Kentucky consistently ranks among the most challenged states in the United States in terms of drug and alcohol use. Compared to the national average, Kentucky has a higher rate of tobacco use, prescription drug misuse, and substance use disorder (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2020). Kentucky is also one of the leading states in terms of drug overdose, with an overdose death rate that is 71.4% higher than the national average (Kentucky Injury Prevention and Research Center, 2018). In a recent Extension statewide survey of Kentuckians, substance abuse was identified a top priority. Further, NEP Assistants working in community substance use recovery programs stated that there was a need for resources and curriculum to support their work. As a result, the Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body curriculum was developed by the Nutrition Education Program and Family and Consumer Sciences Extension. Formative research with audience-experienced NEP Assistants informed the development of this effort.

During the 2022 program year, the curriculum was pilot tested with 498 individuals. Quantitative pilot data was collected to determine the effectiveness of the curriculum. T-tests were used to compare mean pretest and posttest scores of Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body (HCYRB) with Healthy Choices for Every Body (HCEB), which is the usual curriculum. Both curricula had statistically significant pre/post differences. Within curriculum results indicate HCYRB curriculum is as effective as HCEB curriculum, with both showing statistically significant positive changes in knowledge and behavior from pretest to posttest. Follow-up qualitative data was collected from NEP Assistants. NEP Assistants overwhelmingly felt that the HCYRB curriculum was better suited for SUR clients. Assistants reported that community partners were excited to offer a class developed specifically for those in recovery. As a result of information taught in the curriculum, some facilities modified food and snack options. Other feedback was used to revise the curriculum. Statewide rollout is planned for later this year.

Further, the pilot findings were presented at two national conferences (ASNNA and EFNEP) during this program year. Programs across the country are interested in this curriculum for their own work.