The Kentucky Behavioral Health Barometer states that in 2017 a single-day count enrollment in substance abuse treatment was 29,813 individuals.  One such treatment center in Butler County formed in 2020 during the Covid-19 pandemic. Kentucky Christian Recovery opened their doors in June 2020.  One approach the center utilizes is a focus on health and wellness skills, as well as social, life and financial skills.  The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant partnered with KCR to provide classes to the clientele in this facility to teach and mentor these topics.

Early classes began virtually, and have grown to onsite classes at KCR.  The men were taught the Healthy Choices for Every Body Curriculum.   Within these classes, the Butler County NEP assistant focused on core behavioral changes such as the eating healthy, budgeting, and food safety.  Since June twenty five participants have graduated the Healthy Choices for Every Body curriculum.  100% showed improvement in one or more diet quality indicators, a 52% total improvement in diet quality, 50% improvement in food resource management, and a 53% overall improvement in food safety.

The Butler County Nutrition Education Program Assistant, The Butler County Cooperative Extension Service, The Butler County Family and Consumer Science Agent, and Kentucky Christian Recovery have worked together during this challenging time of Covid-19.   The partnership developed that is sure to continue for the betterment of those in Butler County substance abuse recovery.