Supporting Mental Health, Substance Use Prevention and Recovery in Nelson CountyPlan of Work
Nelson County CES
County Emphasis:
Supporting Mental Health, Substance Use Prevention and Recovery in Nelson County
Concentration 1:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Concentration 2:
Mental Health and Well-Being
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 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.
Mental Health and Well-Being
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:
According to the Lincoln Trail District Health Department Nelson County Quantitative Findings, Nelson County ranks higher than national averages in several negative social determinants of health. These include the violent crime rate, physical inactivity, smoking, binge drinking, drug arrests, obesity, and teen pregnancy. Causes of death that are higher than national average include: accidental deaths, drug overdoes, cerebrovascular, chronic lower respiratory, coronary heart disease, car crash fatalities, suicides, and cancer.
At 683:1 the number of mental health providers in Nelson County is well below the national average of 338-1. Some families are waiting months for appointments to address mental health needs.
According to Kentucky by the Numbers, 10% of seniors 65+ are living alone. 17.7% of adults report 14 or more poor mental health days per month.
From 2018-2022, there were 83 fatal drug overdoses, 712 emergency department nonfatal drug overdoses and 166 that required inpatient hospitalization. Over this same period, over 2,200 individual were diagnosed with substance use disorders.
The Nelson County Family and Consumer Sciences & 4-H Advisory Council and the Nelson County Extension Council assisted in the development of the Plan of Work by participating and promoting the community needs assessment. They reviewed the results and compared the results to secondary data sources. The groups worked closely with the Nelson County Cooperative Extension Agents to prioritize community education needs based on findings and group discussions.
Long-Term Outcomes:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Adult
- Increased recovery capital
- Reduced adult substance use
- Reduced adult substance use disorder
- Reduced adult overdose fatalities
- Reduced stigma related to adult substance use
- Improved quality of life
Youth
- Improved social and emotional competency
- Reduced youth substance use
- Reduced youth substance use disorder
- Reduced youth overdose fatalities
- Reduced stigma related to youth substance use
- Improved quality of life
Mental Health and Well-Being
Adult
- Reduced incidence of mental health crises and suicide
- Increased access to mental health care and resources for all
Youth
- Kentucky 4-H members report a reduced number of youth that are considering suicide.
- Increased number of 4-Hers who pursue mental health & well-being employment.
- Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in 4-H Health and Well Being.
Intermediate Outcomes:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Adult
- Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based recovery capital-building programs
- 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
Mental Health and Well-Being
Adult
- Increased use of de-stigmatized language
- Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies
- Increased advocacy for mental health and wellbeing resources
- Increased partnerships (number or strength) to address mental health and wellbeing issues within the community
Youth
- 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.
- Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to mental health and wellbeing among 4-Hers.
Initial Outcomes:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Adult
Substance use prevention and recovery behaviors for adults include, but are not limited to, pro-social activity, employability, building supportive networks, healthy coping and stress management, and mental health support.
- 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.).
Youth
Substance use prevention and recovery behaviors for youth include, but are not limited to, pro-social activity, positively relating to parents and other non-parental adults, building supportive networks, healthy coping and stress management, substance use refusal self-efficacy, and peer pressure management.
- 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.).
Mental Health and Well-Being
Adult
- Increased ability to recognize and respond to a mental health concern
- Increased ability to use de-stigmatized language
- Increased knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies
- Increased knowledge of mental health and well-being resources (interpersonal and community-based)
Youth
- Increased knowledge of positive mental health practices
- 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
Adult
Outcome: Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder (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
Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery (initial)
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).
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 (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).
Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased ability to use destigmatized language
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time
Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).
Indicator:
- Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills (ST)
- 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)
Youth
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
Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery (initial)
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
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 confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased ability to use destigmatized language
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time
Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).
Indicator:
- Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills (ST)
- 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)
Mental Health and Well-Being
Adult
Outcome: Increased partnerships (number or strength) 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 and well-being in the community.
Method: Agent record of community partnerships utilized in programming
Timeline: Ongoing; Each partnership should be reported once per reporting interval
Outcome: Increased ability to recognize and respond to a mental health concern
Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of how to respond to mental health concerns.
Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results
Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program
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
Outcome: Increased knowledge of mental health and well-being resources (interpersonal and community-based)
Indicator: Number of participants who intend to adopt strategies to support or promote mental health and well-being in their community
Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results
Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program
Outcome: Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies
Indicator: Number of participants who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being.
Method: Follow-up survey/evaluation results
Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program
Outcome: Increased advocacy for mental health and wellbeing resources
Indicator: Number of participants who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and well-being in their community.
Method: Follow-up survey/evaluation results
Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program
Youth
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: Medium Term
Indicator:
- Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Number of youth who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community.
- 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
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method: Survey or Interview
Timeline: 1+ years
Learning Opportunities:
Adult
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Addiction Education
Content or Curriculum: Publications, Addiction 101, Harm Reduction 101
Inputs: Programmatic materials, community partners, ASAP Boards and Community Coalitions, residential treatment centers, detention centers, healthcare providers, clergy, and healthcare providers
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Stigma Reduction
Content or Curriculum: Publications, Language Matters, Addiction 101 Engaging People with Lived Experience (Testimonies), Mind Art Recovery Kentucky
Inputs: Programmatic materials, community partners, ASAP Boards and Community Coalitions, residential treatment centers, detention centers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and clergy
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Recovery Capital Building
Content or Curriculum: Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body (HCYRB), Recovering Your Finances (RYF), Recovery Gardens, Positive Employability, Question. Persuade. Refer (QPR), Mind Art Recovery Kentucky
Inputs: Programmatic materials, community partners, ASAP Boards and Community Coalitions, residential treatment centers, detention centers, healthcare providers, law enforcement, and clergy
Date: Ongoing
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, community partners, grant funding, elected officials, health coalitions, and other key stakeholders
Date: Ongoing
Youth
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: Ongoing
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Positive Youth Development
Content or Curriculum: Health Rocks, Positive Employability, Mindful Mechanics, Get Experience in Mindfulness (GEM), Social/Emotional Health-Focused Programming
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, schools and school staff
Date: Ongoing
Audience: Communities
Project or Activity: Community-Based Substance Use Prevention
Content or Curriculum: Substance Use Prevention Education (i.e. Addiction 101, Ad Hoc Webinars, etc.), Engaging People with Lived Experience (testimonies), Strengthening Families
Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, elected officials, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, and faith-based organizations
Date: Ongoing
Adult
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Mental Health Education Programming
Content or Curriculum: Adult Mental Health First Aid, QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer), CODE RED, ACT (Awareness, Communication, and Triage and Treat) for Farm Families, Understanding and Coping with Trauma after Natural Disasters, After the Storm, Blue to You
Inputs: Programmatic materials, state specialist support, staff training, facilities, community partners (health coalitions, schools, local non-profits, etc.) UK Healthcare mental health resources, 988 community resources.
Date: Ongoing; 2025-2029
Audience: Families and Individuals
Project or Activity: Promoting Well-being
Content or Curriculum: MARK (Mind, Art, Recovery, Kentucky), Take a Beat: Healing Hearts and Minds, Handling Farm Stress: A Workshop for New and Beginning Farmers, Mindfulness Trails, Yoga-ta Try This (KEHA lesson), Self-care programming, Mindfulness programming, Recovery Gardens, Mental Health and Wellbeing Series, The Mind-Body Connection
Inputs: Programmatic materials, state specialist support, staff training, facilities, community partners (health coalitions, schools, local non-profits, etc.) UK Healthcare mental health resources, 988 community resources.
Date: Ongoing; 2025-2029
Audience: Communities
Project or Activity: Mental Health Access and Advocacy
Content or Curriculum: BARN (Bringing Awareness Right Now) Farm Dinner Theater, Pathways to Wellness, Building and Maintaining Health Coalitions
Inputs: Programmatic materials, state specialist support, staff training, facilities, community partners (health coalitions, schools, local non-profits, etc.), UK Healthcare mental health resources, 988 community resources.
Date: Ongoing; 2025-2029
Youth
Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity: Behavioral Health Fellowship
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from the University of Kentucky College of Social Work’s master of social work program. All curriculum pieces focus on social work practices that include mental health, communication, and community engagement.
Inputs: These programs are supported by the research base of the Martin-Gatton of Agriculture, Food, and Environment, Cooperative Extension, and College of Social Work, funding is provided by the College of Social Work and Cooperative Extension, state and federal sources, and the engagement of volunteers, youth, communities, and students.
Date: Academic Year
Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity: Community, Access & Engagement Programs
Content or Curriculum: 4-H LIFE utilizes the curriculum Essential Elements which is sourced from Shop 4-H. Additional curriculum and content is sourced from Shop 4-H and other Land Grant Systems. Content for Adelante 4-H has been developed by the Land Grant System and sourced from other Land Grant systems. Content for Jr. MANRRS is sourced from the MANRRS society. All curriculum and content focuses on building community, as well as increasing access and engagement of youth.
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.
Date: Program Year
Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity: 4-H State Task Forces
Content or Curriculum: Curriculum is sourced from Shop 4-H and the Land Grant System, focuses on health and wellbeing. Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know, Mental Health First Aid, National Alliance on Mental Illness, and Youth Strong: Helping Youth and Families in Times of Disaster and Stress
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.
Date: Program Year
Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
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: Program Year
Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity: Your Feelings Matter (Club/Group/Individual)
Content or Curriculum: Your Feelings Matter Curriculum. 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 Grades 4-8.
Date: Program Year
Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity: Your Thoughts Matter (Club/Group/Individual)
Content or Curriculum: Your Thoughts Matter Curriculum. 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 Grades 7-12.
Date: Program Year
Audience: 4-Hers, Extension Professionals, Clientele
Project or Activity: Mental Health First Aid
Content or Curriculum: Mental Health First Aid (Youth). Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know, 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 Adults working with youth.
Date: Program Year
Evaluation:
Substance Use Prevention and Recovery
Adult
Outcome: Increased knowledge about addiction as a chronic disorder (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
Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery (initial)
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).
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 (ST) and follow-up survey (BC).
Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased ability to use destigmatized language
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time
Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).
Indicator:
- Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills (ST)
- 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)
Youth
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
Outcome: Increased awareness of community resources to support prevention and recovery (initial)
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
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 confidence and motivation to use destigmatized language (intermediate)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased ability to use destigmatized language
Method: Self-reported surveys
Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time
Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.). (Short-term, ST, and Intermediate, BC).
Indicator:
- Number of participants who reported that they intend to use self-care strategies to improve their recovery and/or substance refusal skills (ST)
- 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)
Mental Health and Well-Being
Adult
Outcome: Increased partnerships (number or strength) 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 and well-being in the community.
Method: Agent record of community partnerships utilized in programming
Timeline: Ongoing; Each partnership should be reported once per reporting interval
Outcome: Increased ability to recognize and respond to a mental health concern
Indicator: Number of participants who reported an increased knowledge of how to respond to mental health concerns.
Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results
Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program
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
Outcome: Increased knowledge of mental health and well-being resources (interpersonal and community-based)
Indicator: Number of participants who intend to adopt strategies to support or promote mental health and well-being in their community
Method: Post-participation survey/evaluation results
Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered immediately after a program
Outcome: Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies
Indicator: Number of participants who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and well-being.
Method: Follow-up survey/evaluation results
Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program
Outcome: Increased advocacy for mental health and wellbeing resources
Indicator: Number of participants who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and well-being in their community.
Method: Follow-up survey/evaluation results
Timeline: On-going; Surveys should be administered at least 3-6 months after a program
Youth
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: Medium Term
Indicator:
- Number of youth who adopted self-care strategies to improve their own mental health and wellbeing.
- Number of youth who adopted strategies to support or promote mental health and wellbeing in their community.
- 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
Outcome: Long Term
Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study.
Method: Survey or Interview
Timeline: 1+ years
- Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
- S107 Ag. Science Center North
- Lexington, KY 40546-0091
- +1 (859) 257-4302
© 2024 University of Kentucky, Martin-Gatton College of Agriculture, Food and Environment