To promote a sense of community, connection, and resilience in our county by providing resources for mental health and well-being. Plan of Work
Henry County CES
County Emphasis:
To promote a sense of community, connection, and resilience in our county by providing resources for mental health and well-being.
Concentration 1:
Connected & Resilient Communities
Concentration 2:
Financial Security and Economic Well-Being
Concentration 3:
Family and Youth Development
Concentration 4:
Mental Health and Well-Being
Situation:
Stress and mental health issues are increasingly impacting well-being, with 1 in 5 U.S. adults experiencing mental illness and 43% of Kentuckians reporting anxiety or depression. Suicide remains a leading preventable cause of death, particularly among young people and older adults. The 2023 Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment highlighted the need for better access to mental health resources and education on recognizing mental health challenges. Cooperative Extension is equipped to reduce stigma, connect people to care, and advocate for improved resources. Additionally, programs that promote family well-being, digital literacy, and economic resilience address key needs, helping strengthen communities, support local economies, and enhance financial security in Kentucky.
Economic uncertainty in Kentucky, due to job market changes and agricultural shifts, affects youth through unstable family environments. Despite job growth in hospitality, retail, and tourism, Kentucky faces rising unemployment. The 2023 Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment highlights the need for financial literacy, youth life skill training, and workforce readiness. Kentucky 4-H supports youth by developing essential skills like leadership, communication, and civic engagement, preparing them for future success. Additionally, mental health challenges affect 17% of Kentucky youth, with 50% receiving treatment. 4-H’s evidence-based programs focus on positive mental health, resilience, and decision-making, empowering youth to thrive and contribute to stronger, connected communities.
County Situation:
To promote a sense of community, connection, and resilience in our county by providing resources for mental health and well-being.
Long-Term Outcomes:
- Reduced incidence of mental health crises and suicide
- Increased access to mental health care and resources for all
- Increased digital access improves economic and educational opportunities.
- Communities recover faster from disasters/economic disruptions
- 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.
Intermediate Outcomes:
- Increased use of self-care and other coping strategies
- Increased advocacy for mental health and well being resources
- Increased partnerships (number or strength) to address mental health and well being issues within the community.
- More citizens adopt digital tools for work and daily life.
- Communities implement disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
- More public spaces are revitalized for community engagement.
- 4-H members will practice general wellness habits.
- Increased self-reflection and exploration of personal values and beliefs related to mental health and well being among 4-Hers
Initial Outcomes:
- Increased knowledge of self-care and other coping strategies
- Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources.
- Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies.
- Increased ability to use de-stigmatized language.
- Improved attitudes and beliefs towards healthy habits and practices among 4-Hers.
- Increased knowledge of positive mental health practices
Evaluation:
Initial 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
Intermediate 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
Long-term Outcome:
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.
Method: Survey
Timeline: Immediately post program
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources (short term)
Indicator: Number of participants demonstrating increased confidence or skills in using digital tools (e.g., online banking, telehealth, online applications, or virtual platforms) after completing Extension training programs
Method: Post-participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains).
Timeline: Collected immediately after program participation.
Intermediate Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (short term)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.
Method: Pre- and post-training survey.
Timeline: Collected before and after each session.
Learning Opportunities:
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
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
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: 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: Ongoing; 2025-2029
Audience: Individuals
Project or Activity: Digital Literacy Initiatives
Content or Curriculum: Digital Literacy curriculum, Kentucky By the Numbers, CEDIK data profiles, publications, training, continuing education
Inputs:Programmatic materials, training, mentoring, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profits, etc.
Date: Ongoing; 2025-2029
Audience: Individuals
Project or Activity: Emergency Preparedness, Response, and Recovery
Content or Curriculum: EDEN materials, KHERN publications, trainings, continuing education
Inputs:Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, etc
Date: Ongoing; 2025-2029
Evaluation:
Initial 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
Intermediate 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
Long-term Outcome:
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.
Method: Survey
Timeline: Immediately post program
Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge of digital tools and online resources (short term)
Indicator: Number of participants demonstrating increased confidence or skills in using digital tools (e.g., online banking, telehealth, online applications, or virtual platforms) after completing Extension training programs
Method: Post-participation survey (self-assessment of learning gains).
Timeline: Collected immediately after program participation.
Intermediate Outcome: Improved understanding of disaster preparedness and recovery strategies (short term)
Indicator: Number of participants who reported that they intend to develop an emergency plan or preparedness kit after completing an Extension disaster training.
Method: Pre- and post-training survey.
Timeline: Collected before and after each session.
- Acting Associate Dean & Director — Craig Wood, Ph.D.
- S107 Ag. Science Center North
- Lexington, KY 40546-0091
- +1 (859) 257-4302
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