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. 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 UK Healthy Choices for Your Recovering Body is a nutrition and physical activity curriculum designed to support individuals in substance use recovery.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable).

The Pulaski County Nutrition Education Program Assistant implemented this seven-lesson program by partnering with Sky Hope Recovery Center, a local substance use recovery program. 

Provide the Number and Description(s) of Participants/Target Audience.

 Twenty-two individuals completed the program. All participants were female (100%), ages 22 to 61.

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.

•    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% intend to be more physically active as part of their recovery.

•    100% improved food safety knowledge.

•    93% reported improved confidence in managing food resources.

•    93% reported improved confidence in food preparation skills.

Participants said, "I learned I need to drink less soda and more water. I also learned how important eating healthy is to my recovery." "I learned a lot about our diets coming off of drugs and that we need well-balanced meals."