The problem

A 2020 analysis of Millennium Health drug tests showed that Kentucky leads the nation for co-occurring fentanyl and cocaine use, fentanyl alone use, and is second in the nation for co-occurring fentanyl and meth use. 

The educational program response

The Brighton Recovery Center for Women is a 100 bed facility in Boone County that helps women recover from substance abuse and addiction. The Boone County Extension Service is partnering with the Brighton Center to provide horticultural programs designed to relieve stress, build confidence, and teach life skills. The Extension Service does this by teaching horticulture programs within the fruit and vegetable garden on the Recovery Center's grounds. 

The participants/target audience

The target audience is women newly admitted to the Recovery Center. Women are part of the program for eight to twelve weeks. 

Other partners (if applicable)

Brighton Recovery Center

Boone County Extension Service Snap-Ed

Program impact or participant response.

A survey taken by sixteen women after three sessions in the garden found that on a scale of 1 (strongly disagree) to 4 (strongly agree);

the women thought that gardening is a great activity to do in your free time (3.875)

the women are able to calm their minds and find moments of peace (3.813)

the women believe they can do anything they set their mind to (3.813)

the women believe it is important to invest their time in supporting those in their community (3.688)

the women feel a sense of belonging with others around them (3.56)

the women feel like they have leadership skills (3.313)

the women feel trusted to fulfill their responsibilities (3.875)

the women feel like people of different backgrounds can work well together (3.875)

the women are aware of people and places that will help them grow into who they want to be (3.563)