Anderson County CES

County Emphasis:

Community Health

Concentration 1:

Work and Life Skill Development

Concentration 2:

Mental Health and Well-Being

Concentration 3:

Substance Use Prevention and Recovery

Situation:

• Kentucky household income statistics are concerning, with the median household income in Kentucky on a downward trend (i.e., approximately $55,100, which is 74% of the U.S. median income). Most alarming, it is estimated that nearly 62% of Kentucky households do not generate sufficient income to meet living wage standards given the state’s average cost of living. The Kentucky Center for Business and Economic Research (2024) projects that, “a key for Kentucky’s future economic growth is to identify and successfully implement programs that increase the employment-population ratio, particularly for working-age adults.” The University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service (CES) is committed to improving the work and life skill development of adults across the Commonwealth by offering programming designed to increase the human capital of constituents. This includes providing education and training on topics such as workforce preparation, job readiness, financial literacy, soft skills, and professionalism, among others. 

• 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. 

• Though substance use and substance use disorders have been pressing social problems for decades, the public health burden and consequences 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:

A physically and mentally healthy population with a dynamic support system around it is vital for a robust culture and economy in a rural community. By focusing on the health, well-being, and personal development of the individuals within the community we aim to improve the health of the community as a whole. Substance use programing is and has been present across the county for several years. Our hope going forward is to continue that programing and work to coordinate the programing efforts across the county, so as to improve access. Our goal is to focus on developing people as employees, community members, and individuals so as to prevent many of the pitfalls that lead to substance use disorders, while also reinforcing substance use programing to help those who struggle with it recover faster. 

Long-Term Outcomes:

• Improved quality of life 

• Reduced youth and adult substance use 

• Increased recovery capital 

• Improved social and emotional competency 

Intermediate Outcomes:

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

• Enhanced community partnerships that target recovery from substance use disorder 

• Increased availability and accessibility of evidence-based prevention programs 

• Enhanced community partnerships that target youth prevention 

Initial Outcomes:

• 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 

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

• Increased knowledge about substance use and its effects 

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

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Learning Opportunities:

Audience: Anderson County 5th Grade Youth 

Project or Activity:  Dollars and Sense 

Content or Curriculum: FCS, Financial Education 

Date: Spring 

Audience: Anderson County 8th Grade

Project or Activity: It's Your Reality 

Content or Curriculum: FCS, Financial Education 

Date: Spring 

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