According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, people who are recovering from a substance use disorder are finding it difficult to maintain their sobriety during COVID-19. Most have uprooted their routine and are lacking social support, which are essential to maintaining a healthy recovery. The COVID-19 pandemic has also impacted many of the social determinants of health, including poverty and food insecurity, that increase risk for substance abuse.  

In response to this emerging issue, Wolfe County Cooperative Extension, Family Resource and Youth Service Center, and the Agency for Substance Abuse Policy (ASAP) partnered to host Wolfe County Recovery Week. The Wolfe County Judge Executive signed a proclamation declaring July 27th through August 2nd Wolfe County Addiction Recovery Week. 

The events that were held during Recovery Week were meant to keep people motivated to stay actively involved in their recovery while also following guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19. These events included socially-distanced yoga, a community-wide road clean-up, a virtual Recovery Celebration, and a virtual 5K. A total of 369 people participated in the Recovery Week events and over 65,000 people were reached.

In a message to the Wolfe County Extension Office, one Recovery Week participant stated, “You girls did so awesome with the entire week and I can’t thank you girls enough! From someone who knows, it truly means the world to all of us in addiction to know so many people are thinking of us and are behind us on this journey.”

The recent statewide needs assessment identified substance use prevention as the most urgent priority for Extension in every county in Kentucky. As it relates to the COVID-19 pandemic, it is imperative that Extension shares reliable information. Wolfe County Recovery Week was created in order to disseminate research-based information surrounding addiction and recovery and to serve as a support system for the many individuals in our community who fight this battle every day.