Describe the Issue or Situation. - The connection of substance use to mental health concerns has been expressed more prominent that ever. Maranda Brooks of Fayette County wanted to find a unique way to address the mental health concern in the substance use/recovery population. Pickleball has emerged as a valuable tool in supporting individuals in recovery, offering a combination of physical activity, social interaction, and cognitive engagement that can significantly enhance rehabilitation efforts. Engaging in pickleball has been associated with a 60% lower rate of depressive symptoms compared to the general population, highlighting its effectiveness in combating depression. Nearly 70% of participants aged 55 and older reported feeling less stressed and anxious after playing pickleball, indicating its potential as a therapeutic activity for emotional well-being.

Describe the Outreach or Educational Program Response (and Partners, if applicable). - Maranda Brooks FCS Fayette County Agent initiated partnership with Voices of Hope Program Leader Gary Biggers to see about presenting a presentation of pickleball 101 to attendees of Voices of Hope Recovery Resource center. 

Maranda Brooks received a enthusiastic response from Gary Biggers and established a date to come present at the center. Maranda sought out agents in various counties (FCS agent- Tara Duty, FCS agent- Carla Carter and FCS agent- Sara Haag of the Fort Harrods Area and 4-H Program Assistant- Landon Withers to collaborate with on this presentation as some agents are seasoned players and have had experience providing this lesson as a Homemaker leader lesson). Planning was conducted to provided and introduction of the rules via PowerPoint or video and then play Pickleball.  Unfortunately, weather did not pan out to play pickleball on the first scheduled date. But Maranda and the agents still conducted a session to overview Pickleball rules and review the equipment. FCS Maranda Brooks was able to have a local Pickleball Court- Pickleball Paddock donated 4 sets of Paddles and 2 boxes of Pickleballs. 3 paddle sets were gift to the staff in attendance at the program).

FCS agents reschedule date for end of May to conduct another Pickleball session with staff and recovery center attendees. Alternative indoor location was solidified if needed from Maranda Brooks at local YMCA partnership. Day of Maranda Brooks collaborate with FCS agent Carla Carter, NEP Program Assistant- Barry Rose and 4-H Program Assistant- Landon Withers. Weather was rainy up till event, making potential to play pickleball again up in the air. Maranda and the team arrived at Voices of Hope. Recovery Center attendees were a bit hesitant and slow to warm up but once it was established that the most convenient way to encourage participation of Pickleball was to conduct it out in the front area, participants and staff were excited and became active participants. 

FCS/NEP/4H assistant staff set up mobile net and review rules with simple handout as a guideline and became judges/officiant of Pickleball games. Out of 13 observing mixed of staff/ recovery attendees, 8 were active participants in playing Pickleball and 6 returned evaluations. 

100% of all evaluations expressed a better level of understanding the basic concepts and rules of pickleball. 100% expressed increased recognition of the physical, social and mental health benefits of Pickleball. 100% expressed the plans to continue to play pickleball as a healthy outlet in their recovery.  50% of active participants were minorities. 100% program impacted an underserved/marginalized population. 

Comments retrieved- " I had fun" " I look to play more" " Appreciated the teamwork and positivity that Pickleball brings" "I'll play again" "It was great"

Incorporating pickleball into recovery programs can provide a holistic approach to healing, addressing physical, mental, and social aspects of recovery. We encourage more FCS agents and extension office to providing this opportunity to their surrounding counties recovery centers.