ongoing projects throughout the year 

Agents: DF

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity:  Chronic Disease Prevention

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Health Bulletins, Cook Together Eat Together, Mastering Food Choices, Dining with Diabetes, Fit Blue, Faithful Families, Body Balance, Plate It Up! Kentucky Proud Resources, WIN, Kick Kentucky Cancer, Health Partners, Bingocize, Master Health Volunteer, Keys to Embracing Aging

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, Healthcare Providers, Health Department, Non-profits, Schools, Company Health & Wellness, Homemakers, Community Centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing projects throughout the year

Agents: DF

Audience: General Public

Project or Activity:  Physical Activity

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Faithful Families, Story Walk, Master Health Volunteer, Shared Space Agreements, Health Coalitions, Be More, Fit Blue, WIN, Health Partners, Bingocize, Keys to Embracing Aging

Inputs: Paid staff, volunteers, facilities, health coalitions, Healthcare Providers, Health Department, Non-profits, Schools, Company Health & Wellness, FBOs, Homemakers, Community Centers

Date: Periodically each year

Agents: DF

Audience: Those in recovery

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum: Healthy Choices for your Recovering Body

Inputs: NEP assistant, FCS agent, recovery center staff

Date: Ongoing

Agents: DF, TW (NEP)

Audience: Those in recover

Project or Activity: Financial education

Content or Curriculum: Managing in Tough Times

Inputs: county agents, recovery centers, financial institutions

Date: yearly

Agents: DF

Audience: general public

Project or Activity: Increasing Mental Health

Content or Curriculum: Code RED, WITS Workout, Stories, Songs, and Stretches, Time Well Spent, Positive Employability

Inputs: county agents, curriculum, library, financial institutions, schools

Date: ongoing

Agents: DF 

Audience: General public, emergency services

Project or Activity: Disaster Recovery, Disaster Preparedness

Content or Curriculum: Managing in Tough Times, In the Face of Disaster, LADDER game

Inputs: county agents, local disaster officials, EMS

Date: fall of each year

Agents: DF

 

Cross-Program Efforts

Audience: Hardin County Youth

Project or Activity: Safety Day, Agriculture Safety Lessons

Content or Curriculum: Progressive Ag Safety, UK Publications Industry Specialists

Inputs: UK Specialists, Community Members, Industry Specialists

Date: Annually in the Fall

Agents: All

Evaluation:

4-H Youth Development

Initial Outcome:

Youth are informed of community systems, are better connected to communication networks, are more confident and skills in identifying and implementing strategies for change in their community (local/state/national/global)

Indicator: Youth is inclusive of all individuals

Method: Number of youths who receive education related to inclusion & diversity

Timeline: September 2025 – June 2026

Long-Term Outcome: Decrease in number of overweight children, youth, adults and elderly.

Indicator: County population will increase average consumption of fruits and vegetables by one or more servings per day. Citizens improve food management skills and healthy eating habits.

Method: Evaluation throughout program participation.

Timeline: Beginning through end of program.

 

Long Term Outcome: Youth will maintain positive health habits

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated they learned about healthy food choices through 4-H

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025- June 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increase in consumption of locally grown fresh fruit and vegetables

Indicator: Of the total number of families reached with information on accessing healthy foods the number of families reached that gained knowledge about eating more healthy foods.

Method: Featured Program questions

Timeline: September 2025 -  May 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased adoption and mastery of healthy behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle

Indicator: Number of youth who indicated they made healthy lifestyle choices as are result of what they learned through 4-H programming?(PRACTICE)

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025- June 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Improved perceived stress and ability to cope and practice refusal skills

Indicator: Number of youths who indicated they made healthy lifestyle choices as are result of what they learned through 4-H programming (PRACTICE)

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 - June 2026

Long-Term Outcome: Youth will contribute to self, family, community and to the institutions of our society.

Indicator: Number of youth who report personal contributions to self, family and community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

 

Intermediate Outcome: Youth apply the skills learned in 4-H in other activities at home, school and in the community.

Indicator: Number of youth who report applying skills learned in 4-H in other venues such as home, school and the community.

Method: KY 4-H Standard Evaluations

Timeline: September 2025 – August 2026

:

 

Agriculture/Natural Resources

Initial Outcome:

Indicator:

Method:

Timeline:

 

Family & Consumer Sciences

Outcome: Physical Activity knowledge, skills, and competencies 

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reported: knowledge and skills gained about the benefits of physical activity; adoption of physical activity practices; increase in physical activity levels

Method: Self-report survey

Timeline:  Pre-post implementing curricula or program

Outcome:  Substance Use

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reported: gained knowledge of the resources that are available for substance use in the community as a result of Extension programming

Method: Self-report survey

Timeline: Pre-post implementing curricula or program

Outcome: Chronic Disease Prevention

Indicator:  Number of individuals who reported: participants who had one or more health indicator (cholesterol, blood pressure, body mass index, blood glucose) improved.

Method: Self-report survey

Timeline:  Pre-post implementing curricula or program

Outcome:  Availability / Access to healthy lifestyle choices 

Indicator:  Number of communities, health coalitions, or organizations who reported: implemented policy, system, and/or environmental changes to promote healthy eating and active living

Method: Self-report survey

Timeline:  Pre-post implementing curricula or program

Outcome: Residents Feel more prepared for a future disaster

Indicator: self reporting of individuals who feel prepared, number of residents displaced after disaster, number of residents post disaster who felt Extension programming helped them be more prepared

Method: survey

Timeline: post program and post disaster assessments

 

Cross-Program Efforts

Initial Outcome: Increase youth awareness of safety practices in agriculture settings.
Indicator: Number of youth demonstrating improved knowledge of ag safety through quizzes or group activities.
Method: Pre/post assessments, observation, feedback from teachers.
Timeline: 1 month