Carter County CES

County Emphasis:

Healthy Living and Wellness

Concentration 1:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 2:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 3:

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

Concentration 4:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

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.

 

Health and Wellbeing

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.

 

Food Safety, Quality, and Access

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.

With the goal of increasing the consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables, the Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) aims to increase access to fresh food, as well as increase knowledge and awareness of how to select, store, safely prepare, process, and preserve these foods. CES prioritizes statewide partnership development that helps us meet our goals and objectives. We collaborate with statewide agencies including Kentucky Department of Agriculture, Community Farm Alliance, KY Farm to School Network, Kentucky Department of Fish & Wildlife and others to help build statewide systems that increase access and usage of fresh fruits and vegetables. These programs benefit Kentuckians because they support food access policy, systems and environmental changes in communities and across the state. They increase knowledge of how to grow, prepare, and preserve fresh fruits and vegetables.

 

Youth Focus

Kentucky faces significant health and economic challenges, with five of the top ten causes of death being nutrition-related. According to the Obesity Action Coalition the cost of obesity reached $36.31 billion. The rapidly changing social and economic landscape underscores the need for a healthy, productive, and engaged young people to contribute to a prepared workforce and engaged community to tackle these challenges. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension System's 2023 Community Needs Assessment identifies critical priorities, including access to affordable nutritious food, reducing youth obesity through improved nutrition and exercise, and enhancing youth wellbeing through effective coping strategies. Kentucky 4-H plays a crucial role in addressing these needs by equipping young people with essential skills in nutrition, culinary arts, financial education, and entrepreneurship. 69% of youth reported that they learned about healthy food choices in 4-H. 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.

 

Substance Use 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.

County Situation:

Carter County has a 19.3% rate of food insecurity.

23.4% of Carter County residents reported to be in poor health.

In the last three years 1,172 emergency room visits have been overdose related and 65 reported fatal overdoses.

The needs assessment in Carter County resulted in access to nutritious foods, mental health and wellness, and substance use all tying as the number one issue.

The FCS Advisory Council and the County Extension Council took the data provided, their own experiences, and identified the county emphasis based on the greatest needs in Carter County.  Substance Use and Recovery, Food Safety, Quality, and Access, Health/ Mental Health and Wellbeing as top priorities were identified. They brainstormed specific groups and programs to achieve long term outcomes.

Long-Term Outcomes:

Mental Health and Wellbeing

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.

Health and Wellbeing

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
• Reduced rate and burden of non-communicable chronic diseases and injury
• Decreased health disparity prevalence in Kentucky counties
• 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.

Food Safety, Quality, Access Adult

• Individuals and families of all income levels have access to affordable and nutritious foods
• Family farms become economically viable.
• Kentucky’s local food and agriculture industry are thriving.
• Decrease in the number of Kentuckians with chronic health conditions such as diabetes, obesity and cardiovascular disease.
• More Kentuckians routinely met the guidelines for the consumption of (locally-grown) fresh fruits and vegetables.

Substance Use 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

Intermediate Outcomes:

Mental Health and Wellbeing

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.

Health and Wellbeing

Adult

• Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family, community, and occupational health and safety
• Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health or safety issues
• Increased organizational/site/community support for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health or safety issues

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 increase physical activity.

Food Safety, Quality, Access Adult

• Increase and/or strengthen statewide and regional partnership to address community food system issues.
• Increased production of Kentucky-grown food and increased market opportunities for those products.
• Increase in the number of farmers’ markets and local food retailers that accept one or more food benefits as payment.
• Improved dietary habits through: consumption of more fruits and vegetables, a variety of proteins and the number of meals prepared at home.
• Increased number of entrepreneurial food businesses.

Substance Use and Recovery

• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based recovery capital-building programs
• Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder

 

Initial Outcomes:

Mental Health and Wellbeing

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.  

Health and Wellbeing

Adult

• Increased knowledge of general wellness practices
• 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.
  • 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

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

Food Safety, Quality, Access Adult

• Increased awareness of and use of Food Connection Programs: Value Chain Coordinators, TFC Learning Kitchen, and Cultivate KY resources.
• Increased awareness of Extension resources and programs supporting food access.
• Improved skills related to safe food preparation and food preservation.
• Increased participation in Homebased Microprocessing workshops.
• Increased awareness and accessibility of community resources available to access fresh foods.
• Increase the number of partnerships and/or coalitions involved in promoting awareness of local food systems, healthy eating, and active living (e.g. Program councils, Health Advisory Boards, etc.).

 

Substance Use and Recovery

• 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.). 

Evaluation:

Adult

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings) (initial)

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: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family and community health (e.g., physical activity, consuming nutritious foods, routine vaccinations and screenings) (intermediate)

Indicator: 

• Number of physical activity minutes recorded by a participant
• Number of participants who reported consuming more nutritious foods and/or beverages
• Number of participants who reported a change in a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture change over time

 

Long Term Outcome: Strengthened partnerships to address community health issues and behaviors

Indicator: Number of community partners (community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals) worked with to offer health and well-being programming in the community

Method: Agent record of community partnerships utilized in programming, interviews, and observations

Timeline: Ongoing; Each partnership should be reported once per reporting period

 

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 from: NEP agent-led curricula, Food Preservation

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey)

 

Long-term Outcome: Increase the number of partnerships and/or coalitions involved in promoting awareness of local food systems, health eating, and active living (e.g. Program councils, Health Advisory Boards, etc.)

Indicator: 

• Number of policy, systems, and/or environmental changes implemented within communities and organizations to promote active living, and healthy eating, including local food production and/or hunting/foraging and consumption (e.g. local food pantry can accept fresh foods or local game; starting/revitalizing a school or community garden; starting a walking club, etc.). 
• Number of individuals who were introduced to health food access points (e.g. farmers markets, CSAs, WIC, food pantries) through Extension programs or resources.

Method: Food Systems Impact Survey, planeatmove.com website data, NEP resources distributed;

Timeline: Annual, fiscal year (Food Systems Impact Survey)

 

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 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: 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:

Audience: Families and Individuals

Project or Activity: Family & Community Health

Content or Curriculum: Publications, presentations, trainings, demonstrations, Health Bulletins, Pathways to Wellness, resources for early care and education settings, Health Literacy for the Win, Health Family Guides, Healthy Homemakers, Vaccine and on-site clinic opportunities, chronic disease prevention programs and materials, health fairs, hygiene education

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, health coalitions, healthcare providers, health departments, non-profits, faith-based organizations, schools, company health & wellness, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

 

Audience: Families & Individuals

Project or Activity: Physical Activity

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Faithful Families, Story Walks, Health and wellness Ambassadors, Shared Space Agreements, Health Coalitions, WIN, Health Partners, Bingocize, Walk Your Way, Families on the Move, County Walking Challenges, Mindfulness Trails, Fit Tips, Hiking for Health

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, health coalitions, healthcare providers, health department, non-profits, schools, company health & wellness, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing/seasonal

 

Audience: Families & Individuals

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Faithful Families, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Cook Wild Ky, Food as Health Toolkit, Recovery Garden Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials,

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organization, health coalitions, healthcare Providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, company health and wellness, Homemakers, farmers’ markets, local farms/growers/producers, commodity groups, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

 

Audience: Individuals and Families

Project or Activity: Nutrition Education

Content or Curriculum: Nutrition Education Program, SNAP-Ed toolkit, Publications, Faithful Families, Cook Together Eat Together, Savor the Flavor, Dining with Diabetes, Plate it up! Kentucky Proud, Food as Health Toolkit, Family Mealtime, maternal and child health program materials, www.planeatmove.com, Super Star Chef, Farm to School, Hunger in Kentucky

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, faith-based organizations, health coalitions, healthcare Providers and local clinics, health department, non-profits, schools, company health & wellness, 4-H, Homemakers, farmers’ markets, local farmers/growers/producers, commodity groups, community centers, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

 

Audience: Individuals in the community, Students, Homemaker Members

Project or Activity: Food Preservation and Preparation

Content or Curriculum: Publications, Savor the Flavor, Super Star Chef

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, facilities, health department, State of Kentucky, KDA, non-profits, schools, faith-based organizations, Homemakers, community centers, farmers’ markets, etc. 

Dates: Ongoing

 

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: Individuals and Families

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

 

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: September - August

 

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: September - August

 

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: September - August

 

Audience: Low Income Audiences 

Project or Activity: Senior & WIC Farmer Market Vouchers

Content or Curriculum: KDA & WIC Publications, Plate it Up & SNAP Recipes 

Inputs: WIC & KDA Staff, Extension Staff, Farmer’s Market Vendors  

Date: March – October 

 

Audience: Youth 

Project or Activity: Farmer’s Market Kid’s Days 

Content or Curriculum: Farmer’s Market, 4-H, Plate it Up & SNAP Recipes 

Inputs: Extension Staff, Farmer’s Market Vendors, Kid’s Buck Sponsor 

Date: July-August

 

Evaluation:

Adult

Initial Outcome: Increased knowledge about health-promoting behaviors (e.g., how to prepare nutritious foods, benefits of routine vaccinations/screenings) (initial)

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: Observation by Agent or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration 

 

Intermediate Outcome: Increased health-promoting behaviors that support family and community health (e.g., physical activity, consuming nutritious foods, routine vaccinations and screenings) (intermediate)

Indicator: 

• Number of physical activity minutes recorded by a participant
• Number of participants who reported consuming more nutritious foods and/or beverages
• Number of participants who reported a change in a health-promoting behavior as a result of participating in a health and well-being program

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Repeated self-reported surveys and/or follow-up evaluations to capture change over time

 

Long Term Outcome: Strengthened partnerships to address community health issues and behaviors

Indicator: Number of community partners (community organizations, institutions, agencies, or individuals) worked with to offer health and well-being programming in the community

Method: Agent record of community partnerships utilized in programming, interviews, and observations

Timeline: Ongoing; Each partnership should be reported once per reporting period

 

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 from: NEP agent-led curricula, Food Preservation

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration; annual fiscal year (food system impact survey)

 

Long-term Outcome: Increase the number of partnerships and/or coalitions involved in promoting awareness of local food systems, health eating, and active living (e.g. Program councils, Health Advisory Boards, etc.)

Indicator: 

• Number of policy, systems, and/or environmental changes implemented within communities and organizations to promote active living, and healthy eating, including local food production and/or hunting/foraging and consumption (e.g. local food pantry can accept fresh foods or local game; starting/revitalizing a school or community garden; starting a walking club, etc.). 
• Number of individuals who were introduced to health food access points (e.g. farmers markets, CSAs, WIC, food pantries) through Extension programs or resources.

Method: Food Systems Impact Survey, planeatmove.com website data, NEP resources distributed;

Timeline: Annual, fiscal year (Food Systems Impact Survey)

 

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 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: 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