Madison County CES

County Emphasis:

Enhancing Health and Well-being in Madison County Citizens

Concentration 1:

Health and Wellbeing

Concentration 2:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Concentration 3:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 4:

Financial Security and Economic Well-Being

Situation:

Adult Focus

 

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.

 

Adult Focus

 

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.

A disproportionate number of Kentuckians live in economically distressed communities (39% of Kentuckians, compared to 15% nationally). Further, most Kentucky households are concerned with financially sustaining a quality of life that allows them to survive and thrive in an economically challenged society. From housing to grocery expenses, the cost of living continues to rise, and households are ill-equipped to adjust. Securing financial stability is vital for the well-being of state constituents. The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the financial security and economic well-being of families across the Commonwealth. Related CES programming is designed to help Kentuckians become more economically resilient by promoting financial literacy education, comprehensive family resource management skills, and small business engagement and support.

In a 2023 University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, with nearly 28,000 responses from across the state, Building Financial Literacy and/or Resource Management Skills was among the top 10 state-identified priority issues reported by Kentuckians, and Efforts that Support Local & Small businesses was among the top 10 Community & Economic Development needs in the state.

Youth Focus

In Kentucky, economic uncertainty due to job market fluctuations and agricultural shifts impacts youth through unstable family environments and limited resources. Hospitality, retail, and tourism generated over $10 billion in 2023, with job growth in culinary arts, tourism, and hobby industries. The unemployment rate increased by 4.7% from July 2023 to July 2024. According to the Kentucky Cooperative Extension System Community Needs Assessment (2023), priorities include building financial literacy and resource management skills, youth life skill training (e.g., leadership and communication), strengthening youth workforce readiness (e.g., entrepreneurship, business development), and engaging diverse and non-traditional youth audiences. America’s future relies on a ready workforce and engaged communities to tackle major challenges. Kentucky 4-H develops youth potential for lifelong success through essential skills in communication, leadership, and civic engagement. 80% of 4-Hers reported that 4-H helped them explore career options and 95% reported 4-H helped them identify things they were good at, and 50% reported 4-H helped them with college decision-making. 4-H programs equip individuals with the knowledge, skills, and resources needed to thrive in their personal lives, family lives, and communities.

County Situation:

According to the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, the top priority issues relating to health and well-being were:

Ensuring individuals and families have access to affordable nutritious food

Support for substance use addition prevention/recovery

Improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources

Building financial literacy and/or resource management skills

Food as health: addressing food insecurity and diet related chronic diseases

Education opportunities about home food safety practices

Minimizing youth substance abuse

Reducing youth obesity through nutrition education and/or exercise

Coping strategies to support youth wellbeing

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

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

Decreased health disparity prevalence in Kentucky counties

Improved quality of life

Youth

Kentucky 4-H members report decreased obesity.    

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.

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

Adult

• Increased financial literacy skills
• Improved financial security and stability
• Improved financial and economic well-being

Youth

• Youth will have increased economic security.  
• Youth will make sound financial decisions. 
• Youth will have an increased rate of savings. 

Intermediate Outcomes:

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. 

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

Adult

• Increased sound financial decision making

• Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills
• Increased savings (e.g., as a result of budgeting, saving, reducing debt, spending wisely, stretching resources)
• Increased access to community financial resources

Youth

• Youth will practice responsible consumer and financial management decision-making such as budgeting, actions on needs verses wants.   
• Youth will practice habits and skills that contribute toward sound economic and financial well-being.

Initial Outcomes:

Adult

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

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.).

Adult

Strengthening financial literacy and well-being, including but not limited to, budgeting, spending wisely, saving, using credit responsibly, reducing debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.

• Improved financial literacy knowledge
• Improved employability and interpersonal skills
• Increased confidence to implement employability strategies
• Developed strategies for maintaining a health work-life balance

Youth

• Youth will increase knowledge in understanding personal financial management. 
• Youth will aspire to make SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound) economic and financial well-being decisions. 

Evaluation:

Adult

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 

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g. add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods, receive vaccination or screen) (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: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g. vaccinations, screenings, preparation/consumption of nutritious foods, active living, pest prevention) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported intentions to implement a behavior learned from a health and well-being program

Method: Demonstration or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

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

Outcome: Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health issues (intermediate)

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

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

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of volunteers who supported health and well-being programming in the community

Method: Agent record of volunteers utilized in programming

Timeline: Ongoing: Each volunteer should be reported once per reporting period

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health and safety issues (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of projects or initiatives working to improve a community health or safety issue

Method: Documentation (direct observation, photo, repeated survey) or interviews

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress

Youth

Outcome: Short Term

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community. 

Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.  

Number of youth who reported that they learned ways to be physically active  

Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health 

Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health. 

Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.  

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: Immediately after program/event 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.   

Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.  

Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests. 

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: End of Club/Program Year 

Outcome: Long Term

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: 1 or more years

Adult

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 

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g. add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods, receive vaccination or screen) (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: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g. vaccinations, screenings, preparation/consumption of nutritious foods, active living, pest prevention) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported intentions to implement a behavior learned from a health and well-being program

Method: Demonstration or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

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

Outcome: Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health issues (intermediate)

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

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

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of volunteers who supported health and well-being programming in the community

Method: Agent record of volunteers utilized in programming

Timeline: Ongoing: Each volunteer should be reported once per reporting period

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health and safety issues (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of projects or initiatives working to improve a community health or safety issue

Method: Documentation (direct observation, photo, repeated survey) or interviews

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress

Youth

Outcome: Short Term

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community. 

Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.  

Number of youth who reported that they learned ways to be physically active  

Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health 

Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health. 

Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.  

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: Immediately after program/event 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.   

Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.  

Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests. 

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: End of Club/Program Year 

Outcome: Long Term

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: 1 or more years

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 

Adult

Outcome: Improved knowledge related to financial literacy concepts (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported increased knowledge of family finance and/or resource management concepts.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Improved financial and/or resource management skills (e.g., creating a budget, checking credit report, developing an estate plan, etc.) (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported developing skills related to family finance and/or resource management

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation 

Outcome: Increased confidence to implement family finance and resource management skills (e.g., budgeting, spending wisely, saving, using credit responsibly, reducing debt, estate planning, reducing fraud, etc.) (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported improved confidence to implement family finance and/or resource management skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Increased sound financial decision making (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (e.g., regarding credit, budgeting, savings, debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Outcome: Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to better manage their family finances and resources (e.g., considered wants/needs, avoided bank fees, reviewed tax forms, set savings goals, started estate plan, developed budget, increased fraud protection, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Outcome: Increased savings (intermediate)

Indicator: Dollars reported saved as a result of participating in a financial education or family resource management program.

Method: Documentation (direct report, repeated survey) or interviews

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress

Outcome: Improved business development and operation skills (e.g. marketing, branding, customer outreach)

Indicator: Number of small businesses who report developing skills related to business marketing, expansion, or retention through participating in Extension programming.

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, direct report

Timeline: Post-program survey administration; follow-up evaluation

Outcome: Improved knowledge of small business management and financial literacy concepts (initial)

Indicator: Number of small businesses who report increased knowledge of business financial management concepts (e.g. budgeting, pricing, taxes, financial planning)

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program survey administration; follow-up evaluation

Outcome: Increased access to community financial resources through Extension support (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of grants or tangible financial resources accessed by communities, nonprofits, or small businesses as a result of Extension-supported initiatives

Method: Tracked through self-reported surveys from community partners, nonprofits and small businesses, documentation from grant reports where Extension provided support

Timeline: Ongoing

Youth

Outcome: Short term  

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported learning  the differences between purchases made for “needs” vs “wants” 

Number of youth who reported that they learned about budgeting. 

Number of youth who reported that they learned about savings.

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Outcome: Medium Term 

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported that they have identified  one or more jobs that might be a good fit for them in Family Consumer Sciences.  

Number of youth who reported that have taken steps to pursue gaining knowledge for a job in Family Consumer Sciences.  

Number of youth who reported that they have practiced budgeting skills.  

Number of youth who reported that they have practiced needs versus wants knowledge when making purchases on a budget. . 

Number of youth who reported that they have included savings in their budget.  

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

Outcome: Long Term 

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study. 

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey 

Timeline: 1 or more years 

Learning Opportunities:

Adult

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: Families & Individuals

Project or Activity: Physical, Environmental, and Occupational Safety

Content or Curriculum: Publications, presentations, trainings, demonstrations, In the Face of Disaster, Pest Control Short Course, Stop the Bleed, … … …

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, businesses, creative entrepreneurs, local farms/growers/producers, commodity groups, housing authorities

Date: Ongoing/seasonal

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Policy, Systems, and Environmental (PSE) Approaches

Content or Curriculum: Pathways to Wellness, Faithful Families, Story Walks, Shared Space Agreements, parks and trail development, Active Community Toolkit, resources for early case and education settings, food system work (e.g. farmers’ markets, backpack programs, community gardens), SNAP-Ed toolkit, creating and Maintaining Health Coalitions, Arts in Health publications, CEDIK Healthy Communities toolkit

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, community partners, volunteers, grant funds, local organizations and community partners, health coalitions, Nutrition Education program, local farms/growers/producers, key stakeholders, elected officials, Department of Transportation, employee health and wellness, schools, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

 

 

Youth

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation 

Content or Curriculum: Jump Into Food and Fitness 

Inputs: 

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
• Four residential camping facilities.  
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
• Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Date: September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Health Rocks

Content or Curriculum: 

4-H Health Rocks! Curriculum.  

Additional resources include Healthy Bodies: Teaching Kids What They Need to Know  

Substance Abuse  

Mental Health Services Administration. 

Inputs: 

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
• Four residential camping facilities.  
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
• Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs

Date: September 1 – August 30

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Nutrition and Food Preparation

Content or Curriculum: Wellness in Kentucky

Inputs: 

• 4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  
• Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 
• Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association  
• Four residential camping facilities.  
• Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  
• Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 
• Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  
• Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  
• Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  
• Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery. 
• Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs 

Date: September 1 – August 30 

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 

Adult

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Development of Financial Literacy Skills

Content or Curriculum: Use Less. Spend Less. Stress Less. curriculum; publications; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Big Blue Book Club; In the Face of Disaster; Leader Lessons; Money Habitudes; etc. 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, financial entities and organizations, businesses, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Development of Family Resource Management Skills

Content or Curriculum: Use Less. Spend Less. Stress Less. curriculum; publications; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts; PROFIT; Recovering Your Finances curriculum; OneOp; Leader Lessons; etc. 

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, Court system, community centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Individuals, Families, Employees

Project or Activity: Estate Planning

Content or Curriculum: Estate Planning publication series; Transferring Cherished Possessions curriculum; MONEYWI$E newsletter and podcasts;OneOp; Leader Lessons; farm succession and legacy building programs; etc.

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, volunteers, community partners, non-profit organizations, schools, farms, community centers, etc.

Date: Ongoing

Audience: Communities

Project or Activity: Local & Small Business Support

Content or Curriculum: Small Business Roadmap, SBDC publications, Growing Our Own, Economic Development Collaborative resources, Economic Subject Matter resources CEDIK Vibrant Economies toolkit, Creative Economy Program, KFMN, Market Ready Producer Training

Inputs: Programmatic materials, paid staff, small businesses, volunteers, community partners, non-project organizations, schools, farms, community centers, etc. 

Date: Ongoing

Youth

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Consumer and Financial Education 

Content or Curriculum: Consumer Savvy

Inputs: 

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 

Clothing Volunteers 

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs.

Date: September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Building a Healthy, Wealthy Future 

Content or Curriculum: Building a Healthy, Wealthy Future

Inputs: 

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 

Clothing Volunteers 

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs.

Date: September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Entrepreneurship  

Content or Curriculum: 

Be the E: Entrepreneurship, Level 1: Love It 

Be the E: Entrepreneurship, Level 2: Plan It 

Be the E: Entrepreneurship, Level 3: Do It

Inputs: 

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 

Clothing Volunteers 

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs.

Date: September 1 – August 30

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Piggy Bank Contest

Content or Curriculum: 

Money Habitudes  

Building a Healthy Wealthy Future  

Jump$tart: Reality Check  

Money Smart  

Building Your Financial Future  

Kentucky Saves Week 

Inputs: 

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 

Clothing Volunteers 

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs. 

Date: September 1 – August 30 

Audience: Youth  

Project or Activity: Kentucky 4-H Teen Conference

Content or Curriculum: 

4-H Major Study of Emphasis  

Money Habitudes  

Building a Healthy Wealthy Future  

Jump$tart: Reality Check  

Money Smart  

Building Your Financial Future 

Inputs: 

4-H Family and Consumer Sciences programs in which youth experience a sense of belonging, and developmental relationships, explore their spark, and actively engage in meaningful opportunities.  

Accredited and certified volunteers in 4-H FCS projects. 

Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association 

Clothing Volunteers 

Four residential camping facilities.  

Cooperative Extension Educational facilities.  

Utilization of approved research-based curriculum. 

Outreach of the Cooperative Extension Land-Grant System.  

Funding from the Kentucky 4-H Foundation, Inc.  

Funding from local, state, and federal sources.  

Engagement of youth and volunteers in program delivery.  

Engaging communities in identifying and implementing programming based on local needs.

Date: September 1 – August 30

Evaluation:

Adult

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 

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g. add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods, receive vaccination or screen) (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: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g. vaccinations, screenings, preparation/consumption of nutritious foods, active living, pest prevention) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported intentions to implement a behavior learned from a health and well-being program

Method: Demonstration or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

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

Outcome: Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health issues (intermediate)

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

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

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of volunteers who supported health and well-being programming in the community

Method: Agent record of volunteers utilized in programming

Timeline: Ongoing: Each volunteer should be reported once per reporting period

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health and safety issues (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of projects or initiatives working to improve a community health or safety issue

Method: Documentation (direct observation, photo, repeated survey) or interviews

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress

Youth

Outcome: Short Term

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community. 

Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.  

Number of youth who reported that they learned ways to be physically active  

Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health 

Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health. 

Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.  

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: Immediately after program/event 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.   

Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.  

Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests. 

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: End of Club/Program Year 

Outcome: Long Term

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: 1 or more years

Adult

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 

Outcome: Increased confidence and motivation to engage in health-promoting behaviors (e.g. add physical activity, consume more nutritious foods, receive vaccination or screen) (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: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow up evaluation

Outcome: Increased intentions to employ health-promoting behaviors (e.g. vaccinations, screenings, preparation/consumption of nutritious foods, active living, pest prevention) (initial)

Indicator: Number of participants who reported intentions to implement a behavior learned from a health and well-being program

Method: Demonstration or self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

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

Outcome: Increased and/or strengthened partnerships to address community health issues (intermediate)

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

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

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of volunteers who supported health and well-being programming in the community

Method: Agent record of volunteers utilized in programming

Timeline: Ongoing: Each volunteer should be reported once per reporting period

Outcome: Increased organizational/site/community supports for health-promoting behaviors that equitably address community health and safety issues (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of projects or initiatives working to improve a community health or safety issue

Method: Documentation (direct observation, photo, repeated survey) or interviews

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress

Youth

Outcome: Short Term

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported that they have identified an interest in health or wellbeing initiatives in their community. 

Number of youth who reported that they understand the importance of habits or choices that promote health and wellbeing.  

Number of youth who reported that they learned ways to be physically active  

Number of youth who reported that they learned how physical activity contributes to overall health 

Number of youth who reported that they learned how food impacts their overall health. 

Number of youth who reported that they have identified at least one job/career in health and wellbeing that fits their interest.  

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: Immediately after program/event 

Outcome: Medium Term

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported that they have used knowledge and/or skills learned in health and wellbeing programs to complete a project.   

Number of youth who reported that they have used nutrition as a way to improve their overall health.  

Number of youth who reported that they have taken steps to pursue gaining more knowledge for a job in health and wellbeing based on their interests. 

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey 

Timeline: End of Club/Program Year 

Outcome: Long Term

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study

Method: Standard Evaluation for 4-H Health and Wellbeing: Survey

Timeline: 1 or more years

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 

Adult

Outcome: Improved knowledge related to financial literacy concepts (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported increased knowledge of family finance and/or resource management concepts.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Improved financial and/or resource management skills (e.g., creating a budget, checking credit report, developing an estate plan, etc.) (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported developing skills related to family finance and/or resource management

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration or follow-up evaluation 

Outcome: Increased confidence to implement family finance and resource management skills (e.g., budgeting, spending wisely, saving, using credit responsibly, reducing debt, estate planning, reducing fraud, etc.) (initial)

Indicator: Number of individuals who reported improved confidence to implement family finance and/or resource management skills.

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program/curricula survey administration

Outcome: Increased sound financial decision making (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of individuals who made a sound financial decision (e.g., regarding credit, budgeting, savings, debt, estate planning, fraud reduction, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Outcome: Implementation of financial literacy and resource management strategies/skills (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of individuals who implemented at least one strategy to better manage their family finances and resources (e.g., considered wants/needs, avoided bank fees, reviewed tax forms, set savings goals, started estate plan, developed budget, increased fraud protection, etc.).

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, or interviews

Timeline: Follow-up evaluations to capture action/behavior change over time.

Outcome: Increased savings (intermediate)

Indicator: Dollars reported saved as a result of participating in a financial education or family resource management program.

Method: Documentation (direct report, repeated survey) or interviews

Timeline: Ongoing/as changes are made and projects progress

Outcome: Improved business development and operation skills (e.g. marketing, branding, customer outreach)

Indicator: Number of small businesses who report developing skills related to business marketing, expansion, or retention through participating in Extension programming.

Method: Self-reported surveys, documentation, direct report

Timeline: Post-program survey administration; follow-up evaluation

Outcome: Improved knowledge of small business management and financial literacy concepts (initial)

Indicator: Number of small businesses who report increased knowledge of business financial management concepts (e.g. budgeting, pricing, taxes, financial planning)

Method: Self-reported surveys

Timeline: Post-program survey administration; follow-up evaluation

Outcome: Increased access to community financial resources through Extension support (intermediate)

Indicator: Number of grants or tangible financial resources accessed by communities, nonprofits, or small businesses as a result of Extension-supported initiatives

Method: Tracked through self-reported surveys from community partners, nonprofits and small businesses, documentation from grant reports where Extension provided support

Timeline: Ongoing

Youth

Outcome: Short term  

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported learning  the differences between purchases made for “needs” vs “wants” 

Number of youth who reported that they learned about budgeting. 

Number of youth who reported that they learned about savings.

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: Immediate Post Program

Outcome: Medium Term 

Indicator: 

Number of youth who reported that they have identified  one or more jobs that might be a good fit for them in Family Consumer Sciences.  

Number of youth who reported that have taken steps to pursue gaining knowledge for a job in Family Consumer Sciences.  

Number of youth who reported that they have practiced budgeting skills.  

Number of youth who reported that they have practiced needs versus wants knowledge when making purchases on a budget. . 

Number of youth who reported that they have included savings in their budget.  

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey

Timeline: End of program year

Outcome: Long Term 

Indicator: Long-term evaluation will be conducted using the National 4-H Index Study. 

Method: Standard Evaluation Tool for 4-H Family Consumer Sciences: Survey 

Timeline: 1 or more years