Hart County CES

County Emphasis:

Improve Health and Nutrition in Our Community

Concentration 1:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 2:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Concentration 3:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Situation:

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.

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:

Improving health in Hart County, Kentucky, is a pressing necessity due to persistent challenges in health issues in the county.  Addressing these issues requires a comprehensive approach, including promoting preventive care initiatives. Such efforts are essential to enhance the overall well-being of Hart County residents and reduce health problems in the county.  Improving nutrition in Hart County, Kentucky, is essential due to the significant challenges posed by food insecurity and limited access to healthy food options. Addressing these challenges requires a multifaceted approach, including expanding access to affordable, nutritious food and enhancing nutrition education programs. Such efforts are crucial to improving the overall health and well-being of Hart County residents.

In Hart County, Kentucky, drug prevention and education are crucial in addressing the growing substance abuse crisis that has deeply affected local communities. Effective drug prevention programs can equip young people with the knowledge and skills to resist the pressures of substance abuse, while also providing resources for families to navigate recovery. By focusing on prevention and education, Hart County can take a proactive approach to reduce addiction rates and promote healthier, safer communities for future generations.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Improved quality of life

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety

Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention

Initial Outcomes:

Improved skills related to health-promoting behaviors

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:

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g. add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods, receive vaccination or screen)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported/demonstrates improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of a participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills) (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).

Indicator: Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming.

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

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Increased self-awareness and use of healthy coping skills to manage stress and emotions (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).
Indicator: Number of participants who reported improved ability to recognize and manage emotions. Number of participants who reported using mindfulness or breathing techniques to handle stress.
Method: Self-reported surveys, educator observation, classroom teacher feedback
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026)

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Families & Individuals

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Faithful Families, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Cook Wild KY, Food as Health Toolkit, Recovery Garden Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials, LEAP

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organization, health coalitions, healthcare Providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, company health and wellness, Homemakers, farmers’ markets, local farms/growers/producers, commodity groups, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Substance Use Prevention Programming

Content or Curriculum: Botvin Lifeskills, Strengthening Families, 4-H Health Rocks, Engaging People with Lived Experience (testimonies), Truth and Consequences program, STOP program

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, health coalitions, schools and school staff

Audience: 3rd Grade Youth- Cloverbud Youth
Project or Activity: Mindful Me
Content or Curriculum: Mindful Me 4-H Curriculum
Inputs: Programmatic materials, Extension staff, school partners, classroom teachers, Family Resource and Youth Service Center staff, volunteers

Evaluation:

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g. add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods, receive vaccination or screen)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported/demonstrates improved knowledge, skills, opinions, or confidence regarding a health-promoting behavior as a result of a participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills) (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).

Indicator: Number of participants who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in substance use prevention and/or recovery programming.

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

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Increased self-awareness and use of healthy coping skills to manage stress and emotions (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).
Indicator: Number of participants who reported improved ability to recognize and manage emotions. Number of participants who reported using mindfulness or breathing techniques to handle stress.
Method: Self-reported surveys, educator observation, classroom teacher feedback
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (Fall 2025 – Spring 2026)