Describe the Issue or Situation.

More than ever, people feel the burden of stress on their well-being.  In Kentucky, suicide is a leading cause of preventable death for individuals aged 10-34 and those over the age of 59.  Concern over mental health and access to care was echoed in the Cooperative Extension Community Needs Assessment, where respondents listed “improved access to mental health and wellbeing resources” as one of the top 6 priority issues. 

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

In response to those concerns, Spencer County Family Consumer Sciences Extension Agent, in partnership with Spencer County Public Schools Bus Drivers, provided Code Red Universal Safety Planning Training.

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

Twenty-three adults developed skills and tools to combat a personal mental health crisis and learned about resources available to help them in a mental health emergency. After the training, 100% of participants stated that they could identify relaxation and other self-care activities. 

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% of participants reported an increase in their knowledge of mental health resources available to their community. 100% reported increased knowledge about how to use de-stigmatized language regarding mental health. Following the program, participants expressed their intention to use the diagram to develop an action plan. They noted that preparing comments with exercises and resources for self-care in both professional and personal environments would be advantageous. Many were previously unaware of the suicide hotline text numbers and have decided to keep them accessible.