Addiction and mental health issues continue to take their toll on communities, families, and individuals in northeast Kentucky and all over the country. The statewide Extension Needs Assessment showed the top needs as support for substance use prevention and recovery and improved assess to mental health and wellbeing resources.  In Carter County, 20% of residents reported to having 14 or more mentally unhealthy days a month.  From 2020-2022 there were 1,1173 reported ER visits due to substance use and 65 fatal overdoses. 

Recognizing the need to raise awareness, a multi-county extension program took the initiative to address this growing issue that still is taboo to talk about in many families and communities. Family and Consumer Sciences Extension Agents came together to plan and lead a program to reach hundreds of individuals and families within the communities of Carter, Boyd, and Greenup Counties.

The program's innovative approach centered on a Train-the-Trainer workshop, equipping local leaders and Extension Homemaker members with the knowledge and skills to better understand addiction and mental health challenges. With the support of Extension Specialist, each agent taught one session, trained, and presented handouts and facilitators guides to equip the participants to then go teach session of their own. The workshop delved into three critical areas:

1. Addiction 101: This lesson provided a foundational understanding of addiction, its causes, and it’s devastating effects. Participants learned to identify the signs of addiction, dispel common myths, and develop empathy for those struggling with substance use disorders. 
2. Understanding Suicide: This module shed light on the complex factors contributing to suicidal thoughts and behaviors. Participants gained insights into risk factors, warning signs, and effective strategies for prevention and intervention.
3. Pathways to Wellness: This lesson focused on the lifestyle family factors that influence health and wellness. It also introduces the social determinants of health and wellness.

The Train-the-Trainer workshop empowered the thirty participants to become catalysts for change within their communities. The leaders then went back to their local homemaker clubs, churches, and families and shared the information they had learned.  By sharing their newfound knowledge and skills, they initiated a ripple effect of positive impact and opened doors for difficult conversations.  

Between newsletter mailings that included the publications, homemaker club meetings, handout distribution, and one class at a church it was estimated the program then reached over 650 people in three counties.   Both a formal evaluation and observation showed that efforts yielded tangible results:

• Increased Awareness: Community members became more informed about addiction and mental health issues, reducing stigma and encouraging open dialogue.
• Improved Access to Care: Local organizations established partnerships with mental health providers to increase access to treatment and support services.
• Strengthened Community Resilience: By fostering a culture of care and compassion, the program helped build stronger, more resilient communities.

The multi-county extension program is a testament to the power of education, collaboration, and community engagement. By addressing addiction and mental health challenges head-on, the program has made a significant difference in the lives of countless individuals and families and there are plans to continue this method of education and partnership in the future.