Situation: The Commonwealth of Kentucky has several strengths in the realm of health and wellness such as a high rate of high school graduation, a low prevalence of excessive drinking, and a low violent crime rate. However, there are many areas of concern for the commonwealth such as a high prevalence of physical inactivity, frequent mental distress, and cancer death rate. These areas of concern can to an extent be contributed to a rise in the rate of obesity from 20% to 36.6% of adults since 2012, a 96% increase in drug deaths in the past 10 years, and a 10% increase in diabetes in the past 4 years. All according to the united health Foundation.
  

Educational response: The Kentucky 4-H program has created and launched a Healthy Living Leadership Board to empower youth to improve the overall health of their communities and the commonwealth as a whole. 

Target Audience: Kentucky youth grades 8-11 

Outcomes: Four youth from across the state have been selected to serve as Healthy Living Leadership Board members. These 4-H members have committed to improving the health and well-being of their communities through the skills and knowledge learned during their time on this statewide leadership board.