Extension
It Starts With Us
Healthy Environment
Healthy Communities
Hull, Rex, Stewart
Build Engaged and Empowered Communities – General
Building Healthy Coalitions
Trail Design
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.
•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.
•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.
•Knowledge gained about becoming more energy efficient.
•Participants report increase of awareness of community programs.
•Increase in knowledge regarding safe and healthy homes.
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
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 2025
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, Homemakers, 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
