Extension
It Starts With Us
Physical and Mental Health Life Skill Development
Health
Turner, Susan
Leadership
Health
Natural Resources
Healthy living is one of three 4-H mission mandates and encompasses physical activity, personal safety, mental health, addiction prevention, and diversity and inclusion. In Kentucky 37% of youth ages 10-17 are overweight or obese, and 51% report not exercising regularly. 25% of youth report some form of emotional or behavioral condition and suicide rates are at record high (KY suicides per 100,000 people: 15.3, 10th highest in nation.) The Monroe County Community Needs Assessment identified a need for support for prevention of school violence and bullying as the main need for youth and families programming. Furthermore, substance use disorder and mental health disease continues to be a concern among our youth, with 1,160 reported opioid-involved deaths (a rate of 27.9 deaths per 100,000 persons) in Kentucky. Vaping nearly doubled among middle and high school students — with 27% of high school seniors reporting they had tried the product in 2018.
- Through 4-H programming, youth will develop and improve life skill techniques which will enable them to become better prepared to learn and function as a contributing member of society.
- Number of clientele indicating improved health and wellbeing through 4-H programming
- Number of clientele reporting maintaining positive health habits
- Increased number of youth at a lower risk for physical and emotional distress
- Reduce the number of youth reporting drug, alcohol, and tobacco use
- Increased adoption and mastery of healthy behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle
- New coalitions developed to address substance prevention/abuse and support for positive youth development programming
- Youth indicating improved perceived stress and ability to cope
- Youth will contribute to their communities
- Youth can identify healthy lifestyle choices
- Recognition of unhealthy feelings and reactions
- Participation in programs which elevate their self-esteem and promote healthy lifestyle choices
- Youth explore and commit to leadership opportunities
Long-term Outcomes:
Through 4-H programming, youth will develop and improve life skill techniques which will enable them to become better prepared to learn and function as a contributing member of society.
Indicator: Increased percentage of youth participating in 4-H Youth Development programming.
Method: 4-H enrollment data
Timeline: Annually 2021-20204
Intermediate Outcomes:
Increased adoption and mastery of behaviors that lead to a healthy lifestyle
Indicator: 25% of program participants report making healthy lifestyle choices
Method: Surveys of program participants
Timeline: July 2021 – June 2024, annually
New coalitions developed to address substance prevention/abuse and support for positive youth development programming
Indicator: increased participation on boards and committees with positive youth development mandates
Method: Survey of board/committee participation
Timeline: July 2021 – June 2024, annually
Youth indicating improved perceived stress and ability to cope
Indicator: 25% of program participants report improvements to coping with stress
Method: Survey program participants
Timeline: July 2021 – June 2024, annually
Youth will contribute to their communities
Indicator: 10% increase in youth membership in 4-H Teen Club and all 4-H clubs completing service learning projects
Method: Survey of club members and leaders
Timeline: July 2021 – June 2024, annually
Initial Outcomes
Youth can identify healthy lifestyle choices
Indicator: 50% of youth participating in 4-H Health programming will identify healthy choices
Method: Program surveys
Timeline: July 2021 – June 2024, annually
Recognition of unhealthy feelings and reactions
Indicator: 50% of youth participating in 4-H Health programming will identify unhealthy reactions and feelings
Method: Program surveys
Timeline: July 2021 – June 2024, annually
Participation in programs which elevate their self-esteem and promote healthy lifestyle choices
Indicator: 10% increase in 4-H Health program participation
Method: Review program enrollment records
Timeline: July 2021 – June 2024, annually
Audience: Youth ages 9 to 18
Project/Program: 4-H After School
Curriculum: Building Character and Social-Emotional Learning, Mindful Me, Centering on me, Youth Mental Health First Aid
Inputs: curriculum, volunteers, paid staff, facilities
Date: monthly meetings held after-school September through April
Audience: Youth grades 4th and 5th
Project/Program: 4-H After School
Curriculum: Code name: Home Alone, Keeping Fit & Healthy, Health Rocks, Get Moving Kentucky, SPARK, Bicycling for fun, Wheels in Motion, Outdoor Adventures
Inputs: curriculum, volunteers, paid staff, facilities
Date: monthly meetings held after-school September through April
