Fleming County CES

County Emphasis:

Health and Mental Wellness

Concentration 1:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 2:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 3:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 4:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

The health and well-being of adults and families in Kentucky are influenced by a wide range of opportunities and resources, which vary significantly across the state. Disparities in health-promoting knowledge, resources, and infrastructure contribute to higher rates of chronic health conditions and a lower quality of life. Prevention, early detection, and care are essential to maintaining or improving quality of life, yet individuals often bear the burden of navigating the healthcare system and traditional public health entities. External factors such as access to care, education, nutritious foods, and safe physical spaces also play a crucial role in health outcomes. The 2023 UK Cooperative Extension Community Assessment highlighted these issues, with "ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious foods" and "reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise" ranking among the top priorities. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, UK Extension aims to address these disparities through comprehensive health, nutrition, and wellness programming.  

  

More than ever before, people are feeling the burden of stress on their well-being. Over 1 in 5 adults in the United States lives with a mental illness, and in Kentucky, 43% of adults report signs or symptoms of anxiety or depression. Suicide is a leading cause of preventable death in Kentucky for individuals aged 10-34 and those over 59. The Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment echoed concerns over mental health and access to care, listing “improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources” as a top priority. The Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service is poised to serve as a beacon of hope by overcoming stigma, connecting people to care, and advocating for better quality of life through research and evidence-based resources.  

  

Kentucky’s youth face significant health challenges, with 41% of teenagers being obese or overweight and many experiencing low self-esteem and chronic absenteeism. Mental health challenges affect 17% of youth aged 6-17, with only 50% receiving treatment. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment identified key priorities such as improving access to mental health resources, reducing youth obesity, and minimizing bullying and school violence. Kentucky 4-H addresses these issues by creating opportunities for youth in physical, emotional, social, spiritual, and intellectual health. Programs focus on nutrition education, culinary arts, financial education, and entrepreneurship, with 69% of youth reporting improved knowledge of healthy food choices. These initiatives not only foster healthier, more resilient individuals but also contribute to the development of engaged citizens prepared to thrive in a rapidly evolving world.  

  

Substance use and substance use disorder are persistent public health problems in Kentucky, with drug overdoses surpassing car accidents as the leading cause of accidental death. About 90% of people who need treatment for substance use disorder in Kentucky do not receive it. The Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned to address the holistic needs of Kentuckians who use drugs, including mental health, fair housing, second-chance employment, nutrition, and physical health. Kentucky youth fare worse than their US counterparts in terms of numerous indicators of drug use and drug-related harm. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Needs Assessment indicated substance use prevention as a primary concern. Cooperative Extension supports evidence-based prevention programming, targeting substance use directly or indirectly by focusing on pertinent risk and protective factors and promoting overall well-being for Kentucky youth. 

County Situation:

The citizens of Fleming County need to focus on a holistic approach to wellness. Advisory councils in all program areas have a desire to address mental and physical health. With the increased trend of chronic disease and obesity in Kentucky, individuals, families, and communities need tools and supportive environments to foster healthier lifestyles. Substance abuse remains a significant issue in the community, exacerbating health challenges.  

  

The 2023 Community Assessment results for Fleming County recognized youth substance abuse awareness as a top priority to minimize usage. Additionally, the need for affordable and nutritious food was identified as the fourth top priority, while reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and exercise was the eighth top priority. The obesity epidemic threatens the quality and years of life of Kentuckians, with obese individuals at increased risk for chronic health conditions such as type 2 diabetes, heart disease, stroke, and certain cancers. The obesity rate in Fleming County rose to 38% in 2022, up from 34% in 2019   

  

Community partners work together to reverse these trends by promoting behavioral changes that will lead to improved health for Fleming County citizens. Family and Youth Development programming is essential for fostering healthy, supportive environments where both children and adults can thrive. By offering structured activities and educational workshops, UK Extension aims to build strong family bonds and equip individuals with critical life skills, addressing social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan and promoting resilience and positive relationships. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth, ultimately contributing to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities.  

  

Youth in Fleming County should have access to education and life skills in animal production, management, and environmental sciences. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service Community Needs Assessment highlights key agricultural priorities, including youth life skill training, workforce readiness, and promoting agricultural and natural resource literacy. 4-H projects help young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain content knowledge about animals through breeding or market projects. Additionally, the Kentucky 4-H Youth Development Program aims to boost environmental literacy among youth, empowering them to become proactive stewards of our planet. Through various projects and programs, young people develop life skills, learn responsibility, and gain knowledge about sustaining our natural resources, ensuring a brighter future for Kentucky’s youth. 

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

• - Increased availability and accessibility to community-based health resources 

• - Reduced rate and burden of non-communicable chronic diseases and injury 

• - Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in the 4-H Health and Well-Being Core Content Area. 

• - Increased access to mental health care and resources for all 

• - Youth will increase contributions to their communities through applying critical thinking, problem-solving, and effective communication learning in 4-H Health and Well Being. 

• - Individuals and families of all incomes levels have acces to affordable and nutritious foods 

• - Family farms become economically viable. 

• - Youth increase educational outcomes.? 

• - Reduced stigma related to adult substance use 

• - Improved quality of life 

• - Reduced stigma related to youth substance use 

Intermediate Outcomes:

• - Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention  

• - Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder   

• - Youth will practice making wise nutrition choices.  

• - Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.  

• - Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies 

Initial Outcomes:

- Increased confidence making decisions related to substance use (i.e. substance use refusal skills) 

- Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., exercise, healthy nutrition, positive coping, etc.).? 

- Youth will learn how to make wise nutrition choices. 

- Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation. 

- 4-H members will practice general wellness habits. 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants will increase their knowledge of heart-healthy habits, including nutrition, physical activity, and blood pressure management. 

Indicator: Number and percentage of participants who identify at least two heart-healthy behaviors they can adopt after attending the event. 

Method: Short written interactive reflection activity at the end of the event 

Timeline: Data collected at the conclusion of the Heart Health Wellness Event; reviewed and summarized within 1–2 weeks. 

Intermediate Outcome:  Farmers will have the opportunity to have general health screenings, vision check, and respiratory FIT testing. 

Indicator:  Number of farmers that attend and take advantage of these free screenings, additionally if any medical issues are alerted due to the free event.  Number of farmers that adopt new healthy habitat such as wearing a wide brim hat while cutting hay to reduce risk of skin cancer to the face.  

Method:  Pre-event survey and follow-up survey  

Timeline:  At time of registration (pre-survey) and 6 months to 1 year after conclusion of event.

Long-term Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in identifying risky behavior

Indicator: Number of youth that report utilizing the skills in identifying risk behaviors and handling stress

Method: Follow up survey

Timeline: Sophomore Year (1 year after conclusion of the event)

Learning Opportunities:

Audience	Farmers
Project or Activity	Barnyard Theater
Content or Curriculum	Farmer Dinner Theater Materials; UK Nursing; UK Specialists Presentations
Inputs	Community Partners; UK Nursing; UK Specialists; ANR & Hort Agents
Date(s)	November

 

 

Audience	Farmers
Project or Activity	Farmers Market Education Program
Content or Curriculum	UK Specialist Presentations; Produce Best Practices Training Material; Senior/WIC FMNP Training Materials
Inputs	ANR & Hort Agents; UK Specialists
Date(s)	February-May

 

 

Audience	Community Members/Food Pantry Volunteers
Project or Activity	Harm Reduction
Content or Curriculum	Evidence-based approach that is critical engaging with people who use substances and equipping them with tools and information to create a positive change in someone’s life.
Inputs	Community Partners, Regional Prevention Center
Date(s)	June

 

 

Audience	Youth, Ages 8-12
Project or Activity	Adventure Day Camp
Content or Curriculum	Farmers Market education, Cooking, Fleming County History Museum, Fishing
Inputs	Chamber of Commerce, Community Partners
Date(s)	July

 

 

Audience	Community Members
Project or Activity	Pressure Canning
Content or Curriculum	UK Publications, UK presentation, Hands on Workshop Pressure Canning
Inputs	Greenup County FCS Agent
Date(s)	June

 

 

 

Audience	Community Members
Project or Activity	Heart Health and Wellness Event
Content or Curriculum	UK Extension Specialist Information, UK Publications, Plan Eat Move Recipes
Inputs	UK Extension Specialist, Fleming County Health Department, Kynect, Chamber of Commerce
Date(s)	February

 

 

Audience	FCHS Freshman
Project or Activity	Truth or Consequences
Content or Curriculum	UK FCS Truth & Consequences
Inputs	UK Extension Specialist, FRYSC, YSC, Extension Agents, Community Partners
Date(s)	March

 

 

Audience	4-H Members
Project or Activity	4-H Camp
Content or Curriculum	Kentucky 4-H Camping Program
Inputs	4-H Camp Staff, Agents, Extension Specialists, Community Volunteers
Date(s)	May-August (TBD)

 

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Veggies Make Cents
Content or Curriculum	4-H FCS Curriculum
Inputs	Extension Agents, Fleming County Farmers Market Vendors, Community Volunteers
Date(s)	July

 

Evaluation:

Initial Outcome: Participants will increase their knowledge of heart-healthy habits, including nutrition, physical activity, and blood pressure management. 

Indicator: Number and percentage of participants who identify at least two heart-healthy behaviors they can adopt after attending the event. 

Method: Short written interactive reflection activity at the end of the event 

Timeline: Data collected at the conclusion of the Heart Health Wellness Event; reviewed and summarized within 1–2 weeks. 

Intermediate Outcome:  Farmers will have the opportunity to have general health screenings, vision check, and respiratory FIT testing. 

Indicator:  Number of farmers that attend and take advantage of these free screenings, additionally if any medical issues are alerted due to the free event.  Number of farmers that adopt new healthy habitat such as wearing a wide brim hat while cutting hay to reduce risk of skin cancer to the face.  

Method:  Pre-event survey and follow-up survey  

Timeline:  At time of registration (pre-survey) and 6 months to 1 year after conclusion of event.

Long-term Outcome: Youth will gain knowledge and develop skills in identifying risky behavior

Indicator: Number of youth that report utilizing the skills in identifying risk behaviors and handling stress

Method: Follow up survey

Timeline: Sophomore Year (1 year after conclusion of the event)