Building a safe, healthy community with strong connectionsPlan of Work
Owsley County CES
County Emphasis:
Building a safe, healthy community with strong connections
Concentration 1:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Concentration 2:
Health and Wellbeing
Situation:
Substance Use Prevention:
Though substance use and substance use disorder have been pressing social problems for decades, the public health burden and consequence associated with substance use has rapidly worsened in recent years. Drug overdoses have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of accidental death and overdoses have contributed to a reduction in average life expectancy in the US. Much of the substance use-related morbidity and mortality is a result of a persistent treatment gap. Each year, about 90% of people who need treatment for SUD in Kentucky do not receive it. To address this gap in service provision, more community-level programming is required to meet the complex needs of Kentuckians who use drugs. Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned, both with deep connections to each Kentucky county and with its transdisciplinary team of specialists, to address the holistic needs of Kentuckians who use drugs including mental health, fair housing, second-chance employment, nutrition and physical health, and much more.
Youth Focus
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.
Health and Wellbeing:
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:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery:
Though substance use and substance use disorder have been pressing social problems for decades, the public health burden and consequence associated with substance use has rapidly worsened in recent years. Drug overdoses have surpassed car accidents as the leading cause of accidental death and overdoses have contributed to a reduction in average life expectancy in the US. Much of the substance use-related morbidity and mortality is a result of a persistent treatment gap. Each year, about 90% of people who need treatment for SUD in Kentucky do not receive it. To address this gap in service provision, more community-level programming is required to meet the complex needs of Kentuckians who use drugs. Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned, both with deep connections to each Kentucky county and with its transdisciplinary team of specialists, to address the holistic needs of Kentuckians who use drugs including mental health, fair housing, second-chance employment, nutrition and physical health, and much more.
Youth Focus
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 Owsley County. 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.
Health and Wellbeing:
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 Owsley Countians , “ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious foods” was #3 and “Support for substance use, addiction prevention/recovery” was #4. 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). Youth are 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. These same issues and concerns were echoed throughout the 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Assessment. Within the top 15 priority issues identified by Owsley Countians, “Minimizing youth substance use” was #1 and :minimizing bullying and /or school violence” was #2. 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.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery:
Adult
Reduced stigma related to adult substance use
Improved quality of life
Reduced adult substance use
Improved social and emotional competency
Youth
Reduced youth substance use
Reduced stigma related to youth substance use
Health and Wellbeing
Adult
Community environments that equitably support health-promoting behaviors where people live, learn, work, and play
Increased availability and accessibility to community-based health resources
Improved quality of life
Youth
Increased number of 4-Hers who pursue employment in the health and wellbeing field.
Intermediate Outcomes:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery:
Adult
Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based recovery capital-building program
Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder
Youth
Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs
Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention
Health and Wellbeing
Adult
Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety
Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health or safety issues
Increased organizational/site/community support for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health or safety issues
Youth
4-H members will practice general wellness habits.
Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to health and well-being among 4-Hers.
4-H members will increase physical activity.
Initial Outcomes:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery:
Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder
Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
Increased confidence making decision related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language
Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).
Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects
Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language
Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).
Youth
Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects
Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language
Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).
Health and Wellbeing
Adult
Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors.
Increased awareness of community resources to support health-promoting behaviors.
Increased confidence in making decisions related to health-promoting behaviors.
Improved skills related to health-promoting behaviors
Increased knowledge of positive mental health practices
Youth
Increased knowledge and awareness of healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.
Improved attitudes and beliefs towards healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.
Increased knowledge of general wellness practices
Evaluation:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery:
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter)
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: post-program/curricula survey administration
Initial Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address substance use/recovery in the community.
Method: Program metrics agents will track, and report based on their activities and partnerships related to substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery)
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).
Intermediate Outcome: Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
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 (ST) and follow-up survey (BC)
Intermediate outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).
Indicator:
*Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.
*Number of participants who used self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC)
Health and Wellbeing:
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings)
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: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Initial 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
Intermediate Outcome: Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family and community health (e.g., physical activity, consuming nutritious foods, routine vaccinations and screenings)
Indicator:
Number of physical activity minutes recorded by a participant
Number of participants who reported consuming more nutritious foods and/or beverages
Number of participants who reported a change in a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture change over time
Intermediate Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health and safety issues
Indicator: Number of projects or initiatives working to improve a community health or safety issue
Method: Documentation (direct observation, photo, repeated survey) or interviews
Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress
Outcome: Initial
Indicator:
- Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community.
- Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.
- Number of youth who reported that they learned ways to be physically active
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.
- Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.
Method: Standard Evaluation doe 4-H Health and Wellbeing
Timeline: Immediately after program/event
Outcome: Medium Term
Indicator:
- Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.
- Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.
- Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests.
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: End of Club/Program Year
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: 1 or more years
Learning Opportunities:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery:
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),
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, health coalitions, schools and school staff
Date: Fall 2026-2027 School Year
Audience: Communities
Project or Activity: Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) Approaches
Content or Curriculum: Addiction 101, Recovering Your Finances (RYF), PROFIT, Building Recovery Ready Communities (e.g. presenting to coalitions), Resources for Family Members and Concerned Others, Parenting in Recovery
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, health coalitions, and other key stakeholders
Date: Ongoing
Health and Wellbeing:
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Physical Activity
Content or Curriculum: Publications, Faithful Families, Story Walks, Health and wellness Ambassadors, Shared Space Agreements, Health Coalitions, WIN, Health Partners, Bingocize, Walk Your Way, Families on the Move, County Walking Challenges, Mindfulness Trails, Fit Tips, Hiking for Health
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, health coalitions, healthcare providers, health department, non-profits, schools, company health & wellness, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, etc.
Date: Ongoing/Seasonal
Audience: Youth
Project or Activity: Nutrition ad Food Preparation
Content or Curriculum: Jump Into Food and Fitness
Inputs:
4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.
Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects.
Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association
Four residential camping facilities.
Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.
Utilization of approved research-based curriculum.
Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.
Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.
Funding from local, state, and federal sources.
Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.
Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs
Dates: September 1-August 30
Evaluation:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery:
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects (initial)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery (or related subject matter)
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: post-program/curricula survey administration
Initial Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery
Indicator: Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address substance use/recovery in the community.
Method: Program metrics agents will track, and report based on their activities and partnerships related to substance use prevention, addiction, and/or recovery)
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).
Intermediate Outcome: Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills)
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 (ST) and follow-up survey (BC)
Intermediate outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).
Indicator:
*Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.
*Number of participants who used self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills.
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration (ST) and follow-up survey (BC)
Health and Wellbeing:
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings)
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: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys
Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration
Initial 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
Intermediate Outcome: Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family and community health (e.g., physical activity, consuming nutritious foods, routine vaccinations and screenings)
Indicator:
Number of physical activity minutes recorded by a participant
Number of participants who reported consuming more nutritious foods and/or beverages
Number of participants who reported a change in a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture change over time
Intermediate Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health and safety issues
Indicator: Number of projects or initiatives working to improve a community health or safety issue
Method: Documentation (direct observation, photo, repeated survey) or interviews
Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress
Outcome: Initial
Indicator:
- Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community.
- Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.
- Number of youth who reported that they learned ways to be physically active
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health
- Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health.
- Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.
Method: Standard Evaluation doe 4-H Health and Wellbeing
Timeline: Immediately after program/event
Outcome: Medium Term
Indicator:
- Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.
- Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.
- Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests.
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: End of Club/Program Year
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study
Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey
Timeline: 1 or more years
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