Harlan County CES

County Emphasis:

Health and Wellness of Harlan County

Concentration 1:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 2:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 3:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 4:

Animal Production and Management

Situation:

It is proven that people who have access to and consume their daily dietary requirements of fresh fruits and vegetables are less likely to suffer from chronic conditions such as obesity, diabetes and cardiovascular disease and have an increased quality of life. Having the knowledge and skills to prepare or preserve fresh fruits and vegetables presents an additional barrier beyond obtaining fresh food access.  4-H youth report an increase in preparing meals together as a family, increase in meals eaten as a family, and confidence in the kitchen. These programs not only foster healthier, more resilient individuals, but also contribute to the development of engaged citizens prepared to navigate and thrive in a rapidly evolving world.

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. 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. 

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. 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. By emphasizing mental health and offering targeted educational initiatives, we can create a brighter future for Kentucky’s youth.

Kentucky’s animal production and management strategies encompass sustainable practices, health-focused care, and economic viability across all species thus contributing significantly to the state’s agricultural landscape.  Current/future activities include introducing programs to address and improve specific management systems and introduce new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems for increased efficiency and profitability.  4-H projects in animal production and management can help young people develop life skills, learn about responsibility, and gain content knowledge about animals through breeding or market projects.

County Situation:

Harlan County residents face a range of significant health challenges that impact quality of life and community resilience. Chronic diseases such as heart disease, cancer, and diabetes are widespread, with 14% of adults diagnosed with diabetes and 28.5% reporting fair or poor health. These conditions are often exacerbated by lifestyle factors, including high rates of obesity and physical inactivity—45.3% of adults have a BMI of 30 or higher, placing them at increased risk for numerous health complications.

Mental health is another pressing concern. 22.1% of adults report experiencing 14 or more days of poor mental health each month, indicating a high level of psychological distress within the community. 

Food insecurity further complicates the health landscape in Harlan County. 23% of the overall population experiences food insecurity, with an even higher rate among children at 27.4%. This lack of consistent access to nutritious food contributes to both physical and mental health issues, particularly among vulnerable populations.

To address these interconnected health challenges, Harlan County must prioritize chronic disease prevention and management, obesity reduction and physical activity promotion, mental health awareness and access to care, and food security initiatives, especially for children and families.

By focusing on these key areas, Harlan County can work toward a healthier, more equitable future for all residents.

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Food Safety, Quality and Access

1. Individuals and families of all incomes levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods
2. Decrease in the number of Kentuckians with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
3. More Kentuckians routinely met the guidelines for the consumption of (locally-grown) fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

Health and Well-Being

1. Decreased health disparity prevalence in Kentucky counties
2. Improved quality of life
3. Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in 4-H Health and Well Being.

 

Mental Health and Well-Being

1. Increased access to mental health care and resources for all
2. Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in 4-H Health and Well Being.

 

 

Animal Production and Management

1. Increase the use of sustainable management practices across all production methods and species.? 

 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Food Safety, Quality and Access

1. Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.
2. Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  
3. Youth will prepare nutritious foods.  
4. Youth will eat a variety of healthy foods daily. 

 

Health and Well-Being

1. Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety
2. 4-H members will increase physical activity. 

 

Mental Health and Well-Being

1. Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies
2. 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.    

 

 

Animal Production and Management

Annually implement strategies and production methods that result in increased efficiency, and number of animals produced /maintained

Initial Outcomes:

Food Safety, Quality and Access

1. Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.
2. Youth will learn how to prepare nutritious foods.  
3. Youth will aspire to eat a variety of healthy foods daily.

 

Health and Well-Being

Health promoting behaviors include but are not to, regular physical activity, safe preparation and consumption of nutritious foods, vaccinations, moderate or no consumption of alcohol, avoiding/reducing/eliminating tobacco use, health screenings, sleep, stress management, health literacy, pest prevention/reduction/management, and occupational safety.

1. Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors.
2. Improved skills related to health-promoting behaviors
3. Increased knowledge of general wellness practices

 

Mental Health and Well-Being

1. Increased knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies
2. Increased knowledge of general wellness practices 

 

 

Animal Production and Management

Animal production and management strategies encompass but are not limited to sustainable practices, health-focused care, and economic viability across all species. Activities will include programs to address and improve specific management systems and introduce new and emerging techniques, technology, and production systems for increased efficiency and profitability.? 

1. Increase skills related to efficient production methods across all species.

Evaluation:

Outcome	Increased livestock management knowledge
Indicator	Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management.
Method	Program evaluation tools / surveys
Timeline	Ongoing

 

 

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address mental health and wellbeing for youth in the community. Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of how to respond to mental health concerns. Number of youth who intend to adopt self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing. Number of youth who intend to adopt strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community. Number of youth who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in mental health and wellbeing programming.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Immediately post-program

 

Outcome	Short-term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have realized the impact animal production has in daily life.  Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production.  Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Immediate Post Program

Initial Outcome:  Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.  

Indicator: 

• Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding the safe storage, handling, preparation and/or preservation of food through Extension programs and resources.  
• Number of individuals who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew, harvested, or preserved (e.g. community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting). 

Method:  Pre/post participant evaluations 

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  

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-participation survey/evaluation results 

Timeline:  On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program

Learning Opportunities:

Audience	Adults
Project or Activity	Livestock, Beekeeping and Poultry Production
Content or Curriculum	Extension Livestock, Beekeeping, Poultry Publications
Inputs	Staff
Date(s)	Ongoing

 

 

Audience	Adults
Project or Activity	Cumberland Gap Cattle Conference
Content or Curriculum	UK, VT, UT and LMU extension publications and curriculum
Inputs	Staff and specialists from UK, VT, UT and LMU
Date(s)	Winter 2026
Audience		Youth and Adults
Project or Activity		Youth Strong: Helping Youth and Families in Times of Disaster and Stress (Club/Group/Individual)
Content or Curriculum		Youth Strong: Helping Youth and Families in Times of Disaster and Stress Guidebook. Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know, Mental Health First Aid, and National Alliance on Mental Illness.
Inputs		These programs are supported by the research base of the Cooperative Extension Land-grant system, funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc., local, state, and federal sources, grants, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and external stakeholders such as civic groups. Focus is on Youth who have experienced traumatic experiences or disasters.
Date(s)		Program Year

 

 

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Safety Day
Content or Curriculum	4-H Curriculum, Bicycle, ATV, Fire, Boating, Gun Safety.
Inputs	Staff, Agencies, Leaders, Volunteers
Date(s)	Spring

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Chicken Incubation
Content or Curriculum	Hands-on, Publications, 4-H Curriculum
Inputs	Staff, Teachers
Date(s)	Spring

Audience:  Adult and Youth

Project or Activity:  Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum:  www.planeatmove.com

Inputs:  Schools, Senior Citizens Centers, Homemakers, Local Health and Behavioral Health Centers

Date:  Ongoing, 2025-2029

Audience:    Families and Individuals

Project or Activity:  Family & Community Health

Content or Curriculum:  Publications, Presentations, Health Bulletins 

Inputs:  Staff, Community Partners, Senior Citizen Centers

Date:  Ongoing, 2025-2029

Audience:  Families and Individuals

Project or Activity:  Promoting Well-Being

Content or Curriculum:  Self-Care Program, Mindfulness Program

Inputs:  Programmatic Materials, Staff, Community Partners

Date:  Ongoing, 2025-2029

Evaluation:

Outcome	Increased livestock management knowledge
Indicator	Number of livestock producers indicating increased understanding of farm management.
Method	Program evaluation tools / surveys
Timeline	Ongoing

 

 

Outcome	Short Term
Indicator	Number of partnerships with community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals to address mental health and wellbeing for youth in the community. Number of youth who reported an increased knowledge of how to respond to mental health concerns. Number of youth who intend to adopt self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing. Number of youth who intend to adopt strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community. Number of youth who reported intended behavior change as a result of participation in mental health and wellbeing programming.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Immediately post-program

 

Outcome	Short-term
Indicator	Number of youth who reported that they have realized the impact animal production has in daily life.  Number of youth who reported that they have an interest in animal production.  Number of youth who reported that they understand animal production concepts and ideas.
Method	Survey
Timeline	Immediate Post Program

Initial Outcome:  Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.  

Indicator: 

• Number of individuals who reported increasing their knowledge, skills, or intentions regarding the safe storage, handling, preparation and/or preservation of food through Extension programs and resources.  
• Number of individuals who reported supplementing their diets with healthy foods that they grew, harvested, or preserved (e.g. community or backyard gardens, fishing, hunting). 

Method:  Pre/post participant evaluations 

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  

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-participation survey/evaluation results 

Timeline:  On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program