According to the CDC, in 2017, there were 1,566 reported overdose deaths in Kentucky. That is an increase from 1,419 in 2016 and 1,273 in 2015. In response to this growing trend, Scott County Cooperative Extension has teamed up with Drug Court to offer the Beyond program. The Nutrition Education Program Assistant taught seven biweekly lessons on cooking, nutrition, stretching food dollars, and food safety to eight participants as part of this comprehensive program designed to help participants get back on their feet after a drug charge.

Upon completion of the Nutrition Education Program, 75% of participants showed improvement in one or more food resource management practices such as meal planning and cooking at home more often. 100% of participants reported improvement in one or more diet quality indicator, including 100% eating fruit more often. Additionally, 100% of participants improved their food safety practices at home, including 75% reporting washing hands before preparing food more often.