Christian County CES

County Emphasis:

Well-being and Mentorship

Concentration 1:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 2:

Family and Youth Development

Concentration 3:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 4:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

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. 

 

1. 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 equipping young people and older adults with critical life skills. Guided by the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being, our programming also addresses social and emotional needs throughout the lifespan, promoting resilience and positive relationships which are two of the key concerns identified in the top 15 needs of Kentucky’s statewide needs assessment. Investing in such programs can prevent future challenges by supporting early intervention and personal growth. Ultimately, these initiatives contribute to the well-being of individuals and the stability of communities, making them a vital component of social development. 

2. 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. 

 

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. 

 

 

County Situation:

County Situation Statement: Christian County, Kentucky 

Overview 

Christian County, Kentucky, with a population of approximately 71,000, faces significant challenges in health, mental health, substance use, and youth mentorship. Addressing these issues is crucial for enhancing community well-being and fostering a resilient future. 

 

Health and Access to Care 

• Health Insurance Coverage: As of 2023, 86.8% of individuals aged 19–64 in Christian County have health insurance, which is below both the Kentucky average of 92.3% and the national average of 89%.  

• Healthcare Access: The county has a high patient-to-provider ratio, with primary care physicians seeing an average of 1,588 patients per year. Mental health providers see 199 patients annually, indicating limited access to mental health services.  

• Health Outcomes: In 2023, the child mortality rate in Christian County was 91.3 per 100,000 population, highlighting concerns about child health and safety.  

 

Mental Health and Substance Use 

• Mental Health Challenges: The limited number of mental health providers per capita suggests a gap in mental health services, potentially leading to unmet needs in the community.  

• Substance Use: In 2023, Christian County reported 14 drug overdose deaths, with fentanyl and methamphetamine being the most prevalent substances involved.  

 

Youth Mentorship and Community Support 

• Youth Demographics: Approximately 28.5% of Christian County's population is under 18 years old, indicating a substantial youth demographic that could benefit from mentorship programs.  

• Educational Attainment: About 86.9% of individuals aged 25 and over have graduated high school, and 20% hold a bachelor's degree or higher. These figures suggest a need for programs that support educational advancement and career readiness among youth.  

 

Conclusion 

Christian County faces significant challenges in health, mental health, substance use, and youth development. Addressing these issues through targeted services and mentorship programs is essential for improving community well-being and fostering a healthier, more resilient population. 

 

 

Long-Term Outcomes:

Adult 

• Routinely meeting guidelines and recommendations for health behaviors that promote wellness and quality of life 

• 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 

• Increased meaningful social connections 

• Increased support network 

• Increased kindergarten readiness rates in the county and state 

• Increased caregiver preparation 

• Improved quality of family life 

• Reduced incidence of mental health crises and suicide 

• Increased access to mental health care and resources for all 

• 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 

     

• Increased number of 4-Hers who pursue employment in the health and wellbeing field.  

• 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. 

• 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. 

• 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 

 

 

 

Intermediate Outcomes:

Adult 

Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety  

Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy community, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together.  

Enhanced community partnership that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)  

Increased use of de-sigmatized 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  

Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based recovery capital-building programs  

Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder  

  

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 practice general wellness habits.      

Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to mental health and wellbeing among 4-Hers.  

Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs  

Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention  

 

 

 

Initial Outcomes:

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 confidence and motivation to reduce loneliness and social isolation. 

• Improved skills related to nurturing parenting and caregiver support 

• Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g., reading to your child, spending time together, self-care, caregiver preparation, active living) 

• 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) 

• 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 

• 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 

• 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 

• 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.). 

 

Evaluation:

Outcome	Enhanced community partnerships that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)(intermediate)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported seeking support from local community organizations and/or its individual members.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time

 

Outcome	Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy communication, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together. (intermediate)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported they enhanced healthy relationships.  Number of participants who reported that they extended any type of support to another parent, grandparent, older adult, or relative raising a child.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress.

 

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 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 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

Outcome	Increased development on sewing machine and sewing skills (intermediate)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported seeking support from local community organizations and/or its individual members.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture growth over time

Learning Opportunities:

Audience	Families and Individuals
Project or Activity	Brain Health & Social Connections
Content or Curriculum	Wits Workouts
Inputs	Programmatic materials, meeting space
Date(s)	Ongoing- Monthly (2nd Monday)

 

Audience	Primary Students
Project or Activity	Empathy and Caring
Content or Curriculum	Understanding Disabilities
Inputs	School partnerships, programmatic materials
Date(s)	Ongoing- During School Year

 

Audience	Individuals
Project or Activity	Life Simplified Podcast
Content or Curriculum
Inputs	Programmatic research, podcasting equipement, editing software
Date(s)	Ongoing- Weekly

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Teen Leadership Council- Ft. Campbell
Content or Curriculum
Inputs
Date(s)	Ongoing- Weekly

 

Audience	Youth
Project or Activity	Junior Homemakers Lessons
Content or Curriculum	Social Connections,
Inputs	Volunteers, programmatic materials
Date(s)	Ongoing- Monthly During School

 

 

Audience	Adults
Project or Activity	Homemakers Leader Lessons
Content or Curriculum
Inputs	Programmatic materials
Date(s)	Ongoing- Monthly

 

Audience	New and Expecting Parents
Project or Activity	World’s Greatest Baby Shower
Content or Curriculum
Inputs	Partnerships with community partners (FYRCs Directors, Health Department, Extension Specialists), educational publications
Date(s)	Annually- Spring

 

Audience	Adults and Youth
Project or Activity	Resource Identification/Suicide Prevention
Content or Curriculum	Code Red
Inputs	Community partnerships, programmatic materials
Date(s)	As Requested

 

Audience	Individuals/Community Groups
Project or Activity	Mental Health Crisis Prevention
Content or Curriculum	Mental Health First Aid- Adult
Inputs	Community partnerships, programmatic materials
Date(s)	As Requested

 

Audience	Individuals/Groups
Project or Activity	Emotionally Intelligent Leadership
Content or Curriculum	Positive Employability, FCS Publications
Inputs	Programmatic materials
Date(s)	Annually

 

Audience	Individuals
Project or Activity	Soft Skills, Recovery Capital
Content or Curriculum	Positive Employability
Inputs	Partnership, programmatic materials
Date(s)	Ongoing- Monthly

 

Audience	Recovery Community
Project or Activity	Recovery & Therapy Garden
Content or Curriculum	Gardening publications
Inputs	Volunteers, programmatic materials
Date(s)	Monthly

 

Audience	Recovery Communities (Challenge House, Trilogy, Grace and Mercy)
Project or Activity	Recovery Capital
Content or Curriculum	NEP Materials, Recovering Your Finances
Inputs	Partnerships, programmatic materials
Date(s)	Ongoing- Monthly
Audience	Individuals and Families
Project or Activity	Mindfulness
Content or Curriculum	Mindfulness Trail
Inputs	Outdoor space, signs, community partners, programmatic materials
Date(s)	Annual

 

Audience	Preschoolers
Project or Activity	Kindergarten Readiness
Content or Curriculum	Laugh & Learn Playdates, LEAP
Inputs	School partnerships, programmatic materials
Date(s)	Ongoing- Monthly

Audience	4-H Youth
Project or Activity	4-H Sewing
Content or Curriculum	Home Environment
Inputs	Programmatic materials, meeting space
Date(s)	Ongoing- Monthly

Evaluation:

Outcome	Enhanced community partnerships that equitably support family health (e.g., FRISC, Health Depart., DAIL, AAA,)(intermediate)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported seeking support from local community organizations and/or its individual members.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture behavior change over time

 

Outcome	Increased healthy relationships across generations that support healthy communication, nurturing behaviors, and quality time together. (intermediate)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported they enhanced healthy relationships.  Number of participants who reported that they extended any type of support to another parent, grandparent, older adult, or relative raising a child.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress.

 

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 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 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

Outcome	Increased development on sewing machine and sewing skills (intermediate)
Indicator	Number of participants who reported seeking support from local community organizations and/or its individual members.
Method	Self-reported surveys
Timeline	Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture growth over time