According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Administration (SAMHSA) 25,428 individuals were admitted to Kentucky drug and alcohol programs in 2010. Those numbers has risen. About 66.9% were men and 33.1%  were women.

The drug use in Hardin County has risen 25% since last year. Hardin County has a total of 17 rehab facilities and homes for drug and alcohol abuse.

When COVID 19 started and the state went into shut down. Kentucky had 2,704 confirmed cases of COVID 19 and 144 deaths. As of July 2020 Kentucky has a total of 19,653 confirmed cases to date and 629 deaths, and 5,344 recovered from the COVID 19. 

Since the start of the pandemic people are struggling to make fast last and get essential things they to make healthy meals for themselves and family members.

When working with rehab groups, I emphasized  on the food groups, eating more fruits and vegetables, meal preparation, and food safety. With COVID 19 going on, food safety is even more important now. 

While out at the grocery store, I saw one of the clients from the ReNest Rehab Home, that I do programming at. She stated that the classes that I taught on food safety and to prepare meal and freeze them for later use. Has really helped her during this COVID 19 pandemic. 

She also, stated that she has started to make better food choices when shopping.

I feel that this will be a long-term effect, with the COVID 19 going on and we adjusting to the new normal.