Substance use and substance use disorder (SUD) are pervasive public health problems in the United States, and specifically, in the state of Kentucky.  In the year since the beginning of the Covid-19 pandemic in March 2020, the United States suffered a record 88,000 overdose deaths (CDC, 2021).  More specifically, Kentucky counties have seen increases in hospitalizations, infectious diseases, non-fatal overdoses, and other complications related to drug use, all while leading the nation in incidence of Hepatitis C (KIPRC, 2020).  In response to these growing problems in Kentucky, Mercer County Extension Agent for Family & Consumer Sciences (FCS) worked diligently in multiple areas to address the needs of the community.

Early in 2020 and in conjunction with the Kentucky Extension Homemakers Association (KEHA) leader training system, local area Extension Agents planned and convened an evening addiction education session for local communities.  Collaborating among eight continuous Central Kentucky counties, agents convened community leaders and stakeholders to discuss the nature of the addiction crisis and to explore solutions.  Local county prosecutor, treatment providers, and even individuals with lived experience joined a panel discussion to help 55 participants better understand addiction, stigma, and available resources.  The recording was edited and made available for viewing via the Mercer County Extension YouTube channel.

In the fall of 2020, administration from Isaiah House requested parenting classes for the 28-day recovery ‘Lisa Walker Center’ located in Harrodsburg.  Since a majority of clients enter treatment with an open Child Protective Services (CPS) case, the FCS Extension Agent worked to develop and modify a rotating lesson schedule of Nurturing Parenting offerings to meet the need of the clients.  Since January, more than 100 ladies have participated in the classes and approximately 50 individuals have earned an 8-hour certificate in parenting and relationships instruction.

The FCS Extension Agent, working with Extension Specialists and Isaiah House administration also planned for and facilitated a train-the-trainer workshop for Isaiah House employees to be able to deliver the Recovering Your Finances curriculum in-house with their clients.  The workshop was submitted and approved by the Kentucky Board of Alcohol and Drug Counselors for Continuing Education Units for Isaiah House staff - eleven completed the program.