Extension
It Starts With Us
Author: Christy Blevins
Planning Unit: Bell County CES
Major Program: Substance Use Recovery - FCS
Outcome: Long-Term Outcome
Describe the Issue or Situation.
Compared to the national average, Kentucky is one of the most challenged states dealing with substance misuse, substance use disorder, and overdose. Percentage estimates for 2019-2020 from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) indicate an average of 10.69% of Kentuckians aged 12 or older have used illicit drugs over the past month.
Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).
Communities throughout the state have established substance use recovery programs to support those seeking to overcome addiction. Substance use recovery involves a process of healing the brain. Research shows that during recovery, adding practices to care for the body and mind, such as healthy nutrition and being physically active, helps the brain heal faster.
The University of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body program is a nutrition and physical activity curriculum designed to support individuals in substance use recovery. The Bell County Cooperative Extension Service Nutrition Education Program Assistant implemented this seven-lesson program by partnering with New Hope's local substance use recovery programs.
Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.
Seven individuals completed the program.
Pre/post data comparisons show that as a result of this program:
100% agreed that their knowledge of substance use recovery increased.
100% intend to use self-care strategies to improve recovery.
100% intend to eat healthier as part of their recovery.
100% percent intend to be more physically active during their recovery.
100% improved food safety knowledge.
100% reported improved confidence in managing food resources.
100% reported improved confidence in food preparation skills.
Provide a Statement of Outcomes or Program Impact. Please note that the outcomes statement must use evaluation data to describe the change(s) that occurred in individuals, groups, families, businesses, or in the community because of the program/outreach.One Client stated, "Being raised in a home with both parents dealing with substance abuse, I was lucky to find a box of cereal in the cabinet to eat. I was going down the same path with my children. I'm so Thankful for this nutrition program. I now know how to choose healthier food options for my family and me."
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