According to Kentucky Health Facts, there were 3,869 drug arrest made in Knox County, Kentucky per 100,000 population in 2018 in comparison to the state of Kentucky which averages at 2,407 drug arrest made per 100,000 population.   This is increasing those entering substance abuse recovery treatment programs.  This increase in drug arrests and activity is also increasing those battling mental and physical health challenges.

With May being Mental Health Awareness Month, the Knox County FCS agent offered lessons on positive and negative stress at Spero Health Outpatient Addiction Treatment Center in Barbourville, Kentucky.  This Program was offered to a women’s group that will meet once a month. This program surveyed how the participants cope with stress, what causes them stress, stress management, examples of good and bad stress and a stress relieving activity.

Eight participants were not aware of the difference of positive and negative stress.  When followed back up with participants one month later, 7 participants had become more aware of examples of positive and negative stress in their lives. Participants used journaling skills in journals given to them by Knox County Cooperative Extension, to journal positive and negative stress.