Substance use and substance use disorder are persistent public health problems in Kentucky. Kentucky youth fare worse than their US counterparts in terms of numerous indicators of drug use and drug-related harm including cigarette and smokeless tobacco use, vaping, alcohol use, and illicit drug use such as opioid and methamphetamine use. The 4-H Youth Development Program has adopted a curriculum titled Health Rocks! to help increase awareness about drug use and drug-related harm. The Health Rocks curriculum is aimed for eight- to sixteen-year-olds reducing tobacco, alcohol, and drug use. Four-H has worked for decades to help youth develop skills such as communicating with others, being responsible decision makers, and developing an internal strength to resist risky behaviors. A healthy living program built upon the strong foundation of life skill development and decision-making result in a program that truly reduces tobacco, alcohol, and drug use by young people. Youth who have personal social skills and competencies are more resistant to substance abuse. Thanks to a grant through the State 4-H Office for putting this issue to the forefront.

The 4-H Agent contacted a family and consumer science middle school teacher to present the curriculum in the fall, 2024 and spring, 2025. The teacher was excited to take this new curriculum. Over 140 seventh and eighth grade students participated in five hands-on sessions discussing alcohol awareness, tobacco awareness, over-counter medication awareness, drug awareness, and jeopardy reinforcement activity.

An evaluation was completed at the end of the program and one of the student’s commented, “Health Rocks showed me that drugs and alcohol are bad for you.” Also, in the pre and post surveys showed that the students went from:

• Pre survey – 50% believed once you start smoking, it is hart to stop to 64% after participating in Health Rocks
• Pre survey – 48% believed using drugs can ruin my relationship with my family and friends to 69% after participating in Health Rocks
• Pre survey 56% believed I do not have to drink or smoke even if some other young people do it to 73% after participating in Health Rocks
• Pre survey 29% stopped to think about choice before making them to 50% after participating in Health Rocks