Muhlenberg County CES

County Emphasis:

Healthy Living: Increase Physical and Mental Well-Being

Concentration 1:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 2:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Concentration 3:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Situation:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Health and Wellbeing:

Adult Focus

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.

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.

Youth Focus

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.

County Situation:

According to the Owensboro Health Muhlenberg Community Hospital’s (OHMCH) 2024 Community Assessment, 41% of adults in Muhlenberg County are inactive, 41% of adults are obese with BMI>=30. Additionally, the OHMCH 2024 Community Assessment states the mental health provider ration is 1,171:1. 

After observing the Muhlenberg Community Health Needs Assessment, it showed the struggles in our community are as follows: obesity, high blood pressure, diabetes, and mental health. 

 

In Kentucky 37% of youth 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). Substance Use Disorder and Mental Health disease can affect anyone, with 1,160 reported opioid-involved deaths (a rate of 27.9 deaths per 100,000 persons) in Kentucky and Vaping nearly doubled among middle and high school students — with 27% of high school seniors reporting they had tried the product in 2018.   

Long-Term Outcomes:

Increase the number of participants at a lower risk for serious disease, illness, physical and emotional distress. Increase the number of participants maintaining positive healthy habits.

Intermediate Outcomes:

Increase adoption and mastery of healthy behaviors that lead to a healthier lifestyle. Improve access and utilization of resources. Improve perceived stress and ability to cope.

Initial Outcomes:

Participants learn how to improve their awareness of personal health concerns. 

 

Reduce stigma of mental health illness. 

 

Participants will learn how to take control of their health and well-being. 

Evaluation:

Outcome	People are more physically active and adopt healthy living practices.
Indicator	Program participants will be more physically active.
Method	Questionnaire and one-to-one surveys.
Timeline	Questionnaires will be utilized after the completion of the program. One-to-one surveys will be conducted following the program.

Outcome	Participants will be mindful of personal well-being.
Indicator	Participants will adopt

Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Youth and Adults

Project or Activity: Physical Activity

Content or Curriculum: HSW-AP .002-.006 Mind/Body Connection, HEA Move the Clover Way

Inputs: FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent 

Date:  Year-Round

Audience: Youth and Adults

Project or Activity: Mental Health Awareness

Content or Curriculum: HSW-LAS-107-112 Blue to You, HEA Curriculum Your Thoughts Matter

Inputs: FCS Agent, 4-H Agent, ANR Agent

Date: Year-Round 

Evaluation:

Outcome	People are more physically active and adopt healthy living practices.
Indicator	Program participants will be more physically active.
Method	Questionnaire and one-to-one surveys.
Timeline	Questionnaires will be utilized after the completion of the program. One-to-one surveys will be conducted following the program.

Outcome	Participants will be mindful of personal well-being.
Indicator	Participants will adopt