Rowan County CES

County Emphasis:

Mental Health in both Youth and Adults

Concentration 1:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 2:

Connected & Resilient Communities

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.

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.

County Situation:

Mental health is a critical issue affecting both youth and adults in Rowan County, Kentucky. The county faces significant challenges in providing adequate mental health services and support to its residents. According to recent data, approximately 1 in 5 adults in Kentucky experience mental illness each year, with 189,000 adults suffering from serious mental illness 

For youth, the situation is equally concerning. Around 1 in 6 U.S. youth aged 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year 

Rowan County has several mental health facilities and programs aimed at addressing these needs. Pathways Inc. offers a wide array of behavioral health services, including crisis intervention, outpatient treatment, and support for individuals with serious mental illness 

Despite these efforts, there are still gaps in service provision. Many residents face barriers such as lack of insurance, high out-of-pocket costs, and limited availability of mental health professionals 

Enhancing mental health services and support in Rowan County requires a multifaceted approach. This includes increasing funding for mental health programs, expanding access to care, and promoting community awareness about mental health issues. By prioritizing mental health, Rowan County can foster a healthier and more resilient community for both youth and adults.

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Reduce the incidence of mental health crises and suicide 
• Increased access to mental health care and resources for all
• Youth will increase contribution to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication

Intermediate Outcomes:

• Increased advocacy for mental health and well-being resources 
• Increased used of self-care and other coping strategies 
• Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to mental health and wellbeing among 4-Hers

Initial Outcomes:

• Increased ability to recognize and respond to a mental health concern
• Increased ability to use de-stigmatized language
• Increased knowledge of positive mental health practices 
• Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers. 

Evaluation:

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

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

Method: Post program survey

Timeline: Ongoing and directly after program

Intermediate Outcome: Medium term

Indicator: Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their mental health.  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 partnerships to address mental health and well-being issues within the community 

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals, to address mental health 

Method: Agent  

Timeline: Ongoing; Each partnership should be reported once per reporting interval.

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Families and Individuals 

Project or Activity: Mental Health Education Programming 

Content or Curriculum: Adult Mental Health First Aid, QPR, ACT for Farm Families, After the Storm

Inputs: Programming material, state specialist support, Staff Training, and Community Partners

Date: Spring and Fall 2025-2029

Audience: 4-Hers 

Project or Activity: Your Feelings Matter

Content or Curriculum: Your Feelings Matter Curriculum

Inputs: Cooperative Extension, volunteers, and community partners

Date: Fall 2026-2029

Audience: Families within Rowan County

Project or Activity: Mental Health Access and Advocacy 

Content or Curriculum: BARN, Pathways to Wellness

Inputs: Program materials, specialist support, and community partners

Date: Spring 2025-2029

Evaluation:

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

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

Method: Post program survey

Timeline: Ongoing and directly after program

Intermediate Outcome: Medium term

Indicator: Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their mental health.  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 partnerships to address mental health and well-being issues within the community 

Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals, to address mental health 

Method: Agent  

Timeline: Ongoing; Each partnership should be reported once per reporting interval.