According to the 2018 data provided by Kentucky Youth Advocate Kids County, over 48% of Owsley County children live in poverty and over 47% are not ready for kindergarten.  In Owsley County, teen births are higher than the state average (30.2:  28.2) and over 45% of pregnant women smoke during pregnancy (18.7 average in Kentucky). https://kyyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/2020-Owsley.pdf

The Owsley County Extension Service collaborated with the local Health Department and KRCC to conduct a six part series via Zoom, with one session held in person, titled Parent Academy. The program addressed prenatal, delivery, infant health and safety, parenting, nutrition, and access to health and child development services.  The program was advertised in the local newspaper, on social media, and newsletters.  New and expectant parents attended six sessions.  Fifty percent were first time mothers.  

A pre and post evaluation was conducted as well as end of session evaluations.  The greatest increase in knowledge was on the benefits of breastfeeding, car seat safety, and baby milestones.