Healthy Living is a mission of our Extension Service. Substance use and abuse is a component of the education we provide.

There is a strong need for continued substance abuse prevention and intervention in Metcalfe County. Substance use issues continue to negatively impact a large number in our community. According to the recent Kentucky Extension Community Assessment, the issues related to drugs and substance abuse in Metcalfe County need to be addressed. The assessment also indicated that “Drug abuse impacts the individuals and families directly affected and carries economic and social implications for the community.”

To address stress management, the variety of substance use and abuse issues impacting our community, the Metcalfe County Cooperative Extension Service partnered with our local public school system to organize a Sharpen Our Saw Program. Making Better Choice lead to a better future. Thirty-Nine 7^th and 8^th grade students at Metcalfe County Middle School were able to learn more about themselves and how to manage their stress without turning to a substance. This enrichment activity designed to show students the impact of getting involved in positive learn, breathing exercises, physical exercise, making a stress balls and positive behavior with reward. Extension Agent 4-H youth Development and Gifted Education Teacher taught a day long

Over 90% reported gaining awareness of the impacts of substance use/abuse in the community as well as how to address the issues they are dealing with and not turn to a substance. 90% said “That the felt good about themselves to not engage in risky behavior now that they learned how to manage their stress.