National Health Outreach and Engagement Conference 2024: Full Schedule

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 1-Food2Market: Helping Food Entrepreneurs Move Their Dreams Into the Marketplace

Hoover, A.
Food2Market is a Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service program that assists food
entrepreneurs in meeting the state and federal regulations and safety requirements necessary to
produce and sell foods. The number of food entrepreneurs is rising with the popularity to buy
and sell goods locally and as farmers increase production and sales of value-added foods
derived from the crops they grow.

Starting a food manufacturing business can be daunting and many entrepreneurs need
assistance getting started. Often, they don’t know which state agencies regulate the food(s) they
plan to produce and what steps are required to obtain approval. They may be unaware of the
different types of testing and processing steps needed for safety. Some entrepreneurs need help
choosing the most appropriate safety plans for their specific product. In South Carolina, the
Food2Market program acts as a clearinghouse for entrepreneurs to seek assistance in these
areas.

Food2Market personnel work closely with the South Carolina Department of Agriculture,
South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control and Clemson’s Livestock
Poultry Health Department to deliver regulatory information and requirements for foods
produced and sold in state. We work one-on-one with entrepreneurs leading them through the
steps needed to produce their food(s) for sale. In addition, the Food2Market program offers the
following services:
-Product testing and thermal process directives as required by the regulations under
a recognized Process Authority.
-Food safety and regulatory workshops for the beginner food entrepreneur.
-Seafood HACCP workshops, food safety plans and HACCP guidance.
-Product nutrient analysis.
-Label review.
-Shelf-life testing.

Clemson Extension’s Food2Market program strives to promote entrepreneurship in the state
of South Carolina by helping food entrepreneurs move their dream of producing safe foods into
the marketplace.

Speakers

Adair Hoover

Adair Hoover is a Food Systems and Safety Associate with the Clemson Cooperative Extension Service. She is the lead Agent for the Food2Market Program (F2M). The F2M program offers food safety education, resources, and guidance to people who are starting a food manufacturing business... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 10-Nutrition Behaviors in Spanish-Speaking Health Extension for Diabetes Participants Compared to English-Speaking Participants

Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) is a diabetes self-management support program created
by Clemson University Cooperative Extension to offer education on diabetes self-care
behaviors and support in self-management to participants across South Carolina. HED was
originally created to serve an English-speaking American audience. In 2022, HED was
culturally adapted and translated into Spanish to meet the needs of a growing Hispanic
community living with diabetes. Nutrition behaviors are one of the many topics heavily
emphasized throughout HED and one of the topics most heavily adapted to better educate a
Hispanic audience, given the differences in traditional Hispanic and American cuisine.
Biometric data and data related to nutrition and healthy eating patterns were collected from
participants through pre- and post-surveys. Preliminary outcomes of the pilot Spanish HED
program have been examined to explore the impact Spanish HED has on participants and
suggest that while Spanish HED is having a positive impact on participants, significant
differences exist between nutrition outcomes for English-speaking and Spanish-speaking
participants

Speakers

Camden Bryan

Camden Bryan is a Rural Health and Nutrition Extension Agent as well as a Certified Health Education Specialist working as a health coach to deliver chronic disease prevention and self-management programs to Spanish-speaking residents of SC. Camden facilitates the Health Extension... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 11-Collaborative Efforts Support Food Insecure College Students

Gabel, C.
Teaching college students cooking skills is the culmination of multiple collaborative efforts
over the course of five years. In 2018, an assessment of food security among Oklahoma State
University (OSU) Students was completed by Nutrition Sciences faculty. 43% were food
insecure, which is higher than the national average of 12%. As a result of this research, and a
campus food security committee. The students now have access to a food (Pete’s) pantry and
multiple food kiosks. The Oklahoma Nutrition Education (ONE) program collaborated with
Pete’s Pantry and the Oklahoma Nutrition Information and Education Program (ONIE) to teach
the MyPlate Curriculum to OSU students. ONIE, an implementing agency for SNAP-Ed
developed the MyPlate Curriculum, with a focus on cooking healthy meals. Pete’s Pantry
provided food for the lessons and marketed the classes to the students. ONIE provided skill
builders and the evaluation component. ONE, also an implementing agency for SNAP-ED
provided the course instruction, utilizing the teaching kitchen within the department of
Nutritional Sciences on OSU Stillwater campus. The collaborative efforts go far beyond
expectations that were set in 2019 with the educational committee. Evaluation data show
program impact related to diet quality, food preparation, food safety and food resource
management

Speakers

Candance Gabel

Sr State Extension Specialist / CNEP State Coordinator, Oklahoma State University

I am the state coordinator for both EFNEP and SNAP-Ed at Oklahoma State University.

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 12-Building Capacity for Health Extension

Cheryl Eschbach & Lauren Kennedy (Michigan State University)
Allison Myers (Oregon State University)
Erin Martinez (Kansas State University)
Health Extension includes health-focused research, education, programming, and interventions delivered by the Cooperative Extension System (CES) as the outreach and community engagement part of Land-Grant Universities and Colleges. This session is a panel discussion on capacity building and organizational strategies to prepare the CES workforce for Health Extension and ways Extension can gain credibility in human health disciplines. In general, academic disciplines have (1) an object of research, (2) a body of accumulated knowledge, (3) organizing theories and concepts, (4) specific terminology, (5) common research methods, and (6) institutional manifestation (Krishnan, 2009). Extension as an academic partner working on interdisciplinary research and educational activities needs these same discipline qualities, especially shared understanding and standardized approaches of research methods, collaborative science, and publication processes. Building capacity in Health Extension to be a well-established area of study and program dissemination and implementation within CES and among aligned partners will need these standards for health to be operationalized into all Extension priorities. In realizing the potential for Health Extension in the 21st century, specific steps must be taken to ensure that CES can realize its potential as an intellectual leader in community-based healthcare and public health and a full partner in the scientific process. Intellectual leadership, especially in emerging disciplines, challenges existing power and leadership structures, emphasizes the importance of publication-based authority in the domain of ideas, and “can establish roots when women and minority scholars utilize opportunities for dissent and public engagement” (Oleksiyenko & Ruan, 2019, p. 8). To maximize the potential for CES to lead in health-related fields, Extension professionals must be trained in health behavior change theory and frameworks and principles of community organizing and community building for health. Professionals also need training in human subjects’ protocol (e.g. IRB), research design, and dissemination and implementation science. In addition, administrative and institutional leaders must provide support, mentoring, and encouragement to junior and mid-career intellectual leaders, acquire new talent where needed, and commit to developing a more diverse workforce and new collaborations with university and community-based health professionals. Finally, grant-writing, peer-reviewed publication, and partnership-building skills must be prioritized to formalize the intellectual leadership of CES in Health Extension and broaden the scope of potential funding and partnerships beyond traditional domains. This panel, comprised of junior and mid-career scholars from multiple universities, will address the skill development, leadership priorities, and funding, publication, and partnership opportunities needed to establish Health Extension as a sustainable area of study and program implementation with CES as a foundational leader and authentic partner. Panelists include Extension Specialists in health-related program areas who are providing statewide and national leadership and state level Extension administrative leaders (e.g. Associate Dean, Institute Director) who are focused on human health.
Krishnan, A. (2009, January). What are Academic Disciplines? Some Observations on the Disciplinarity vs Interdisciplinarity Debate. University of Shouthampton National Centre for Research Methods. Report. https://eprints.ncrm.ac.uk/id/eprint/783/1/what_are_academic_disciplines.pdf
Oleksiyenko, A & Ruan, N. (2019). Intellectual leadership and academic communities: Issues for discussion and research. Higher Education Quarterly, 73(4), 1-13.

Speakers

Cheryl L Eschbach

Institute Director, Health and Nutrition, Michigan State University

Dr. Cheryl Eschbach is Director of Michigan State University Extension's Health and Nutrition Institute. In that administrative role since 2018, she provides leadership for community-based health, food safety, and nutrition education programming. She oversees the institute’s annual... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 13-Healthier Together: A Collaborative Effort to Improve Health in Rural Communities

Garner, C.
The Healthier Together project, funded by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention High
Obesity Program, supports collaboration between the Cooperative Extension System, local
communities, and an interdisciplinary team at the University level to address food and physical
activity access. The purpose of the Healthier Together initiative is to implement environmental
change strategies for obesity prevention in five rural counties where over 40% of adults are
obese. Extension Agents began working towards these changes by developing community
coalitions to assess needs and select evidence-based strategies to improve access to healthier
foods and physical activity, to reduce the rates of obesity, and to improve economic viability.
Community coalitions worked together to identify, direct and support the environmental
changes most appropriate. The coalitions selected several strategies to improve access to
healthy foods and safe places to be active that they believed would be sustainable. As a result
of the complexity of this project, a unique interdisciplinary collaboration was built among
Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Sciences, and 4-H agents within
Extension, four Colleges, and community-based coalitions all working together towards
creating healthier environments to reduce obesity in rural communities. The project is housed in
the College of Public Health with programming and county support through UGA Extension.
Through the project, partners work together to bring the best resources to the communities that
need it most. This poster showcases the results of this project.

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 14-Leveraging Existing Research and Navigating Uncertainties in Nutrition Science: the MIND Your Diet Behavior Change Program as an Example

Sasse, C.
For Cooperative Extension (CE) to remain relevant, timely translation of health topics is
essential. Translation of nutrition science, however, presents unique challenges. Human clinical
trials are often contradictory, and progression from clinical trials to population-wide
recommendations can be slow. Unfortunately, the silence of CE professionals can leave an
information void for marketers to fill. Supplements claiming to support memory, for example,
yield 5 billion dollars globally each year. Despite extensive correlation evidence suggesting
certain diet patterns may provide a degree of cognitive protection for some individuals, CE
professionals are hesitant to address this topic. However, the provision of information by CE
professionals can debunk misinformation. To address these concerns, a 5-session behavior-
change program, MIND Your Diet, was developed based in part on the Mediterranean-DASH
Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay. Only recommendations with the highest level of
evidence were included, and missing recommendations from MyPlate were added. County
agents were trained extensively on the limitations and gaps in knowledge regarding diet and
cognition. Following the training, a Qualtrics survey revealed that 55% of county agents were
able to communicate the limitations and contradictions of research findings, felt comfortable
offering the curriculum, and agreed the topic was appropriate for CE programming. Program
evaluations of the first cohorts are pending. Using MIND Your Diet as a case example, CE can
increase relevancy in areas of current public interest through vetting research, extensive training
of county agents, and debunking of misinformation.

Speakers

Christine Sasse

State Specialist/Instructor-FCS Nutrition, University of Arkansas Cooperative Extension

Christine Sasse, MS, RDN, LD, joined Extension as a State Nutrition Specialist in 2022. She previously worked over 20 years in chronic disease prevention, community and school health promotion, and WIC nutrition and breastfeeding at the Arkansas Department of Health. Her interests... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 15-Catalyzing Change: Understanding Central Kentucky Community Perceptions of Nutrition and Diet-Related Chronic Disease for Enhanced Health Intervention

Teets, C.
Chronic disease is an epidemic throughout the United States. The Kentucky population suffers
from higher rates of chronic diseases than most of the nation. Many Kentuckians have
unhealthy dietary behaviors, which are associated with diet-related chronic disease risk for
cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, and certain cancers. Kentucky is considered a health
disparity population, as many communities have high poverty rates and are in rural, isolated
regions. This research examined Central Kentuckians' perceptions of the role of nutrition in
preventing diet-related chronic diseases. The research sought to understand how respondents'
socioeconomic status influenced their dietary behaviors and perceptions about nutrition topics.
Data was collected from various audiences at events throughout Central Kentucky through a
quantitative survey. Results indicated that many respondents had chronic disease or chronic
disease risk factors. Although, most respondents recognized that nutrition is important in
preventing diet-related chronic disease. Further, correlation results indicated that the
demographics of respondents were associated with differences in their perceptions. This
information can be used to develop effective nutrition education interventions that enhance
dietary behaviors, thus reducing diet-related chronic diseases in Central Kentucky. It can
provide nutrition educators with information to better educate and accommodate Kentuckians
who face health disparities. No research to date examines populations' perceptions of the role of
nutrition in chronic disease prevention.

Speakers

Cora Teets

Research Associate, Kentucky State University

Hi! I am Cora Teets, I am a resercher in the Center Nutritrition and Cancer for Resrach at Kentcuky State Universoty. I also act as an adjunct professor for Basic Nutrition at the University. I am passionate about mentoring students and establishing collaborations to make the most... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 16-Collaborating with the Charitable Food System in North Carolina to Enhance and Sustain Healthy Food Access in Food Pantries

Courtney Ramsey-Coleman
Caren Maloy
Recent data reveals that around 30% of college students face food insecurity. Where there is food insecurity, issues of nutrition security also arise. As part of the nutrition strategy under the1807 State Physical Activity and Nutrition grant from the CDC, the North Carolina Division of Public Health, in collaboration with North Carolina State University's Steps to Health program, initiated a learning collaborative. This collaborative aimed to improve healthy food accessibility within college food pantries.
To address gaps in food pantries and align with the Healthy Eating Research Nutrition Guidelines for the Charitable Food System, this learning collaborative included training and technical support to enhance healthy food pantry standards. Topics covered implementation of food service guidelines, trauma-informed care, strategies for expanding donation pools, sourcing healthy donations, incorporating culturally relevant foods, and more. These one-hour sessions from March to December 2023 featured monthly new topics, guest speakers, and resources, with recordings shared via email for accessibility.
While 33 pantries joined, live session attendance averaged between 10 to 15 due to scheduling challenges. Among the 33 completing initial assessments, 10 committed to food service guidelines. Food pantries also adopted healthy donation policies, partnered with local food banks, and conducted culturally relevant food surveys.
The positive engagement and outcomes of the live sessions has led to the development of a more interactive Healthy Food Access Pantry Training Program. This new six-month cohort training program will provide support for organizational structures and working procedures of food pantries to help decrease nutrition insecurity in NC communities.

Speakers

Tammy Chase-Brunelle

Food and Built Environment Lead, NC State University

I am the Food and Built Environment Lead for the North Carolina State University Steps to Health program. I have worked in the public health sector for over fifteen years in NC and Hawaii doing primary prevention work. As part of this work, I work with Extension agents and community... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 17-Strategies for Building Child Vaccine Confidence in Families: Evaluation of an Evidence-Informed Training for Early Care and Education Professionals

Pollich, C, Sanson, D, Varner, J, Weinreb-Welch, L, Bayly, B.
Early care and education (ECE) programs serve an important role in public health promotion
and ensuring the children they care for receive recommended child vaccinations as they are
often viewed as resource brokers and key communicators of information regarding young
children’s healthy development. As such, it is critical that ECE professionals receive accurate
and up-to-date information regarding child vaccinations, as well as strategies to alleviate
families’ concerns around child vaccinations and resources to connect families with health
professionals. A large public-university Extension system was utilized to train ECE
professionals to help build child vaccine confidence in the families. The one-hour training was
delivered in-person and online and focused on three topic areas: 1) common reasons for
families’ vaccine hesitancy; 2) communication strategies for navigating conversations with
families about child vaccinations; and 3) trust-worthy, family-friendly sources of information
about child vaccinations. In addition, all participants received numerous handouts to share with
families in their ECE programs that focused on the importance of following recommended child
vaccination schedules.

Participants were asked to complete pre and post evaluation questions designed to capture
knowledge about childhood vaccines (e.g., “Childhood vaccines are important for the health of
other people in the community”), comfort in supporting families with the vaccine process (e.g.,
“I would be comfortable connecting families with questions and concerns around childhood
vaccines with our local health department”), and familiarity with current childhood vaccination
guidelines (e.g., “I am familiar with the CDC’s recommendations on childhood vaccinations”).
Participants were also asked about ECE programs’ role in supporting childhood vaccinations
and their feelings of self-efficacy in assisting families in feeling confident with the child
vaccination process.

Results (N =55) indicated improvement from pre to post on knowledge about child vaccinations
(pre M = 5.73; post M = 6.42; p < .05), comfort supporting families (pre M = 5.41; post M =
6.41; p < .001), and familiarity with child vaccination guidelines (pre M = 5.52; post M =
6.37; p < .01). Training participants were more likely to see ECE programs as playing a role
in supporting the child vaccination process (pre M = 5.87; post M = 6.48; p < .05) and felt
more efficacious in assisting families in feeling confident in the child vaccination process (pre
M = 2.88; post M = 3.35; p < .01). Finally, participants indicated that they had a great deal of
trust in the facilitator and the information provided (M = 6.76 on 7-point scale), felt the topic
was relevant and important (M = 6.55 on 7-point scale), and reported high levels of engagement
(M = 6.62 on 7-point scale).

Given that ECE programs serve as a key contact point for families all over the U.S., they play
an important role in public health promotion through the dissemination of accurate and up-to-
date health-related information to families of young children. Our results indicate that outreach
efforts can serve as an effective tool for supporting the child vaccination process through
training ECE professionals to effectively communicate accurate information to families.

Speakers

Cynthia Pollich

Extension Educator, Penn State Extension

Cynthia Pollich is an educator at Penn State Extension in Lancaster County. She has provided professional development to the community for over 30 years within the Food, Families, and Community unit. Her master's degree is in Early Childhood Education, focusing on the health and welfare... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 18-Addressing Healthy Food Access and Food Insecurity in Ohio through the Voices for Food Program

Remley, D, Jones, T, Shirtzinger, S, Barton, A, Graham, Y, Little, J, Ryan- Adams, D, and Neu- Brown, D.
Food insecure populations are often challenged by limited resources when making dietary
choices, which affect the quality and quantity of healthy foods they eat. Unfortunately, poor
nutrition increases the risks for diet-related chronic diseases. The Voices for Food (VFF)
program was developed by Extension services in six states and aims to improve food insecurity
and healthy food access through the development of food councils and MyChoice food pantries
that promote nutrition and offer client choice. Using a social-ecological approach, food councils
support the work of the pantries by building local partnerships. The components of VFF include
a food council creation guide, a MyChoice food pantry toolkit, and affiliated assessments. Food
councils and food pantries can identify starting points, set goals, and measure progress using
the assessments. Since 2018, seven counties in Ohio have used Voices for Food materials and
received coaching, and four of those received mini grants to support their work and were
required to complete assessments for three years. All four of the counties who received funding
showed progress in their food council assessments, with two showing progress in the MyChoice
food pantry assessment. Three counties that did not receive funding were able to use the guides
and assessments to begin food councils. The products of all these efforts include the
introduction of produce prescriptions, fruit and vegetable SNAP incentives, Farmers Market
SNAP programs, healthy nudges in retail, mobile food distribution, community gardens, and
MyChoice food pantries.

Speakers

Dan Remley

Associate Professor, Field Specialist, The Ohio State University Extension

Tennis and pickleball player, backpacker and scuba diver

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 19-Building Faith-in-Prevention Networks to Engage Faith-Based Organizations in Health Promotion

Dychtwald, D.
Faith-based organizations can play an important role in the physical and mental health of their
congregants and the communities they serve through the lens of faith and spirituality. Faith-
based health promotion (FBHP) is a concept utilized across multiple disciplines, including
nursing, public health, government, social work, and medicine. Studies show that FBOs are
uniquely positioned to reach across multiple demographics, led by clergy members who have a
strong influence over their institutions, shaping the physical and social environments of their
institutions for health-related matters.

With the absence of a countywide health/food security coalition, we identified an opportunity to
bring together a group of faith leaders to provide resources, trainings, peer-to-peer support,
mentoring, funding support, etc., to assist them in promoting healthier lifestyles for individuals,
families, and the communities they serve. Launched in 2022, the Gloucester County Faith in
Prevention Network (FIPN) believes communities of faith can be key health advocates,
particularly in communities affected by health disparities or lacking adequate access to
resources. The FIPN connects faith communities with organizations that are invested in food
security and reducing health disparities; assists in developing passion for promoting wellness;
and serves as a resource to create and sustain health and wellness-related ministry programs. Its
vision is to empower faith communities to serve as changemakers who work collaboratively
within congregations and communities to help families and individuals thrive physically,
mentally, and spiritually. Led by Extension faculty and staff, monthly meetings.

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 2-Youth and Adult Coalition Members Working Together to Improve Health: The Story of Well Connected Communities in Georgia

Berg, A., Ashley S., Bennet V., Brown C., Cook G., Crosson L., Daniel J., Hobbs K., Sheram C., Williams S.

The Well Connected Communities initiative, led by National 4-H Council and funded by the
Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, was instrumental in spurring on the development of strong
community health coalitions that include both youth and adult leadership. These coalitions,
located in Calhoun, Colquitt, and Washington counties, are working to promote a culture of
health and create lasting health change in their rural communities. Extension Family and
Consumer Science Agents, 4-H Agents, and Agriculture and Natural Resources Agents worked
collaboratively to develop and maintain these coalitions and provide leadership for these
efforts. Although each community had some history of community health coalition work, the
introduction of youth as equal members was a new and energizing concept. The impact of youth
participation and leadership in these coalitions cannot be understated. Similarly, the holistic
nature of this partnership-oriented, community-driven work has resulted in numerous
unexpected opportunities and new connections for Extension and other community partners.
Outcomes of these efforts include novel youth-adult and community organization partnerships,
youth-led health interventions, Policy, Systems, and Environmental change strategy
implementation, a master volunteer program, and continued efforts for the future.

Speakers

Alison Berg

Associate Professor and Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist, University of Georgia

Alison's current research involves evaluating community Extension education programs to improve nutrition behavior for the prevention and management of chronic disease, including obesity, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, and some cancers. Another emphasis of her work is translational... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 20-Community Conversations about Mental Health: Community Planning for Improving Behavioral Health in Rural and Frontier Counties

Linnell, D, Brody, B, Breuner, N, Martin, A, Myers, A, and Phibbs, S.
Due to high prevalence of mental health conditions and poor access to behavioral health care,
Oregon ranks near or at the bottom of U.S. states for adult and youth behavioral health
outcomes, respectively. Since 2019, Oregon State University Extension has been working to
promote mental health and prevent disordered substance use and deaths of despair from suicide
and overdose with programs such as Coast to Forest, Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance,
Combating Overdose through Community-Level Intervention, and the AgriStress Helpline for
Oregon. Broadly, the work has involved education and training on evidence-based practices,
promoting local resources, convening cross-sector partners, and building workforce capacity.
In 2022, we conducted a needs assessment of public health and public safety leaders in the
Oregon-Idaho High Intensity Drug Trafficking Area. From 27 interviews we concluded that
there is a need and a desire for bringing all partners together to foster “a full-spectrum
collaborative effort.” With the present level of the SUD and fentanyl crisis, local partners are
overwhelmed by overdose response and inadequate treatment options; pausing to address
system-wide issues and “up-stream” prevention remains out of their reach. Extension is a
natural partner to provide support in this area with a long history of serving communities
through education, technical assistance, and convening partners for collaborative solutions.
To date, our team has assisted six Oregon rural and frontier counties with community planning
to improve behavioral health using a process adapted from SAMHSA’s Community
Conversations about Mental Health. This process was adapted from an evidence-based practice
developed by the U.S. Substance Use and Mental Health Services Administration. The process
takes diverse and committed participants from (1) sharing_experiences, through (2) building a
prevention-treatment-recovery system map and (3) assessing gaps in the system, to (4) planning
for action. The goal is to build on community strengths to address gaps, and to make informed
decisions about resource allocation.

Following the Conversations, counties have:
- Improved understanding of the local situation, including the prevention, treatment and
recovery activities and resources that exist, along with those that are missing.
- More knowledge of one another’s roles and responsibilities and stronger working
relationships.
- A written action plan that can be followed to address gaps and implement innovative practices.
- Formed coalitions, applied for and received new funding, and implemented additional
evidence-based practices.

In addition to these outcomes, we observed commonalities across the six conversations where
communities need additional assistance, including: training and technical assistance to
implement and adapt evidence-based practices in rural communities; and convening leaders
across sectors to facilitate deep, intentional discussions that enhance cross-sector coordination.
We also observed that most community resources are focused on crisis response, treatment and
recovery, while few resources are being allocated to primary prevention. This illustrates a need
for more support in prevention. By applying our expertise in health, education and facilitation
to address these needs, Extension can assist communities in making long-lasting, meaningful
change in behavioral health.

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 21-The Impact of a Practice-Tested Diabetes Self-Management Support Program on A1c Values in Residents of Rural South Carolina Communities

Authors: Dylan Mott, MPH, Kadalynn Jones, MS, Samantha Kanny, MS, Rhonda Matthews, M.Ed, Windsor Sherrill, PhD, MHA, MBA, Danielle McFall, MS, Melissa Bales, MS, Michelle Stancil, MS, RN, CDCES, David Sudduth, MBA, FHFMA, Kapri Kreps-Rhodes, MBA, Michelle Parisi, PhD, RDN, LD

Having an elevated A1C can cause serious complications, but reaching and maintaining a healthy A1C can prevent or reduce complications related to diabetes. Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) is recognized by the American Diabetes Association as a practiced-tested self-management support program utilizing a high-touch, person-centered approach. HED involves clinical partnerships and community resources to provide participants with the education, skills, and support for managing diabetes. Based on the number of participants who completed self-reported pre- and post-evaluations, results showed A1C had a statistically significant decrease from pre-to post- program completion.

Speakers

Dylan Mott

Rural Health and Nutrition Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension

Dylan Mott is a Rural Health and Nutrition Agent with Clemson Cooperative Extension serving Greenville and Spartanburg counties in South Carolina. As a Rural Health and Nutrition Agent, Dylan primarily delivers chronic disease prevention and self-management programming centered around... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 22-Physical Activity Programs Provide Support and Referral Pathway for Health Extension for Diabetes Participants

Lane, E.
Clemson Extension’s Rural Health and Nutrition Team delivers diabetes education across SC
through Health Extension for Diabetes (HED). HED curriculum recommends healthy lifestyle
behaviors, such as regular physical activity, to better manage blood glucose levels. However,
programs facilitating these recommendations were not offered within Extension. Therefore, we
developed three programs to help participants reach their weekly physical activity
recommendations: (1) WalkSC, (2) Yoga for Every Body, and (3) Practical Strength.
Collectively, these programs provide organized outlets to strengthen diabetes management
practices for HED participants. Additionally, they enhance HED recruitment and promote
chronic disease awareness, prevention, and management statewide and nationally.

Rural Health and Nutrition Team physical activity programs have reached wide audiences
within South Carolina, and beyond, emphasizing their stand-alone value for health promotion
and management. Importantly, these programs also facilitated cross-pollination of participants
across Health Extension programming including HED. For example, at least 208 HED
participants participated in one or more of the physical activity programs from January 2021-
January 2023, empowering them to continue to strive for sustainable diabetes self-management
goals. Finally, the physical activity programs have increased HED recruitment, likely through
targeted marketing of shared health goals. We conclude that increasing accessibility of physical
activity programs within Extension has promoted chronic disease awareness, prevention, and
management statewide and nationally.

Speakers

Camden Bryan

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 23-Exploring Innovative Extension-Based Approaches for Community Health Equity: A Comparative Case Study of the Missouri Research-Extension (MO-RE) Program

Poncher, E, Haney, S, and Azmy, J.
Background:
Missouri residents struggle to reach optimal health due to various access issues and structural
problems. The MO-RE program is a uniquely developed course meant to prepare Community
Health Field Specialists (CHFS) to understand and address the challenges in their regions. The
program strengthens Extension’s capacity to address shared and unique regional challenges.

Objectives:
To reimagine how Extension remains responsive to community health outcomes and needs.

Methods:
The MO-RE program utilizes quantitative and qualitative methods to identify trends in health
across the state while tailoring health goals to local conditions. By providing a CHFS in each
region, Extension aims to reduce the time lag in translating evidence-based research to
community-based interventions. Our comprehensive needs assessment and cross-regional
analysis examines priority areas in both urban and rural counties.

Results:
Cross-regional analysis identified high rates of heart disease mortality (age-adjusted per
100,000) in the Urban East (110.2), Northwest (185.0), East Central (209.3), and Southeast
(273.5). Similarly, lung cancer incidence rates were high statewide: 62.8 in the Urban East, 60.9
in the Northwest, 82.7 in the East Central, and 94.4 in the Southeast.

Conclusion:
A regional approach to needs assessing allows CHFS’s to identify regional priority areas while
also recognizing trends that are present across the state. The Community Health Engagement
and Outreach division of Extension will streamline statewide interventions while also creating
localized place-based health programming

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 24-Training Gardening Enthusiasts in Best Practices for Preventing Injury in the Garden

Workshops were presented to Master Gardener Volunteers, horticulture professionals, students, and the general public to teach best practices for using proper postures, techniques, and tool use in the garden to prevent injury and minimize pain.
This 1.5-hour interactive workshop covers best practices for preventing gardening-related injuries and minimizing pain by utilizing proper posture, techniques, and tool use, and incorporating stretching into the gardening routine. Participants practice three main movements that are used in common gardening tasks (e.g., pulling weeds, carrying mulch, raking, shoveling) and progressively practice them using tools. Content was compiled using evidence-based gardening, body mechanics, and injury prevention resources. The objectives of the workshop are: 1) Increase knowledge of best practices, safe movements, and stretches in gardening, 2) Increase use of proper posture, techniques, tool use and stretches while working in the garden, and 3) Decrease perceived pain level associated with gardening. The workshop was developed in the Summer of 2020 and is taught every year in late Spring/early Summer to coincide with Utah’s gardening season.
Between 2020-2023, a total of 13 in-person and virtual workshops reached 163 participants. In the in-person workshops, coordinators supplied a variety of gardening tools for participants to practice with (e.g., rakes, shovels, trowels, carts) and outdoor garden space. Demonstration videos were created to allow for virtual instruction and practice. With instructor’s guidance, participants practiced proper techniques and postures while using tools and doing common gardening activities, such as squatting, lifting, reaching overhead, bending, carrying, and kneeling. Each session ends with a review of a sample full-body stretch routine. Modified movements and resources were included to address mobility challenges.
Retrospective pre/post surveys were developed and sent to 93 participants at one week and six months post-workshop. Sixty-six participants responded to the initial survey, yielding a 70% response rate, while 49% responded to the follow-up. The percent increase in knowledge of injury prevention concepts ranged from 21%-100%, with the largest change reported in learning best practices to follow when gardening. The percent increase in behavior adoption ranged from 54%-221%, with the largest change reported in stretching throughout their gardening session. At six months, 93% reported increased awareness of their posture and tool use, 75% reported continuing use of positive gardening behaviors; and perceived pain level on a 0-10 scale (where 0=no pain to 10=extreme pain) decreased from 4.41 to 2.87.

Speakers

Gabriela Murza

Professional Practice Extension Assistant Professor, Utah State University Extension

Gabriela Murza received a BS in Psychology and MS in Health Education and Behavior from the University of Florida. She serves as USU Extension Health and Wellness faculty with the Health Extension: Advocacy, Research, and Teaching (HEART) Initiative, which addresses the opioid overdose... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 25-FARMacy WV: Demonstrating the Effectiveness of a Produce Prescription Program in Rural West Virginia

Introduction: West Virginia is one of the most challenged states in the nation in terms of its persistently high rates of chronic disease, poverty, and food insecurity. Limited access to healthy, affordable food leaves many to rely on convenience stores, gas stations and charitable assistance as their primary source of nutrition. Food deserts and poverty lie at the heart of poor-quality diets in our state, demonstrating the need to improve food access for those who are most vulnerable.
Approach: FARMacy WV, a 15-week produce prescription program, is designed to serve those with or at risk for chronic conditions and food insecurity through: 1) increased access/availability of fresh, locally grown produce; and 2) a series of nutrition education and culinary instruction sessions. Clinical measures and assessments of dietary behaviors and food insecurity are collected pre and post-program. HIPAA-compliant software and standardized data collection processes facilitate analyses of common measures across all program sites.
Results: From 2020-2022, 21 health centers provided the program to over 750 patients. Data from a subset of 12 health centers demonstrated improvements in: HbA1c control (0.5%, n=538); body weight (2.1 lbs., n=503); and total cholesterol (4.8 mg/dL, n=414). Improvements in food security and diet quality have also been observed. Additionally, local farmers have been paid almost $300,000 for the 220,000 pounds of fresh food that has been provided to program participants.
Conclusion: Partners in Extension, agriculture, health care, and Public Health have come together to help improve the health of high-risk patients in some of West Virginia’s most rural communities.

Speakers

Gina Wood

EFNEP Coordinator, West Virginia University

Gina is an Assistant Professor within WVU Extension where her role is focused on administration and implementation of service delivery programs to under-resourced communities and populations through education and outreach associated with the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 26-Statewide Needs Assessment of Health and Wellness Professional Development Needs of Child Care Providers

Wilson, H, Speirs, KE, Stewart, R, Bawden, M, and Myer, R.
Early childhood is a critical time in a child’s development. ECE professionals play an important
role in promoting young children’s early brain development, health and wellbeing. Professional
development (PD) and training are important tools for helping to prepare ECE professionals to
deliver the kind of care that promotes young children’s health and wellbeing (1). Appropriate
health, safety, and wellness training and PD are essential to ensure ECE professionals are
prepared to enrich the health of the children in their care.

In 2023, a team of Extension faculty and staff conducted a statewide needs assessment survey
(n=216) to better understand the training and PD needs of ECE professionals around health,
safety and wellness. The purpose of this survey was to inform the development of training and
other FCS programming to address these needs and support early care and education
professionals.

The survey included three main sections about PD opportunities 1) key knowledge areas based
on Child Development Associate requirements; 2) specific child health and wellness training
topics; and 3) staff health and wellness topics. Each section asked about participant interest in
PD on these topics and the ease or difficulty of finding that PD.

The needs assessment survey was implemented in two phases: 1) cognitive interviews over
Zoom to improve the quality of the survey questions; 2) dissemination of a 26-question survey
administered to ECE providers using Qualtrics and paper surveys. Cognitive interviews,
recruitment materials and surveys included English and Spanish text.

Survey analysis looked at the intersection of topics that were both of interest to survey
participants and difficult for them to find. Participants did not select child health and safety as
an area of high interest compared to PD in other areas. The topics of greatest interest and most
difficult for ECE providers to find were related to staff health and wellness. This intersection
highlights opportunities for FCS prioritize programming to support ECE providers. These
findings also align with research that found ECE providers experienced declines in mental
health following the pandemic and increased stress and chronic disease than the rest of the
United States (2, 3).

Session attendees will learn about the process used to complete the needs assessment and
identify FCS programming that can support the health and wellness of ECE providers.
Participants will participate in group discussions about utilizing findings and receive access to a
report of the study results

Speakers

Hope Wilson

Area Associate Agent - Family, Consumer and Health Sciences, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Hope Wilson, MPH, RDN is the Area Associate Agent - Family, Consumer and Health Sciences for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension in Yavapai County. She has 20 years of public health experience, working at national, state and local levels. In Yavapai County, Hope oversees... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 27-Where Should I Focus My Walking and Cycling Improvements and Programs? We’ve Got a Tool for That!

LaMondia, J and Carter, M.
Supporting active transportation, like walking and cycling, has many benefits for communities
of all sizes, including improved health, quality of life, environmental impacts, and economic
development. This is especially critical in smaller communities, where they are experiencing
record levels of obesity and adverse health outcomes related to reduced physical activity,
according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

As such, many small U.S. cities and rural towns are now seeking to introduce safer and more
accessible walking and cycling infrastructure to their existing vehicle-oriented built
environments to encourage a shift in active travel behavior. However, these communities lack
the resources, experience, and capabilities to determine where to promote built environment
improvements, and what type of improvements to make. In our outreach activities with many
local leaders and planners, we have found they need easy-to-implement data-driven tools to
help them (a) identify potential routes that support active transportation access to everyday
destinations and (b) communicate these routes with residents and others to develop coordinated
improvement plans.

This presentation describes the development, implementation, and case study of an easy-to-
implement GIS-based Active Route Visualization (ARV) Tool to support active transportation
planning and decision making in small cities and rural towns in the United States. The ARV
Tool can be used by small towns in urban and rural areas to generate a planning-level map
highlighting the routes most likely to support walking and bicycling between residential zones
and everyday destinations. This tool is intended to support local planners and coalitions as they
complete the transportation planning public outreach process and identify routes that could be
improved, promoted, and connected to support active transportation. Additionally, the
planning-level maps generated from the tool can be used to focus efforts to cost-effectively
improve the local built environment where residents are most likely to actually walk and bike.

The tool provides a map of where residents are most likely to walk and bike by using a
modified three-step model planning process developed to forecast potential active travel trips
and assign them to the most likely routes. This process (which is done automatically within the
tool once data is entered) includes small-community-focused active travel trip generation, trip
distribution, and route assignment. The tool uses open-source data from the US census and
Google maps. The tool requires a basic understanding of ArcGIS software to run. This
quantitative approach is best because it is familiar to many of the rural planning organizations
interested in active travel planning and creates an impartial and equitable data-driven map.
In this presentation, we will show how to easily collect the data needed to run the tool, how to
use the tool in the GIS platform, and what the resulting map will look like. We will also share
our experiences using the tool in thirteen different Alabama communities, including how
community coalitions used the tool and maps to develop their own local active transportation
action plans.

Speakers

Jeff LaMondia

Auburn University

Jeffrey LaMondia is a professor in the Civil and Environmental Engineering Department at Auburn University, where he has served since 2010. Dr. LaMondia studies sustainable, livable, and safe transportation systems, with an expertise in long distance and active travel behavior, forecasting... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 28-Extension’s work in Mental Health, Health Equity, and Social Determinants of Health

Jennifer Park-Mroch, Ph.D., University of Wisconsin-Madison; Bobbie Jo Bensaid, Mississippi State University; Calandra Lindstadt, Ph.D., Colorado State University; Betsy Garrison, Ph.D., Brittney Shrick, Ph.D., University of Arkansas; Cari Michels, MPH, University of Minnesota; Anne Lindsay, Ph.D., University of Nevada-Reno; David Brown, Ph.D., Iowa State University

Join us to learn about the Mental Health and Well-Being (MHWB) Community of Practice members's work. Our interactive poster showcases work in MN, WI, NV, AR, MS, CO, & IA. We would also like to learn more about your work.

Speakers

Jennifer Park-Mroch

HWB state specialist, University of Wisconsin - Madison Extension

Jennifer Park-Mroch's expertise is programming with communities faced with barriers to health. Currently, her projects are focused on mental health and well-being, especially the prevention, intervention, and recovery from substance use disorders but she has worked on various projects... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 29-Development of Extension Diabetes Resource Manual to Empower Individuals to Manage Diabetes Successfully

Dykman, J and Litchford, A.
Diabetes is a major concern in the United States, 34.1 million people or 13% of all US adults
have been diagnosed with diabetes. Because diabetes is a burdensome disease, individuals need
increased support in managing their diabetes symptoms successfully. Research suggests that
individuals who participate in classes to learn diabetes self-management skills show
improvements during and directly after the class, but these results tend to diminish six months
after the class series is concluded. Because of this decline, it is important to provide program
participants with support resources once the class series is complete.

The goal of this project was to develop a practical and evidence-based Extension resource for
individuals with diabetes, that encourages the integration of sustainable diabetes self-
management practices into daily life. Four key outcomes of the project included 81 diabetes-
friendly recipes, 12 recipe demos, 15 photos of recipes, and a 38-page diabetes resource
manual.

The purpose of this poster presentation is to introduce the newly designed Extension resource,
describe the methods of developing the resource manual, summarize the research methods and
evaluation data collected, and identify goals for the future. A key component of this project is
evaluating the resource manual and cookbook ability to support individuals with diabetes after
participating in a diabetes management program. A survey, 3-months after the class, was used to
evaluate the effectiveness of the resource in helping individuals maintain their knowledge and
sustain key diabetes management behaviors learned in class.

Speakers

Jenna Dyckman

Jenna Dyckman is a Utah State University Extension Assistant Professor based in Northern Utah. She is a registered dietitian and graduated with her master's in nutrition and dietetics from the University of Idaho. She became a dietitian because she loves helping others and teaching... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 3-Your Feelings Matter: a 4-H Project Book for Social-Emotional Learning

Raines, A and Dellifield, J.
Social-emotional learning (SEL) standards focus on five domains (self-awareness, self-
management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making) and
classroom educators find it difficult to incorporate social-emotional learning into an already full
course load. The 4-H project book Your Feelings Matter was published in 2023 to address the
need for SEL activities that could be used in the traditional 4-H model or within a group setting.
SEL helps young people acquire and apply skills and knowledge to develop healthy identities,
manage emotions, achieve goals, feel and show empathy, establish and maintain supportive
relationships, and make responsible decisions. The integration of SEL learning can help youth
become self-aware and socially-aware citizens.

Your Feelings Matter 4-H project book (YFM4-H) provides seven learning activities in two
areas. The two areas are “Connect with Your Emotions” and “Support Your Emotions”. The
learning activities are: “Name It!”; “Learn Your Temperament”; “Understand Your Reactions”;
“Use Your Words”; “When Feelings Get Hurt”; “Calm Your Mind and Body”; and “Resilience
Scavenger Hunt”. Each project area concludes with a reflection section called “Talking It
Over”. YFM4-H can be utilized by youth and educators in a variety of ways. It was written for
children ages 9-12 with a hands-on approach for learning and doing.

The book meets educational standards from the National Health Education Standards (NHES)
from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions’ School Health Education Resources. It
addresses the need in our communities, schools, and families to help youth integrate SEL
principles into daily living. Talking about feelings and emotions and relating to others is not
easy. Equipping our youth, their families, and educators is a priority for building stronger
communities and addressing basic human needs.

The authors have used this resource to build SEL activities into 6-week classroom based clubs,
at day camps, with camp counselors and will share insight on program replication.
This project book was blind peer-reviewed by youth, colleagues, and mental health
professionals. and received National 4-H Peer Review status (quality indicator). From January
2023 to January 5, 2024 this project book had distribution of 2185 copies throughout the nation.
In the first year, 180 youth took this as a traditional 4-H project and 69.98% of sales were out-
of-state.

The session objectives are: (1) participants will gain knowledge of an SEL framework; (2)
participants will learn strategies to implement the activities YFM4-H through hands-on
activities; (3) participants will identify community partners for social-emotional education

Speakers

Amanda Raines

4-H Youth Development Educator, The Ohio State University

Amanda Raines is an Ohio State Extension Educator in 4-H Youth Development with a focus on empowering Hardin County youth to take leadership roles in our community and live healthy, productive lives . She grew up in Hardin County and was a 10 year member of the Hardin County 4-H... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 30-Preventing Falls and Supporting Strength in Older Adults: A Matter of Balance in Tennessee

Ward, J and Conner, S.
Introduction: The Matter of Balance program at the University of Tennessee has utilized a
modest budget to reach older adults throughout Tennessee through Extension and the lay leader
model. Falls cause fear in older adults and that fear often leads to restricted movement and that
lack of movement causes declines in strength and balance. Fall prevention in older adults is an
important community health initiative so as to alleviate the fear of falling, decrease the
likelihood of falling, and mitigate the negative impacts of an actual fall.

Methods & Results:Through training and outreach the UT FCS program has trained 91% of
counties (n = 86) to deliver Matter of Balance. 37% of counties (n = 32) also trained volunteer
leaders. This has led to the enrollment of over 1352 older adults in fall prevention classes since
the inception of the program in May 2021.

Discussion: This presentation or poster will present the outreach and training methods that led
to a high uptake of training and delivery of Matter of Balance though meaningful discussion of
the importance of fall prevention. A success story will frame the presentation to underscore the
importance of fall prevention in quality of life for older adults.

Speakers

Jennifer Ward

Program Director, The University of Tennessee

Dr. Jennifer Ward is the Program Director for SNAP-Ed and EFNEP programs at the University of Tennessee. She earned her PhD and MPH from the University of Tennessee. Her research, teaching and public speaking center intersectionality to understand how policy and public health interventions... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 31-The Positive Effects of Group Exercise in a Substance Abuse Treatment Program

Johnson, J.
n the past decades, there has been a shift in clinical practices of substance abuse disorders.
Public health currently views substance abuse disorder as a preventable and treatable chronic
condition that negatively affects an individual's physical and mental health and their
interpersonal and social relationships. Although there is a large and ever-increasing strong body
of evidence demonstrating the physical, mental, and social benefits of exercise among healthy
and numerous populations, there is a lack of formal guidelines that assess quality of life among
patients experiencing substance abuse disorder.

This gap in knowledge has provided Extension an opportunity to integrate a weekly group
exercise program with residents enrolled in a rural, outpatient substance abuse program as a
way to improve the quality of life (QoL) and effectiveness of an individual's direct experience
with exercise within a comprehensive treatment plan. This Extension program goes towards
implementing Cooperative Extension's National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being
as a way to answer the call to " work to eliminate healthy inequities experienced by people who
live in rural areas." This unique and innovative program also explores the influence of the
physical activity leader, and how they can maximize their effectiveness to facilitate strong
physical activity leadership at ground level and act as powerful agents of behavior change

Speakers

Jimmie Johnson

Extension Educator-Health and Nutrition, University of Minnesota

Jimmie Johnson M.Ed. is a Extension Educator with the University of MN Center for Family Development with a focus on community wide physical activity promotion and physical education. Jimmie has an extensive background as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, personal... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 32-Community Garden Impacts on Food Security, Food Availability and Social Interaction in Missouri

Britt-Rankin, J, and Minnis, T,
This project has confirmed the research that indicates community garden programs can reduce
food insecurity, improve dietary intake, and strengthen family relationships. Across Missouri
this project continues to strengthen community food security and access to fresh produce. This
project has provided new opportunities for predominantly rural communities who have less to
retail grocers, farmer’s markets, and direct sale farms. Since 2022, 173 school and community
gardens have received infrastructure to expand existing gardens, to increase ADA accessibility,
and increase educational opportunities for community members.

MU Extension has been involved with school and community gardens utilizing them as a
learning laboratory for nutrition and health educational programs. Pre-pandemic, MU
Extension collaborated with over 900 gardens. The pandemic saw a number of these gardens
go dormant or unmanned. However, at the same time, many rural communities experienced
supply chain disruptions. Schools and retailers were unable to acquire food needed for their
local consumers. Some of those communities reached out to MU Extension for assistance to
ensure community food security. Communities recognized that to prevent this type of
disruption again they needed to develop new strategies to increase community food security. It
was determined that for long term sustainability, school and community gardens could be a
sustainable source of fresh produce as well as an educational site.

With funding made possible through Community Services Block Grant funding from the
Missouri Department of Social Services, MU Extension faculty and staff have worked with
local communities, especially throughout the rural portions of the state to increase local
produce production to ensure food security and health for all Missourians. In 2022, 103
gardens were supported with over $212,000 of infrastructure—raised beds, soil, mulch,
compost, rock for walking paths, portable garden sheds, greenhouses, and tools. In 2023,
twenty-one of the 2022 gardens and an additional 83 new garden sites received additional
infrastructure purchases totaling over $412,000. Each garden provided produce for an average
of 30 individuals/families per garden. In some communities, the produce was distributed
through the food pantry and in others it was directly distributed to families. Each site governed
how the produce was distributed. In 2023, garden sites were asked to weigh the produce
grown. Forty-two of the 2022 gardens reported their harvest. The produce reported had a
retail value of over $18,900. Our goal for 2024 is to continue supporting these and additional
gardens and to have at least 80% of gardens reporting their harvest.

Speakers

Jo Britt-Rankin

Extension Professor, University of Missouri - Columbia

Dr. Jo Britt-Rankin is an Extension Professor in the Department of Health Sciences. In her position, she serves as the Administrative Director for the SNAP-Ed and Expanded Food & Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) grants which deliver nutrition and health education to all 114 counties... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 33-Food Farms Community, Rural Coalition Food Access Needs Assessment

With the support of a two-year Well Connected Communities grant, UNH Extension in Carroll County, NH was able to design and implement a county wide food access needs assessment using existing secondary data sets, a community and famer/producer survey as well as several focus groups reaching service providers, community members and farmers. This needs assessment was done in partnership with the UNH Carsey School for Public Policy and was designed to inform next steps for a newly formed multi-sector food access coalition, The Carroll County Food Access Network. The Network is made up of service providers, farmers, legislators, and state agencies interested in solving the issues related to food insecurity in this rural community that has limited farmland, is a vacation destination, and has had a large increase of new residents since 2020 resulting in changing landscapes and strains on the local economy. Study results illustrate how limited infrastructure and high demand for resources are some of the real issues related to food access, and how the coalition is using this data to set informed goals for the future.

Speakers

Joy Gagnon

Extension Teacher, UNH Extension

Joy Gagnon has worked with the University of New Hampshire Extension as an EFNEP and SNAP-Ed Extension Teacher since 2012. Recently, with a Well Connected Communities grant, she has focused her attention on a food access needs assessment in a rural New Hampshire county that is being... Read More →

Carroll County Food Access Network Community Food Needs Report an 7 pdf

Quick Facts 2023 CCFAN pdf

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 34-Bridging the Gap Through Strategic Partnerships: Texas A&M AgriLife Extension - Healthy South Texas and School District Offer Parents a Bilingual Health and Wellness Conference and Health Screenings

Tijerina, J.
Strategic partnerships and shared visions can support community-based health and wellness
educational opportunities reaching larger audiences. The Your Health Matters! Wellness
Conference began with a vision of bringing speakers with subject matter expertise on health,
wellness, and nutrition to the citizens of Laredo. The city of Laredo is a South Texas border (to
Mexico) community with a population of 254,000 and 95 % is Hispanic. Initial conference
venues had a capacity of 150, but through a new partnership with a school district, a district
managed facility was secured, and new potential audience members were identified. 19,757
students attend the Laredo Independent School District.

A partnership with their Parent and Family Engagement Department was critical to conference
success by hosting and promoting the conference to parents, providing Spanish translator for
speakers, and incorporating the school district’s television network for live streaming. Parents
were offered health screenings and education on child obesity prevention, stress, diet and brain
health, maintaining core physical fitness, and a healthy mediterranean-themed lunch.
Collaborators with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension and Healthy South Texas included Texas
A&M Colonias program and Texas A&M Health Science Center for assistance, health
screenings, and medical assistance program; Laredo Job Corp Culinary Program students
assisted with preparing lunch; and Public Access Channel aided with video recording.
Conference surveys, provided in English and Spanish, rated speakers and overall conference,
and allowed for future topic suggestions. In its first-year partnership, 510 parents were reached
in-person and via live stream

Speakers

Julie Tijerina

Extension Program Specialist, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Julie Tijerina is an Extension Program Specialist at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension – Healthy South Texas (HST). In her role, she helps provide families of all ages with the knowledge and resources to take control of their health through HST educational programming and activities... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 35-Head Lice and Bed Bugs and Ticks, OH MY! Using Innovative Teaching and Tools to Keep the Biting Bugs Away

Authors: Kait Chapman, Jody Green, Louise Lynch-O'Brien
Biting pests are indiscriminate and come with variety of health risks. Head lice and bed bug bites may cause itching, scratching, and negative psychological impacts. Ticks are prominent vectors of several illnesses, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and red meat allergy. Managing issues surrounding bed bugs, head lice, and ticks requires community-wide education. Engaging target audiences about uncomfortable and often stigmatizing topics, however, comes with its own unique challenges. Such challenges require creative solutions - from community science initiatives, mannequins as learning tools, kits, identification cards, children’s activities, to one giant stuffed tick, bringing about behavior change involves interaction and destigmatization.

Speakers

Kait Chapman

Educator - Urban Entomology, Nebraska Extension

Kait Chapman is an Extension Educator specializing in Urban Entomology at Nebraska Extension. Kait's primary focus areas include bed bugs, head lice, ticks, and cockroaches, with an emphasis on prevention and integrated pest management in early childhood, school, and healthcare systems... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 36-Engaging Extension Agents to Increase Vaccine Confidence Across Texas

Murphy, K.A.
Pre pandemic vaccine coverage rates were already becoming stagnant or experiencing decline,
but reviews have shown that there has been further decline in these rates post COVID-19
pandemic. Decreasing vaccine rates can lead to a host of individual and population health
issues, including increased rates of vaccine preventable diseases and HPV -related cancers. We
have seen continued reemergence of measles cases and more recently, polio viruses in US
wastewater. In addition, it highlights gaps in our public health systems and infrastructure.
Extension professionals are uniquely primed to be champions of vaccine education and
awareness – Family & Community Health (FCH) County Extension Agents tend to be trusted
members of broader counties and communities they live, work, and play in, often having grown
up in the area. Some of these agents also have a health education or public health background,
making them an appropriate channel to discuss vaccine education and awareness, as well as
directing community members to clinical and access resources.

As part of the EXCITE Implementation Phase grant project, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension
FCH agents were surveyed on several factors relating to their familiarity with infectious
diseases, the immune system, and their level of knowledge related to vaccines and their
intended purpose. Agents were also asked if they have encountered specific questions related to
vaccine development, safety, and effectiveness, and were given space to share additional
information not covered in the survey. These responses are being used to inform the
development of the professional development session “Vaccines 101”.
This presentation will show agent responses, incorporation of survey responses into the
professional development session, review of and lessons learned during and from the facilitated
session, and how to continue providing agent’s evidence-based and community needed
resources related to the subject matter.

Speakers

Katelyn A Murphy

Project Specialist III, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

I am a Project Specialist in the Family & Community Health Unit with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service. My primary focus is on health communication and engagement in rural communities. My secondary focus is on infectious disease education for the Unit. I have a master's degree... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 37-Strengthening Extension's Nutrition Security Efforts in West Virginia: Use of CFIR to Identify Barriers and Facilitators

Gabbert, K, McCartney, K, Wood, G, Hill, L, and O'Hara Tompkins, N.
The federal government has renewed its emphasis on nutrition security, through the
development of a national strategy launched at the 2022 National Conference on Hunger,
Nutrition, and Health. The national goal, “ending hunger and increasing healthy eating and
physical activity by 2030 so fewer Americans experience diet-related diseases— while reducing
related health disparities” is used as a guiding principle for federal work in the nutrition arena.
Concurrent with the federal government’s focus on nutrition security, the 2021 Cooperative
Extension Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being focuses on health equity, social
determinants of health, establishing and strengthening partnerships, and utilizing a community
development approach to respectfully engage communities. Framework recommendation 1.7,
“Establish and strengthen relationships between Extension program areas to advance health as
an Extension-wide priority”, applies directly to nutrition security efforts that cross traditional
Extension silos of Agriculture and Natural Resources, Family and Consumer Science, and 4H
Youth Development.

In alignment with the federal government’s renewed emphasis on nutrition security and
Cooperative Extension’s Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being recommendations, West
Virginia’s Family Nutrition Program (WVFNP) developed research to understand barriers and
facilitators to WVU Extension employees’ implementation of nutrition security work. WVFNP
is comprised of two federally funded programs, the Expanded Food and Nutrition education
Program (EFNEP) and SNAP-Ed, the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education.
The two programs collaborate to provide nutrition education (EFNEP and SNAP-Ed) and
support for policy, systems, and environmental change strategies to improve health (SNAP-Ed).
In summer and early fall 2023, WVFNP surveyed WVU Extension faculty and staff about
barriers and facilitators to conducting nutrition security work (n= 119, 28% response rate). The
Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) was used to develop survey
questions and analyze results.

Likert scale responses were scored from 1 (strongly disagree) to 5 (strongly agree). Responses
were analyzed and means between WVFNP and WVU Extension were compared. Three
statements had high differences between the mean responses from FNP and Extension: two
questions related to the Inner Setting: “There are detailed plans for addressing nutrition
security”, and “There is clear guidance about addressing nutrition security in my work”; and
one question from the Individual Characteristics domain, “I feel competent in doing nutrition
security work”. Additionally, 55.2% of respondents indicated that they are interested in training
to support nutrition security efforts.

Results suggest opportunities for strengthened collaboration and support between Extension
and WVFNP. Strengthening Extension’s capacity to conduct nutrition security work and
aligning WVFNP’s efforts with WVU Extension’s local efforts has national potential as a
model for effective collaboration.

This presentation will discuss the process of developing and implementing the survey, results,
and implications for Extension practice and systems

Speakers

Kerry Gabbert

Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Extension

Kerry Gabbert, MPH, is an Assistant Professor at West Virginia University Extension, serving as the Public Health Evaluation and Training Specialist for WVU Extension’s Family Nutrition Program. Kerry also serves as a Health Associate with Extension Foundation, providing support... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 38-Using Qualitative Participatory Methods to Evaluate a Comprehensive Community-Centered Engagement Plan

Authors: Kim Eshleman, Tammy Chase-Brunelle, MA, CHES, Catherine E. Sanders, PhD

Because of the complex nature of policy, system, and environmental (PSE) change, adaptive evaluation frameworks are needed to capture stories of impact across a diversity of stakeholders. Qualitative participatory methods, rooted in appreciative inquiry and developmental evaluation frameworks and community engagement principles, may be particularly suited to measuring PSE outcomes. These frameworks can convey critical contextual insights related to social determinants of health, community processes and impacts that can contribute to a foundation for community agency and sustainable change.
Through the use of participatory evaluation frameworks and narrative methods, our user-focused evaluation can enhance community-facing evaluation efforts and communicate impact to the stakeholders who are most acutely experiencing on-the-ground changes. It also offers a capacity-building perspective for community members and agents wanting to enhance their ability to conduct community-focused and culturally responsive evaluation approaches within their work.
As a sustainable approach to nutrition security and community health and well-being, Steps to Health, a SNAP-Ed program is piloting a learning collaborative that will use a layered approach to contribute to long-term impacts by increasing knowledge, skills, confidence and decreasing reliance on outside experts. The vision for the Community-Centered Engagement Learning Collaborative is to serve as an incubator for agents and community partners/leaders to enact holistic community change by leveraging all resources and assets available within their community. Using a place-based collective impact approach may enhance an equitable approach with buy-in from decision-makers, the community, and important actors from various sector areas to address a common agenda.

Speakers

Kim Eshleman

Kim Eshleman is the Faith Community Liaison for Steps to Health (NCSU's SNAP-Ed program)/Faithful Families Thriving Communities, coordinating the implementation of a faith-based health promotion program - Faithful Families Thriving Communities - across the state of North Carolina... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 39-The Need for Science-Based Home Canning Education Post-COVID

Houston, S, Israel, F, Thompson, A, and Williford, G.
Consumers reignited the practice of home food preservation (canning, freezing, drying and
fermenting) during the COVID-19 pandemic. During this time of short food supplies and social
distancing, many consumers turned to secure their food supply through home gardening and
preservation. The increase in home-preserving foods further impacted the availability of home
canning supplies and where consumers accessed home food preservation recipes and learning
resources. Approximately 60% of consumers surveyed about food provisioning, use, and waste
during the pandemic will continue food behaviors post-COVID. Additional research on
consumer behaviors has shown that consumers (new to food preservation) who have gained the
most knowledge and experience during this time are more likely to have a longer-term
behavioral change utilizing these skills.

Clemson Extension's Food Systems and Safety Team provides only research-based home
preservation information and instructions and may be relied upon for up-to-date, safe, and
accurate food preservation information. Standard formats for this information include hands-on
workshops, demonstrations, virtual programs, one-on-one consultations, and written
publications. Since the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020, demand for home food
preservation training and resources has increased significantly more than in previous years, and
this trend continues post-COVID.

This study aims to evaluate South Carolina consumers' knowledge gained in critical areas of
home food preservation before and after attending a hands-on canning workshop in post-
COVID. Study results will help the Food Systems and Safety Team assess participants'
knowledge and skills of home food preservation before training and after completing a
workshop providing science-based home canning instruction. Study results will establish
additional training and resource needs to ensure consumers produce safe home-preserved foods.

Speakers

Kimberly Baker

Food Systems and Safety Program Team Director, Clemson Univerrsity Cooperative Extension

Dr. Kimberly Baker serves as the Food Systems and Safety Program Team Director and Assistant Extension Specialist with the Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service. She received a Ph.D. in Food Technology from Clemson University, is a registered and licensed dietitian, and... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 4-Recovery Friendly Workplace Missouri

McCauley, A.
University of Missouri Extension received a grant to fund the Recovery Friendly Workplaces
(RFWs) Initiative. Businesses receive the RFW designation through training, technical
assistance, and support that assists them in fostering a workplace culture promoting employee
safety, health, and well-being. The grant covers all costs. The RFW initiative offers strategies
that support managers and employees, including reducing stigma and providing recovery
resources related to the challenges surrounding SUD. The initiative decreases costs due to
impaired productivity and absenteeism, and improves safety, productivity, and profitability in
the workplace. RFWs impact the bottom line through resources that foster a supportive work
environment encouraging the success of all employees and promote individual wellness by
empowering workplaces to provide support for employees recovering from SUD. The initiative
is a collaborative effort between Extension, the Chamber of Commerce, the Department of
Health and Senior Services, the Rural Health Association, and the Department of Social
Services. Our poster contains data from the results of the State Employer Survey, compiled in
partnership with the Chamber, information from the State Economic Analysis, and statistics
about OUD's impact on the workforce and families. It contains resources and technical
assistance from a curriculum developed to assist employers in supporting and hiring people in
recovery, background information about the project, current efforts, and future plans. The
poster features a graph on the internalization of social stigma, including self stigma,
stereotypes, prejudices, and discrimination; details steps to start an RFW initiative in other
states; and a depiction of SAMHSA's Recovery Framewor

Speakers

Ann McCauley

Director Rural Opioids Technical Assistance Project, University of Missouri Extension

Ann McCauley is the Director of the Rural Opioids Technical Assistance Project at the University of Missouri Extension's office of Community Health Engagement and Outreach. She oversees the development of the Recovery Friendly Workplace initiative and has created an RFW designation... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 40-Exploring Health and Wellbeing Among Afghan and Congolese Refugees and Latino Immigrants to Inform Extension Programming

Greder, K, Bartholomae,S, Ouya, V, Dan Karami, N, Bakhshalizadeh, F, and Banda, A.
Background: Immigration has played a pivotal role in shaping Iowa's demographic landscape,
contributing to 40 percent of the state's population growth since 2010(1). Iowa’s Latino
population grew 46.4% during this time and is projected to double (14.8%) by 2060(2).
Furthermore, the Congolese population is the second largest Black population in Iowa(3), and
during 2021-2022, over 900 Afghan refugees made Iowa home(4). Refugees and immigrants in
Iowa faced various obstacles, such as language proficiency, cultural adaptation, healthcare
navigation, transportation, and childcare. Overcoming these hurdles is vital for their successful
integration and overall well-being, and affects their ability to break free from poverty and
achieve a high-quality life1.

Theory: Socio-ecological theory posits that individual choices that influence health exist within
a system of contextual factors that collectively influence health(5). When people or
communities are adversely affected by such factors, health equities are created. Racial and
ethnic minorities and those residing in rural areas commonly experience the greatest
inequities(6). It is important to examine such factors to identify ways to address them and
improve health. According to the Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health
Equity and Well-Being (5), health can be improved by promoting healthy behaviors through
education and communication and/or creating healthy communities by addressing obstacles in
obtaining health.

Purpose: In this descriptive study we explored experiences and perspectives among first-
generation Latino immigrants and Afghan and Congolese refugees in Iowa related to their
health and wellbeing. Findings from this study can help inform human sciences extension and
outreach programming in Iowa.

Approach/method: In 2023, 13 focus groups were conducted across three Iowa communities
that have substantial Latino immigrant or Afghan and Congolese refugee populations. The
project team identified members of each population group who were trusted in their community
and who had strong communication skills to be trained as focus group facilitators and recruit
participants. Participants were of immigrant or refugee status, parents, age 18 or older, and
received a $50 gift card to compensate them for their time and expertise. The interviews were
transcribed verbatim and then translate into English by the facilitator or another member of the
community who was skilled in transcription and translation.

Thematic analysis(7) was conducted to identify patterns of meaning (themes) within the
interview data. Team members (5 extension specialists, 5 graduate students) individually
reviewed the transcripts in MaxQDA22 and then used a team-based approach(8) to develop a
coding scheme based on the identified areas of interest (e.g., food, financial wellbeing, health-
emotional, mental, physical, raising children in the US). Additional codes were created as new
constructs that represented participants’ experiences and perspectives were identified in the
data.

Produces measurable results for communities or individuals: A summary report for each area of
interest will be created based on the study’s findings. Reports will include themes and
associated details, as well as salient quotes that represent participants’ perspectives and
experiences. The reports will serve as resources to guide discussion and program development
for Iowa State University Human Sciences Extension and Outreach.

Speakers

Naomi H. Dan Karami

Iowa State University Extension

Na-Omi Hassane Dan Karami is a Ph.D. student in the Department of Human Development and Family Studies at Iowa State University with a Master of Public Health degree. She is passionate about researching the health and well-being of immigrants and refugees and translating research... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 41-Benefits and Challenges for Implementing a Pilot Produce Prescription Program in a Rural Tennessee County

Johnson, K, Elizer, A, and Franck, K.
Consumption of fruits and vegetables positively impacts health, but intake of fruits and
vegetables is below recommended intake levels. Interventions to make fruits and vegetables
more affordable and accessible, such as produce prescription programs (PRx), have been
successful in improving fruit and vegetable intake. Extension professionals in a rural Tennessee
County collaborated with a federally qualified healthcare center (FQHC) to pilot a PRx to
improve fruit and vegetable intake and food insecurity among FQHC patients with type 2
diabetes. Participants (n=50) received approximately $40 of fresh, frozen, or canned produce
monthly for six months from a local producer, a regional food distributor, and/or food retail
outlets. Most participants reported the PRx helped them have enough food to feed their families
(96%), try new vegetables (79%), and try new fruits (54%). Food insecurity significantly
decreased among participants from pre-to-post-intervention (p < 0.05). This PRx connected
residents with local produce and improved food insecurity among participants. Challenges for
program implementation include University contracting processes, storage for fresh and frozen
produce, and labor required for food distribution.

Speakers

Kristen Johnson

Assistant Professor & Nutrition Specialist, University of Tennessee

Dr. Kristen Johnson is an Assistant Professor and Extension Nutrition Specialist in the University of Tennessee Extension Family and Consumer Sciences Department. Dr. Johnson is a registered dietitian and received a PhD in foods and nutrition and a graduate certificate in gerontology... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 42-Growing This!: A Campaign to Improve Nutrition Security in West Virginia

McCartney, K.
Rural communities in Appalachia face disproportionate challenges in accessing healthy foods
since the industrialization and a centralization of the food system which relies heavily on
transportation of food. This process favors urban environments and leaves remote communities
at a disadvantage when it comes to cost and variety of foods available. According to Map the
Gap, a report by Feeding America, 9 out of 10 high food insecurity counties are rural and 8 out
of 10 are in the south. Individuals that face food insecurity are likely to suffer from other
chronic health conditions such as hypertension, coronary heart disease, hepatitis, stroke, cancer,
asthma, diabetes, arthritis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and kidney disease.
Addressing disparities of food security and food access requires substantial and sustainable
changes to the food system. Food sovereignty approaches call for equitable access to healthy
food created when communities reclaim power over food system development. Gardening is an
equitable solution for individuals in rural communities to reclaim power over food and
Extension is an ideal partner to provide that education and engagement.

Grow This! is a statewide gardening campaign in West Virginia supported by West Virginia
University’s SNAP Ed program, exploded in popularity during COVID as a desire for improved
health and self-sufficiency increased. The reach of the program has remained consistent, with
around 82,000 per year participating either as an individual, family or through an organization.
The campaign drives participation through an annual seed signup, featuring 3 crops.
Participants engage in virtual education and engagement, primarily on the Grow This!
Facebook page and through an electronic newsletter.

Recognizing the potential power within the virtual community, The WVU Extension Family
Nutrition Program has launched, The Grow This! Throwdown is a place-based intervention
based on Communication Infrastructure Theory (CIT), which suggests health disparities in
geographic communities can be addressed by increasing collective efficacy by integrating
multi-level storytelling networks. Launched in January, the throwdown is a county vs. county
competition where points are earned through completion of tasks specific to education and
promotion of gardening, nutrition and food security. The top 3 counties with the most points at
the end of the competition win money for their community. The issuing and completing of
challenges serves as a means for generating stories which in turn, is hypothesized to build
collective efficacy within communities and participating teams.

Evaluation of the reach and outcomes will be generated through the reporting of challenges into
a map-based software system and a leaderboard, which will track the challenges and point
leaders. If successful, the Grow This! Throwdown concept could serve as a model for collective
action in other rural communities and reporting of nutrition security interventions within
Extension.

Speakers

Kristin McCartney

Assistant Professor, West Virginia University Extension

Kristin McCartney, a doctoral student in Public Health at West Virginia University, combines her academic pursuits with impactful public service as the Director of SNAP-Ed for West Virginia. Residing in Parkersburg, WV, her work is dedicated to improving nutrition education and health... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 43-Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy in Rural Populations through Healthcare Providers

McCoy, L, Yuille, M, and Murphy, C.
Healthcare providers play a critical role in improving adherence to vaccines through their
unique position of trust and authority in the patient-provider relationship. Effective healthcare
involves respect for patients’ cultural influences, and acknowledges various beliefs about health
and wellbeing. This grant project aims to strengthen cultural competency in healthcare
organizations by providing professional development training for healthcare providers,
educators, and staff. This training ensures access to unbiased, research-based information and
resources for the organizations and the individuals they serve.

Through an EXCITE grant, a Cultural Competency and Health Literacy Training was created
by the state EXCITE team with consultancy from health literacy experts.Evaluation will include pre- and
post-training evaluations, and a 3-month follow-up evaluation to identify behaviors and practices
as a result of the training. Feedback opportunities to the EXCITE team are provided for
community partners throughout the grant period.

Information learned in this training will give healthcare providers in the rural areas of our state
a unique lens to addressing vaccine hesitancy with their patients and their communities. Health
literacy training will increase effective and equitable conversations and dissemination of health
information between stakeholders and community members. Community partners will have
new tools, program resources, and communication techniques

Speakers

Lisa McCoy

FCS senior agent, University of Maryland Extension

Lisa is a tenured faculty member with the University of Maryland Extension. As a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist, she is active in the Health and Wellness program area, focusing on chronic disease prevention and management (especially hypertension and diabetes) and stress management... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 44-‘Cooking Like a Chef’ a Collaborative to Enhance Healthy Menus at Home in South Carolina

Condrasky, M, Haddon, L, McClanahan, M, McInnis, K, Blackwell, D, Baillie, C, Williford, G, and Cummings, R.
A one-day hands- on ‘Cooking Like a Chef’ (CLC) summit was held by the team: 4-H Healthy
Living, Rural Health, and Food Systems and Safety Clemson Cooperative Extension; SC State
University 4-H 1890 Extension; Food, Nutrition and Packaging Sciences Department in
collaboration with Healthy Me Healthy South Carolina.

Together the team of (n=23) agents/adults reached (n= 34) senior 4-H participants and (n=8)
culinary arts high school students from eight county areas for a full day at the Culinary Arts
Program at the Center for Advanced Technical Studies Chapin, SC. The objectives were to
educate youth on culinary nutrition, build confidence in different cooking skills, and build up a
collaborative network of students and agents.

Together all attendees (n= 65) created a model of collaboration that will transcend benefits in
reaching youth and families on the ease in which practicing healthy cooking at home can be
accomplished. A peer-to-peer teaching style has been implemented for CLC week- long camps
that will be held in each of the participating counties to reach 150 children. Camps will utilize
the recipes from the 2024 CLC cooking manual that were practiced at the summit.

Pre and post questionnaires and program evaluation were administered to examine fidelity.
Preliminary results indicate an improvement in the camp participants perceived improvement
confidence in practicing knife skills and mise en place organization the kitchen.
The impact is evident in the collaboration of the team representing youth and the simple joy of
cooking healthy foods for one’s family in South Carolina

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 45-Lessons Learned for the next pandemic: Preparing Extension Agents for Health Education During Times of Crisis

Bowie, M, Brown, V, and Sheyette, A.
The COVID-19 pandemic taught many important lessons. For Extension, the implications were
multifaceted and altered how many of our programs operate. The importance of gathering
community input and direction while being nimble enough to pivot program delivery to
primarily virtual platforms was paramount. Specifically, having the capacity to effectively
address societal problems in a rapidly evolving situation emerged as a key ingredient for
organizations to remain relevant, useful, and responsive. Being asked to provide vaccine
education for difficult-to-reach audiences affirmed Extension’s reputation as a trusted source of
reliable, science-based information. Extension faculty received real-time data and scientific
information to help inform their knowledge and build awareness around vaccine development,
safety, and availability. 96 projects and 73 institutions took on the project goals to “decrease
vaccine hesitancy among rural and medically underserved audiences” and “increase knowledge
and acceptability of COVID-19, and other adult immunizations among priority populations”
(EXCITE Annual Report, 2023).

Proposed Session's 3 learning objectives:
After viewing this presentation, attendees will:
a) explain how the COVID-19 pandemic resulted in drastic modifications in program delivery
b) discuss the implications of future pandemics on how public education providers operate
c) describe the importance of being able to identify and recommend reliable and trustworthy
sources of information for personal health decisions.

Speakers

Maria Bowie

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 46-A One Health Approach to Teaching the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in Higher Education

McDonough, M, Fera, F, Tugman, B, Sherry, J, Strickland, J, and Dancz, C.
The United Nations encourages higher education institutions to promote the knowledge, skills,
and motivation for student adoption of behaviors that address the Sustainable Development
Goals (SDGs) through educational avenues and experiential learning. The Sustainable
Development Solutions Network (2017) recommends a five-step process for universities that
includes identifying opportunities and gaps in educational efforts. Many SDGs target several
dimensions of health and well-being through personal and community involvement. This work
aligns with the One Health approach to teaching wellness.

Two Clemson University instructors collaborated with educational researchers and
undergraduate students to understand student perceptions from two different disciplinary global
challenge courses, Global Health (Public Health Science) and Contemporary Issues in AVS
(Animal and Veterinary Sciences). Both classes had SDG-related course objectives, which
empowered this collaboration. Through an end-of-course survey, students reported changes in
attitudes towards the SDGs and behaviors in working towards SDG progress. To dive deeper
into these changes, the research team has implemented quantitative and qualitative pre- and
post-course surveys to understand potential drivers for actionable changes, aiming to shed light
on the processes through which classroom learning translates to real-world health outreach and
action. Results will be shared with the community to encourage others to incorporate
educational practices that promote SDG-related behaviors and well-rounded global health
citizen actions

Speakers

Meghan McDonough

Meghan McDonough is a fourth-year undergraduate at Clemson University pursuing a bachelor's of science in Animal and Veterinary Sciences. She hails from Andover, Massachusetts, and plans to attend veterinary school following her education at Clemson. Meghan has a keen interest in... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 47-Implementation and Evaluation of the Online Health Extension for Diabetes Program

Bales, M, McFall, D, Lane, E, Bryan, C, Matthews, R, Sherrill, W, and Stancil, M.
Health Extension for Diabetes (HED) is a 16-week community diabetes self-management
support program developed by Clemson University. Extension Agents facilitate the program in
partnership with clinicians and traditional delivery was adapted to online delivery during
COVID-19. Results from traditionally delivered HED and online HED were compared to
determine if the delivery method with adaptations were equally effective in changing
knowledge, behaviors, self-confidence, and biometrics.

Methods:
Adaptations for online delivery of HED were made for recruitment, enrollment, and program
delivery. Questions were also added to the enrollment surveys to determine proficiency in use
of technology and technology practice sessions were offered as needed.

Results:
In-person HED programs reached a greater number of black/African American participants
while online HED programs reached a greater number of white participants. Online HED
participants had higher levels of education and income. Changes in scores for knowledge
transfer, behavior changes, and biometrics were similar in participants from online programs
compared to in-person programs. Online participants had a greater increase in self-confidence
for diabetes self-management than in-person participants.

Conclusions:
Despite differences in demographics, implementation of online versus in-person HED results in
similar programmatic outcomes pre- to post-participation. Online participants may have a
greater change in confidence for diabetes self-management because income and education may
result in fewer barriers to self-management. A combination of online and in-person HED
program delivery can be used to increase the program reach to a greater number of individuals
with diabetes, thereby increasing access to diabetes self-management education and support
programs.

Speakers

Michelle A Parisi

Associate Professor/Extension Specialist, University of Georgia

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 48-Development of a Statewide Digital Data Collection Tool for Texas Extension Programs

Michelle Rawls, MPH; Rusty Hohlt, Ed.D; Meredith Graham, MS; Brian Faries

Evaluation of program participation, location, impact, and implementation is an important component of the Extension program development model. Reducing the burden of data collection for participants or educators can help data be collected efficiently. This presentation will show how Texas Extension developed a digital data portal for the collection of information on program partners, program sites, participant demographics, and participant self-report health behaviors. The portal also includes educator feedback on curricula across multiple health and wellness programs. Evaluation of Extension-delivered-programs in this presentation include physical activity, health and wellness, and food preparation programs.
Attendees will learn about things that have worked well in digital data collection, requests for integration of components from agents and subject matter experts, modifications needed in portal development based on user feedback, and areas where technical assistance is most needed. Throughout the session, attendees will see how participants interact with the portal to self-report demographics and health behaviors. They will also observe how educators and subject matter experts use the portal to aggregate partner data and participant impact data on local and statewide level. Additionally, the session will look at how educator feedback on curricula has been integrated into the data portal as a method of providing subject matter experts with important implementation information. Overall, the presentation will allow the audience to get a dual experience of the digital data collection platform from a community health program participant and educator’s perspective.
Development and use of a digital data portal has led to a consistent method of collecting program implementation information and program impact data. Through this presentation, attendees will be able to explore how digital data collection has evolved for one unit in Texas Extension, what challenges have been addressed in the portal development process, and how the data portal has automated impact report creation.

Speakers

Michelle Rawls

Project Manager, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension

Michelle Rawls serves as a Project Manager in the Office of Data and Accountability at Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, where she oversees the development and management of real-time evaluation reporting systems for Healthy South Texas. With an MPH in Health Promotion and Community Health... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 50-Healthy Young People Empowerment (HYPE) Project: Empowering Future Health Advocates

Mebane, P, Cooper, D, Malmin, N, and Seward, K.
In South Carolina, over 500,000 people are at risk of facing hunger. A recent Feeding America
report shows that 1 in 8 children face hunger. A collaboration between Extension Agents, a
Disaster Recovery and Resilience Researcher, and a youth group leader provided a unique
opportunity to educate youth about Policy, System, and Environmental Changes (PSE) by
actively engaging them in planning and implementing a PSE project in their communities.
Youth can be a driving force for change. They bring fresh ideas, new skills, and a unique
perspective to implementing community changes. The Healthy Youth (HYPE) project
empowers youth with the tools they need to participate in the decision-making process that
impacts our communities.

The HYPE project utilized a five-phased approach (think, act, learn, share, and evaluate) to
empower youth with the skills and information to address health disparities and chronic
diseases in their community. Youth collaboratively work together to develop critical thinking
skills, build relationships with community stakeholders, and have fun learning practical ways to
create policy, systems, and environmental (PSE) changes in their communities. Youth
participating in this project learned about climate change's impact on food security and
implemented a community project that improved food access in their community.

Speakers

DeAndra Cooper

Ms. DeAndra Cooper, affectionately known as Dee, leverages a diverse educational background, having earned a bachelor's degree in Business Management with a minor in Biological Sciences from Clemson University, complemented by a master's degree in Healthcare Administration from South... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 51-Utilizing the Extension Model to Address Maternal Mortality

Mebane, P, Nesmith-Dimery, R, and Biddle, E.
In South Carolina, between 2016 and 2021, there were 112 pregnancy-associated deaths. Black
and Hispanic women made up over 70% of postpartum maternal deaths. The leading causes of
maternal mortality in South Carolina are linked to Hemorrhaging, Cardiovascular Conditions,
Infections, Cardiomyopathy, and Mental Health Conditions. Nearly 3 out of 4 deaths were
deemed to be preventable by the SC Maternal Morbidity and Mortality Committee (MMMR).
Factors contributing to maternal mortality in South Carolina were discrimination at 52%,
obesity at 24%, substance use disorders at 20%, and mental health conditions at 16%. The SC
MMMR recommends implementing programs and projects that increase the coordination of
care and referrals, provide linkages to clinical interventions, address discrimination and unequal
treatment, improve healthcare access, providing access to preconception, perinatal, and
postpartum healthcare support will reduce maternal deaths in South Carolina. The collaborative
nature of rural communities across the Pee Dee Region of SC provides an environment where
these recommendations can be easily incorporated by utilizing the Alliance for Innovation on
Maternal Health Community Care Initiative (AIM CCI). This initiative has been implemented
in 11 states across the US with high maternal mortality rates.

The AIM CCI Initiative leverages the knowledge and reach of community organizations to
uncover, address, and over come systemic inequalities that lead to poor maternal outcomes and
close gaps between clinical care and community support for prenatal and postpartum
women/birthing persons. Developing a workgroup composed of organizations and individuals
that advocate for, serve, or have lived experience can significantly improve communication
between internal and external partners, increase coordination of services, education, and support
for perinatal women/birthing persons, and develop shared measures to depict maternal health
outcomes in the community accurately.

The AIM CCI initiative encapsulates equity to address maternal mortality by applying the
extension’s model of implementing evidence-based strategies and tools to address maternal
mortality. There are four sets of strategies or “bundles” that address various maternal health
issues, including establishing a foundational community postpartum support system and
managing maternal morbidities, including high blood pressure & diabetes, intimate partner
violence, and maternal mental health. A workgroup of over 50 maternal health advocates has
collaboratively utilized these bundle elements to create a shared vision with mutually
reinforcing activities that increase awareness of the maternal health crisis and community
resources that improve these outcomes. The AIM CCI workgroup shares data from various
organizations and captures data that depicts maternal health outcomes in communities that are
considered a maternal care desert or low access area. These communities are historically
underreported.

Utilizing elements of the extension model has improved communication among clinical and
community partners, established a shared agenda and common language, which improved data
collection surrounding maternal health outcomes, and increased awareness of maternal health
outcomes and support resources.

Speakers

Paris Mebane

Paris Mebane is an Extension Associate with Clemson Extension. She is currently working to combat maternal & infant health issues in the state of South Carolina by developing projects and initiatives that aim to improve health outcomes and strengthen community support and resources... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 52-Parent & Caregiver’s Knowledge, Attitudes, and Beliefs on the Introduction of Peanut and Other Common Food Allergens with Complementary Feeding

Whitson, Q, Garner, C, Geurin A, Berg A
The 2020 - 2025 Dietary Guidelines for Americans (DGA) include new recommendations to
introduce common food allergens around six months when complementary feeding begins. The
guidelines further specify peanut introduction should occur before one year for most children
and between four and six months for children at higher risk for peanut allergy (severe eczema,
egg allergy, or both). Early introduction can decrease the risk of developing a peanut allergy by
up to 86%. However, research shows that just over half of parents introduce peanuts before 1
year, and little is known about parent knowledge and implementation of the guidelines since the
release of the 2020 DGA. To address this gap and inform Extension nutrition education
programs and materials, this qualitative study explores parent and caregiver knowledge,
awareness, and perceptions about the early introduction of peanut and other common food
allergens during complementary feeding through focus groups. Parents and caregivers recruited
from childcare centers across South Georgia participated in three focus groups. Two researchers
coded the focus group transcripts and performed basic thematic analysis to identify common
categories and themes in the data. The preliminary analysis suggests limited knowledge of early
introduction guidelines, grandparents as an important source of information, and fear of
choking as barriers to introduction. Final qualitative results and data from a quantitative survey
will inform the development of Extension materials and programs to increase knowledge,
awareness, and implementation of the guidelines to introduce common food allergens early and
often to reduce food allergy risk.

Speakers

Quadarius Whitson

MS/DI Student, University of Georgia

Quadarius (Quad) Whitson is a graduate student and dietetic intern at the University of Georgia under the direction of Dr. Alison Berg. He is currently pursuing his master's degree in Nutritional Sciences with an anticipated graduation date of August 2024. With his bachelor's degree... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 53-Working Adults: Exploring Barriers to Nutrition Education Participation

Jackson, R, Lindsay, A, Helm, M, and Horrillo, S.
Land grant organizations across the U.S. are designing, expanding, and implementing
integrated initiatives including those that serve at the intersection of mental health. No single
entity can solve the mental health crisis alone. Extension, however, is a trusted authority and is
uniquely positioned through integration and collaboration to address risk and protective factors
for youth prevention and recovery capital for individuals and families affected by mental health.
Extension programming should recognize and prioritize health-related and psychosocial
concerns that can improve overall health and well-being.

Rife with misinformation and stigma, mental health programming can be challenging. Many
Extension professionals fear this space and are overly cautious to “stay in their lane”, others
may simply lack knowledge about mental health, or may be misinformed about topics (e.g., the
role of Narcan in substance use). Rural communities are especially vulnerable as less than 10%
of those suffering attend self-help meetings or specialty treatment due to stigma heightened by
familiarity common in less populated communities.

Presenters will share a collaborative effort from the Western Region Mental Health Nutrition
Network that is addressing the intersection of nutrition and mental health. Diet and nutrition are
recognized as causes, modifiers, and mediators of mental health and illness. Low availability of
food, for example, is a major factor contributing to mental illness and high intake of ultra-
processed foods are also associated with mental illness. Yet, this relationship between mental
health and nutrition is also bi-directional. Food resource management can positively impact
mental illness and dietary interventions such as increased intake of fruit and vegetables have
been shown to be an effective component in reducing anxiety, mental disorders, and depressive
episodes, especially among women. Finally, while information, education, and dietary
interventions are recommended as part of integrated mental health recovery, there are also
challenges, such as the link between nutrition and substance use which can further trigger
reoccurrence in women who often have dieting and weight concerns, body dissatisfaction and
eating pathology.

This session will address these and other challenges and help attendees create solutions and
action plans to promote inclusivity related to mental health. Discussions will be multi-
disciplinary, addressing programming efforts related to poor diet, inactivity, substance use,
domestic violence, older adult challenges, parenting, youth (suicide, bullying, drugs/alcohol,
social media), incarceration, etc. Presenters from different disciplines will help Extension
professionals destigmatize a dire public health challenge, find ways to augment existing
recovery efforts, and facilitate a systematic approach to support and empower individuals.
Extension is already serving across various settings that, knowingly or unknowingly, engage
individuals who may be experiencing mental health concerns. While continuing to foster
opportunities to bring communities together and facilitate collaborations, Extension can
leverage strengths to impact the mental health crisis by building resilience in adults and youth,
supporting the health of the family, providing financial education, improving nutrition/food
security, and supporting the wellbeing of individuals and families

Speakers

Rita Jackson

State EFNEP Coordinator, The University of Tennessee

Dr. Rita R. Jackson serves as State Coordinator for the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) with the University of Tennessee Extension Service. EFNEP provides education to limited income families in the areas of nutrition, food safety, budgeting food dollars and... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 54-Fine-tuning Surveys: The Art of Cognitive Interviews in Community-based Programming Development and Evaluation

Stewart, R, Bawden, M, Wilson, H, Speirs, K, De la Cruz, K, and Meyer, R.

Cognitive interviewing is a process that involves the administration of draft survey questions
while collecting additional verbal information about the respondents’ answers (Beatty, 2003).
This supplemental information helps researchers determine if their questions are effectively
eliciting the intended information sought by its’ author, find out where they might be going
wrong, and come up with ways to fix potential problems that can pop up when using surveys
(Willis, 2004). For instance, when people are asked questions in cognitive interviews, the things
they say can include: 1) how they came up with their answers, 2) what they think the questions
mean, 3) if they had any trouble answering, or 4) if any of the answer choices were confusing
(Beatty and Willis, 2007). Cognitive interviews stand out as an invaluable tool to develop
effective questions crucial to program development and evaluation, needs assessments, and
programmatic instruments.

The University of Arizona Cooperative Extension leveraged cognitive interviews to craft a
comprehensive statewide needs assessment survey for early care and education (ECE)
professionals. This survey aimed to discern their professional development and training needs
around health and wellness topics that could be effectively addressed or supported by
Cooperative Extension. A national workgroup of Extension faculty also utilized cognitive
interviews to pilot test a national survey of Extension professionals to explore how they provide
programming for the ECE workforce and engage with ECE state systems.

During this presentation, the cognitive interview process will be introduced, and the following
steps described and discussed based on prior experiences: survey development, formulation of
cognitive interview questions, selection of the cognitive interview sample (including how to
engage community partners in selecting a sample), determination of the cognitive interview
administration method, actual conduct of the cognitive interview in which the participant is
asked to read the survey questions out loud and verbalize their thinking about the questions and
answer choices, and the crucial step of using the results to refine the survey. This iterative cycle
may be repeated or modified as necessary to fine-tune the survey questions.
Participants will be actively engaged in hands-on cognitive interview practice within small
groups, utilizing a sample survey. Following this exercise, a debrief will be conducted to assess
whether respondents comprehended each question and whether each question effectively
gathered the intended information. Participants will also discuss how the sample survey could
be refined and implemented to collect data.

Subsequent steps will be delved into as a large group, encompassing the revision of the survey
based on the cognitive interview insights. Practical considerations will be addressed, exploring
various options to accommodate time, budget, and personnel constraints.

This presentation will be useful for Extension professionals who use surveys for needs
assessment or program evaluation. The insights shared and methodologies discussed promise to
enhance the effectiveness of surveys, ensuring that they are well-crafted instruments capable of
yielding reliable and meaningful information for informed decision-making in program
evaluation and community-based programming development.

Citations:

Beatty, P. (2003). Answerable Questions: Advances in the Methodology for Identifying and Resolving Questionnaire Problems in Survey Research (Doctoral dissertation, University of Michigan). Dissertation Abstracts International, 64(09), 3504A.
Willis, G. B. (2004). Cognitive Interviewing: A Tool for Improving Questionnaire Design. Sage.
Beatty, P. C., and Willis, G. B. (2007). Research Synthesis: The Practice of Cognitive Interviewing. Public Opinion Quarterly, 71(2), 287–311. https://doi.org/10.1093/poq/nfm006.

Speakers

Rosie Stewart

Area Assistant Agent, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension, Santa Cruz and Cochise Counties

Rosie Stewart works for the University of Arizona Cooperative Extension based in Santa Cruz County with a small appointment in Cochise County. She has over 15 years of public health experience, specifically in chronic disease prevention and self-management, community health education... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 55-Redesigning Program Evaluations to Assess Program Impact

Holt, R, Graham, M, and Rawls, M.
Assessing the impact of community health programs is a critical component in program
development and refinement. Impacts experienced by program participants and educators help
curriculum developers continue to refine curricula and provide a method of sharing program
successes with stakeholders and funders. This poster presentation will describe the process of
revising and developing program evaluation survey questions and digital data collection
methods. As part of the adaptations to the system-wide program evaluation, 19 participant
evaluation instruments were developed for face-to-face community health programs including
participant demographics and other participant self-reported data. An additional 10 participant
evaluation instruments were developed for online health programs. Finally, seven educator
feedback questionnaires were developed. The seven community health programs featured in
this poster include Extension specific delivery of four nutrition and healthy food preparation
programs focusing on the following topics - diabetes management, healthy blood pressure, food
safety, and integrating new foods into meal planning; a strength training program; and two
healthy weight programs.

The poster will provide an overview of the process used to redesign the evaluation methods in
coordination with the release of a digital data collection portal. Attendees will see the steps the
presenters took to identify and align expected program outcomes with evaluation questions,
reduce participant burden, strengthen participant specific self-report evaluations, integrate agent
assessed evaluation tools, and establish consistent measures across programs as appropriate.
Through this poster, attendees will understand development processes, learn from presenters’
experience, and examine how a similar process might work for their community health
programs

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 56-Tennessee Health Resources in Vaccine Education: Helping Communities Thrive

Tamimi, S, Voiles, S, Asemah, B, Clark, L.
THRIVE is an initiative of the UT Extension Family and Consumer Sciences department
funded through the Tennessee Department of Health in response to dropping immunization
rates. Factors like the spread of misinformation, plus after-effects of the COVID-19, and
reduced access combined to create an environment where confusion and mistrust are rampant.
THRIVE utilizes health messaging best practices to provide Tennesseeans with accurate,
evidence-based information regarding routine and other immunizations so that people can feel
empowered to make the best decisions for themselves and their families. Through a
multifaceted approach including a targeted social media campaign, a youth healthy lifestyle
curriculum and adult education, THRIVE develops relationships and provides resources to
correct misinformation and increase access to immunizations through local partnerships and the
pre-existing Extension network.

Sixteen grant-funded, program assistants work alongside the county FCS agents to reach a wide
audience by implementing vaccine education in already existing UT Extension programming
like Chair Yoga, Walk with Ease, Parenting classes, 4-H events, nutrition classes, or other
community health classes or wellness events. By normalizing vaccines as part of a standard
preventative healthcare routine in addition to physical activity, nutrition and regularly scheduled
checkups, program assistants have been able to reach more residents with less resistance. PAs
address barriers to access by utilizing new and existing partnerships to organize mobile
immunization and health events for underserved audiences. This program utilizes a unique
approach to help residents question health misinformation and feel confident about making
important health decisions for themselves and their families.

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 57-The Impact of Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) on Fathers and Families: Collaborative Insight from the SC Center of Fathers & Families

The Impact of Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) on Fathers and Families: Collaborative Insight from the SC Center of Fathers & Families

Sharneece Gary | Myeesha Lance | Dr. Tarana Khan

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s report showed that in 2022, 34.8% of adults in South Carolina were overweight, and 35% were obese. The National Fatherhood Initiative found that children with absent fathers are twice as likely to suffer from obesity than their counterparts. ‘EFNEP’ aims to assist limited-resource families to improve their nutritional health and well-being. With shared commitments, EFNEP and The SC Fathers and Families program formed a one-stop center to empower fathers to change their behavior and overcome life obstacles.

Recognizing a father's ability to provide and serve as a role model for their children, EFNEP and the SC Centers for Fathers and Families embrace a holistic and comprehensive approach to supporting fathers in every phase of their lives. The evidence-based EFNEP program, ‘Eating Smart Being Active’ (ESBA), was tailored to meet the needs of the participants in four core areas: Diet quality and Physical Activity, Food Resource Management, Food Safety, and Food Security. The ESBA program highlighted the key messages from the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPlate initiatives. The teaching techniques in ESBA were based on ‘Adult Learning Theory’, where the focus was on the learner and the learning.

139 fathers were reached and revealed substantial progress, with 96% graduating, 92% improving diet quality, 88% in food resource management, 69% in food security, 40% in food security, and 62% in physical activity.

The dialogue-based, learn-by-doing approach of EFNEP allowed all participants to gain the practical skills necessary to make positive behavior changes.

Speakers

Sharneece Gary

Regional Coordinator, Clemson University

Sharneece Gary has served as a Regional Coordinator for EFNEP at Clemson University Cooperative Extension since December 2022. Before becoming a regional coordinator for EFNEP, she served as a Nutrition Educator since February 2020. She holds a Master of Science degree from Coker... Read More →

Fatherhood Poster Nariona2024[88] pdf

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 58-Rural Communities Benefit From Adaption of Library Reading App for Walking Program

Johnson, S, and Stewart, E.
In 2023, a reconfigured use of an existing library app allowed participants to pilot a walking
program to overcome barriers for physical activity in rural communities, by innovatively using
the app to track a user’s walking, provide demonstrations, and educational materials. Use of the
app reached more participants that otherwise could not attend the class. In the shift of delivery,
the app allowed nine libraries within one library branch system to simultaneously provide
programing to all locations. The app allowed each participant to walk independently, and
provided additional support not contained in the original program. These additions included
short, recorded videos viewed on the app and a walking tracker. The recordings highlighted
important information found in the participant workbook and demonstrated stretching with
modifications. To keep participants motivated throughout the program, hidden prizes were
placed throughout the walking log. The pilot project generated participation from all nine
branches of the library, focusing on rural populations. Out of 13 returned surveys, 92% are
exercising at least 15 minutes at a time. Of those, 33% are getting 30 minutes of exercise or
more on average per walk. In addition, 91% of participants felt more knowledgeable about how
to properly warm up and cool down after this program. Another positive finding was that 71%
of participants felt that the app was useful and helped increase their exercise and participation.
Based on post-survey results, participants enjoyed the additional support of the app. Based on
this data, participation is expected to increase.

Speakers

Stephanie Johnson

Nutrition and Health Education Specialist, University of Missouri Extension

Stephanie Johnson has been a Nutrition and Health Field Specialist for the University of Missouri Extension for the past eight years. She graduated from Eastern Illinois University with a Master's in Kinesiology. Stephanie enjoys creating a positive group environment for her classes... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 59-Be Septic Safe: Nature Called & Clemson Extension Answered With Various Outreach Programs To Educate Citizens On Taking Care Of Business And keeping Their Septic Systems Flowing

Lunt, S, and Greenthaler, C.
Clemson Cooperative Extension has employed varied innovative outreach methods as a strategy
to educate the citizens of South Carolina (SC) on septic systems for the health and wellness of
individuals and our environment. A residence is not only four walls and a roof, it also must
contain a sewer or septic system. Many communities in SC rely solely on septic systems
regardless of socio-economic demographics and every user needs knowledge of how to protect
and maintain their system to protect human and environmental health. Be Septic Safe is a
Clemson Extension program created to help provide septic system users with a resource for all
things septic-related. Bacteria is the top pollutant for SC waterways, with approximately 350
current impairments. Failing and leaking septic systems are one of the sources that can
contribute to these impairments, making it an essential target for water quality education. We
have developed a FAQ-style website, webinars, videos, a user’s guide, factsheets, magnets, and
a variety of other promo items. These resources provide education and outreach about different
types of septic systems, state regulations, proper maintenance, and how to survive when unique
situations arise. These resources raise awareness in our communities of proper septic system
maintenance and care, ultimately helping to better protect the well-being of our states’ citizens
and waterways against bacteria pollution. Clemson extension has successfully used these
resources in conjunction with community engagement programs to positively impact the
citizens of SC. Examples of community engagement programs including data will be presented.

Speakers

Susan Lunt

Water Resources Agent, Clemson University Cooperative Extension

Susan Lunt has been a Water Resources Agent for Pickens County for the last year. She received her ME in Civil Engineering from The University of Virginia and her BA in Geology from Case Western Reserve University. Prior to coming to Clemson Extension last year, Susan worked as... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 5: Clinical-Community Partnership to Improve Access to the National Diabetes Prevention Program in Rural Kansas

Christina Holmes, Kansas State University, K-State Research and Extension
Elaine Johannes, Kansas State University, K-State Research and Extension

The National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) lifestyle change program has been effective at preventing type 2 diabetes across the U.S. however there is a significant inequity of available programs in rural compared to urban communities due to the limited healthcare infrastructure. The Cooperative Extension System (Extension) employs local Extension professionals such as Extension Health, Community Health and Family and Consumer Science (FCS) agents/educators delivering health promoting programs within the community and can improve the reach and accessibility of the NDPP to rural populations. After a 2019 publication regarding the lack of National DPP availability in rural areas, researchers at the University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) contacted colleagues at Kansas State University about partnering with K-State Research and Extension (KSRE) to address this disparity in rural Kansas. A pilot study was conducted to assess the feasibility and effectiveness of the NDPP delivered through KSRE. This feasibility study, where participants were randomized to a Zoom® group where programming was delivered by a local Extension agent/educator, or by our research staff using Facebook®, had a duration of six months and included 31 participants (Zoom = 16, Facebook = 15). Subsequently, focus groups, one for the Zoom group and another for the Facebook group, were conducted to gather participant feedback of their experience with the program. Results of these interviews highlighted opportunities to further involve health clinics in participant recruitment and health promotion, as well as participant desire for additional materials on how to eat healthier. Participants noted a preference for Zoom rather than the asynchronous delivery, highlighting the social connections that the Zoom platform allows. We additionally conducted structured interviews with KSRE Extension agents/educators to assess factors influencing health promotion program implementation success and areas for improvement. These interviews sought to further investigate agent/educator capacity to deliver a program such as the NDPP and identify the factors that can help or hinder the delivery of such programs.
Agents/educators noted recruitment barriers such as program relevance and timing while recruitment facilitators included providing incentives and leveraging community partners. These community partners were found to be critical for the successful implementation of programming, including recruitment and delivery. Program location and incentives were key facilitators while language barriers, accessibility concerns in the physical space where programming was delivered, and difficulties in recruiting and retaining adequate participants were noted as limitations.
During this time, the Cooperative Extension NDPP Working Group has provided substantial support to this collaboration. The Working Group aims to reduce the prevalence of diabetes by strengthening Extension’s capacity to deliver the NDPP and increase the number of Extension services recognized as NDPP providers. This group is composed of over 15 recognized NDPP providers across the U.S. and provides technical assistance for Extension services to deliver the NDPP. Extension is a viable model for delivering the NDPP in rural areas where healthcare resources are limited. Future work should assess policy implications of reimbursement for Extension implementing the NDPP.

Speakers

Anna Gorczyca

Research Assistant Professor, University of Kansas Medical Center

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 6-Stress and Money on the Farm: Financial Information Needed by Farmers to Decrease Stress and Promote Wellbeing

Authors: Anna Scheyett and Jude Edeh

INTRODUCTION: Farmers, who struggle with high suicide rates and other stressors, frequently face financial difficulties as well as stigma regarding talking about stress. Extension services can provide farmer stress education, but discussing stress without also addressing financial stressors discounts the realities of farmers’ lives. This study explores the financial information/skills farmers say they need to manage their farms and thus decrease stress. These findings are essential for the development of integrated and acceptable Extension programming that meets farmers needs for stress management and financial information/skills.
METHOD: Collaborating with experts (Extension, agricultural economists, commodity leaders) we generate a list of essential financial topics/skills and developed a survey with 3-point Likert scales (0=not helpful, 1=a little helpful 2= very helpful information that will reduce farmer stress) for each topic. Data were collected at two state commodity conferences (N=310), analyzed using descriptive and associative statistics. Respondents were evenly distributed between genders; primarily White (90.7%); and primarily farmers (55.9%), or in farming-related industries (44.1%).
RESULTS: All topics were rated as “very helpful” by over 60% of respondents. Most frequently endorsed were information on programs to help farmers after disaster (79.4%); government programs to help farmers financially (78.1%); retirement (68.4%); taxes (68.4%); managing debt (68.1%); crop/farm insurance (68.1%). No significant differences were seen between farmer and farm-industry responses.
CONCLUSIONS: Understanding the financial information/skills farmers need for success and wellbeing is paramount for Extension. By providing financial information/skills in combination with stress-management education, Extension can implement effective, acceptable programming to reduce farmer stress and improve wellbeing.

Speakers

Anna M Scheyett

Professor, University of Georgia

Anna Scheyett, MSW, PhD received her MSW from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, with a focus on mental health, and her PhD in social work from Memorial University. From 2007-2011 she served as Associate Dean for Academic Affairs at UNC. In 2011 she became the Dean... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 60-Advancing Our Best Kept Secret – Oregon State University’s ASPIRE Center for Children’s Environmental Health and Cooperative Extension Service Look to Optimize Community Engagement and Research Translation

Harrison, S.
Children are among the most vulnerable to exposures from environmental risks where they live,
play, and go to school, that impact from the time of conception and throughout their
development to adulthood. The body of research on children’s environmental health (CEH)
over the past two decades provides a strong foundation of evidence-based programs, practices,
and policies but there is a need to accelerate the translation of CEH knowledge into community
action. Oregon State University’s (OSU) ASPIRE Center is one of six NIEHS-funded center
charged with maximizing the impact of CEH scientific discovery in U.S. communities by
improving research translational processes. Recognizing that effective translation of research
findings requires specialized expertise and collaboration of researchers from various
disciplines, the Center includes three cores (Administration, Development and Translation),
which are led by a multidisciplinary team of researchers with discipline-specific expertise in
environmental health, communication, behavioral and social sciences, dissemination and
implementation science, and methodological expertise in community engagement.

The Center aligns and amplifies children’s environmental health research findings by creating
and translating new research-based tools, approaches, and interventions, that can be used or
adapted by diverse stakeholders to improve children’s health. Activities include 1) synthesizing
and translating CEH findings by testing and implementing new tools, methods, intervention and
prevention strategies; 2) engagement and identification of best practices for moving science into
public health and clinical practice; 3) outreach to policymakers and community organizations
via webinars and trainings; 4) gathering qualitative data related to stakeholder needs; 5)
stimulating pilot research and practice through hosted ignite sessions; and 6) developing
collaborative networks intra-organizationally at OSU, in Oregon, and nationwide.

The ASPIRE Center’s focus is facilitating knowledge-sharing interactions among experts and
communities to shape behaviors that can mitigate harmful environmental exposures and priority
is placed on those communities where children have higher exposures to environmental
hazards. Often, these same communities are less likely to have access to various resources
needed to address the hazards themselves. Equally, research teams tasked with community-
engaged work require skills and experiences outside of typical clinical and research training
programs. Opportunities exist for research teams to experience, respond to, and protect children
from environmental threats through deeper relationships with existing local community-driven
resources.

The OSU ASPIRE Center is the only Land Grant University (LGU) among the six
Collaborative Centers in Children’s Environmental Health Research and Translation (CEHRT).
The Cooperative Extension System (CES) among LGUs offers a community-driven approach
and network of county-level infrastructure for cross-cultural translation. To accelerate best
practices for research translation through the CES, OSU ASPIRE is exploring existing
partnerships with community organizations, volunteers, and school systems. By determining
key elements of localized community engagement through the system in Oregon, OSU ASPIRE
can actively participate in reciprocal knowledge exchange. Qualitative team observations
through CES will expose OSU ASPIRE researchers to community-led dialogue, reflexivity, and
ultimately, the formulation of a more responsive CEH research translation process for OSU
ASPIRE’s priority areas. Findings can inform similar translation planning through the network
of CES and NIEHS-funded Centers within the CEHRT Collaborative Centers.

Speakers

Sydelle Harrison

Sydelle N. Harrison, PhD, MPH(Cayuse, Walla Walla, Yakama Tribal Member)Provost’s Early Career Postdoctoral Scholar in Dissemination & Implementation Science for Children’s Environmental HealthSydelle Harrison is a Tribal public health researcher with a background in cultural... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 61-In Your Seat or On Your Feet: Community Fitness the Tennessee Extension Way

Sondra Thorne
Schancey Chapman
Tennille Short
Kathy Brown
Ashley Harris
McKenzie Hurst
From a yoga pose to touching toes, a team of Extension Agents from the University of Tennessee provides guided movement opportunities to the communities they serve in West Tennessee. These programming efforts have been met with outstanding impacts among the lives of Tennesseans. This presentation will demonstrate how offering physical activity for various ability levels can turn non-traditional locations into makeshift fitness centers twice a week. Come learn about a variety of exercise programs available for Agents to be trained and become certified instructors, all while gaining strong partnerships to make group activities accessible to many people with physical or financial barriers. Participants will leave the session with a menu of fitness programs educators can integrate into their health programming, including the adaptations that make classes more inclusive.

Speakers

Sondra Ganus Thorne

County Director, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, University of Tennessee Extension

Sondra Ganus Thorne has served as the County Director and Family and Consumer Sciences Agent for University of Tennessee Extension in Hardin County for 19 years. She has spent most of her career educating families' on many aspects of their overall well-being, with a focus on nutrition... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 62-The Substance Use Education Video Series – Free Virtual Education from Extension

Authors:
Tessa Garrow
Stephanie Woodcox

Session Description:
Millions of people across the United States are impacted by mental health and substance use concerns.Despite the growing awareness about these concerns, misinformation and stigma surrounding these conditions present barriers to changing outcomes for prevention, treatment, and recovery. As education can be an antidote for misinformation and harmful stigmas, Purdue Extension developed an introductory educational resource called the Substance Use Education Video Series. This presentation will describe the series development process and ways that Extension professionals can share its resources with their communities.

Speakers

Tessa Garrow

Behavioral Health Specialist, Purdue University Extension - Health and Human Sciences

Tessa Garrow is a Behavioral Health Specialist for Purdue Extension in the College of Health and Human Sciences at Purdue University. Tessa has a Master’s degree in Community Mental Health Counseling from the University of Rochester and a Master of Public Health (MPH) degree from... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 63-Rate of Multiple Chronic Conditions in Rural Veterans

AUTHORS
Rossi, M.M., PhD, Radunovich, H.L. PhD, Licensed Psychologist and Parisi, M.A., PhD, RDN

ABSTRACT
Multiple Chronic conditions (MCC) have been associated with decreased quality of life, increased healthcare costs, and mortality. In 2023, with almost 4.4 million Veterans returning from active duty to live in rural communities throughout the 50 U.S. States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico, challenges related to health resource accessibility in rural communities created unique barriers to self-care and management of MCC. This qualitative study assessed the health needs of rural Veterans in South Carolina and Florida. Atlas.ti was used for data analysis. A codebook was created and refined for interrater reliability. The results of the study revealed that 98 Veterans completed the survey. Most were married (71%) and male (81%). Fifty-four percent were over the age of 65. Sixty-nine percent reported having MCC, including musculoskeletal problems (45%) and heart/circulatory problems (other than hypertension) (24%). Also, 20% reported a diagnosis of diabetes/prediabetes, hypertension (17%) and diabetes neuropathy/nerve damage (10%). When we asked participants if they had heard or participated in any Cooperative Extension programming, 60% were unaware/had not participated in a program, 12% had heard about Extension but had not participated in a program, and only 23% participated. The themes revealed from this qualitative study led to the conclusion that Veterans in rural SC and FL have a high prevalence of MCC, yet Extension agents are not reaching rural Veterans. Tailoring Extension programs to rural Veterans is an appealing opportunity to engage with and assist Veterans with healthcare resource navigation for MCC.

Speakers

Maria Mercedes Rossi

Postdoctoral Fellow, Clemson University

Dr. Rossi is a Postdoctoral Fellow at the Food, Nutrition, and Packaging Sciences Department. She holds a doctorate in Plant and Environmental Sciences and a Master’s degree in food, Nutrition, and Culinary Sciences from Clemson University. Dr. Rossi is the co-investigator and project... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 7-Working Out Loud: Practicing Personal and Professional Wellbeing

Authors:
Lyndi Buckingham-Schutt, Ph. D.
Jody Gatewood, M.A.
Barbara Dunn Swanson, M.A.

Abstract:
Background: Working Out Loud (WOL) is a “peer-to-peer learning process” to help people achieve a sense of calm, clarity, and confidence, as well as a connection with the people around them. It is unlike any program currently offered through Human Science Extension and Outreach, offering a unique and innovative way to reach Iowans and address a critical public health issue, self-determination, and social isolation. Social isolation has been identified as a priority of the U.S. Health and Human Services Surgeon General and Cooperative Extension and Outreach have emphasized addressing root causes of health disparities. WOL is a well-received, innovative program the public will not get anywhere else.
Furthermore, retaining current employees in Extension has been a challenge. Implementation of programs such as WOL in our internal Extension and Outreach community as a pathway to engage and support employees. WOL circles have been used in Iowa State University Extension and Outreach to increase Extension professionals’ capacity to tackle workplace challenges and cultivate resilience to deal with those challenges more effectively.
Poster objectives include:

Understand how WOL can be implemented to improve participant wellbeing.
Review how baseline, mid, and post surveys used to gather participant feedback.

Since 2019, Human Sciences Extension and Outreach in Iowa has piloted “Working Out Loud” (WOL) as a program to improve employee mindfulness, resilience, and sense of wellbeing. A volunteer-based program individuals met for 8 weeks with small groups of peers to work through a guided set of experiences all designed to build connection, support, and confidence. This session will include: 1) lessons learned from implementing this program, including program outcomes (I.e., self-reported change of eight resilience factors) and feedback from educators who participated. and 2) plans for expanding the use of WOL for broader stakeholders in Iowa.
The WOL curriculum was designed to improve resilience through self-directed, social exchange in learning to support participants development of new skills, new habits, and a new mindset. The 8-week program includes activities that build resilience as participants engage in activities aimed at improving eight attributes which correspond to Self-Determination Theory and basic intrinsic motivators shared by all human beings including: control, clarity, compassion, confidence, composure, contentedness, connection, commitment. (8 C’s)
ISU Human Sciences Extension and Outreach WOL participants completed a baseline, mid, and post survey to assess changes to the eight attributes as well as gather programmatic feedback. Results show an improvement in all eight attributes, with the highest increase in control, clarity, and compassion. This poster will provide additional information related to program satisfaction and expansion to a wider, general audience.

Speakers

Barbara Dunn Swanson

Human Sciences Specialist, Family Wellbeing, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach

Human Sciences Specialist in Family Wellbeing, reaching families and community stakeholders with education and resources to help them live their best life! Areas of interest include: Early Care and Education; Civil Dialogue; Parenting Education and Caregiving

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 8-Extension Health Ambassadors: A Community-Based Volunteer Health Education Training Program for Improving Health in Rural Arkansas Communities

Bryan Mader, DrPH, MPH, CHES; Hunter Goodman, PhD; Jessica Vincent, Ed.D, CPH; Heather Wingo, MS; Tabtha Duvall; Vivian Okanume, BS; Julie Goings (CEA); Terrie James (CEA); Pamela Luker (CEA); Pam Pruett (CEA); Jessica Rodriguez (CEA); JoAnn Vann (CEA)

Problem
While approximately 15% of all Americans live in rural areas, that number is closer to 41% for Arkansans. In fact, 55 of Arkansas’s 75 counties are considered rural by the USDA Rural Continuum Codes mechanism. These rural populations are often under-resourced and face unique challenges with respect to social determinants of health, morbidity and mortality, health equity, and access to healthcare providers and services. These increased health disparities between urban and rural populations are exacerbated by an increasingly complex combination of social, geographic, economic, workforce, ethnic, and racial factors that require innovative and well-planned programs and interventions that focus on human capital assets in order to meet people where they are and reduce these disparities from within the communities themselves.
Response
Asset-based community development (ABCD) and community building are used as applied strategies for strengthening the capacity of individuals in the target rural communities and building increased community engagement and participation. Through recruitment and engagement of volunteers, Extension agents are building upon the strengths, gifts, assets, skills, and talents of community members to create vibrant, inclusive communities. Building on a research-centered approach, ABCD is used globally to engage community leaders, including marginalized persons and populations, through strengthened relationships and a focus on positive discovery.
The project also employs a community health worker (CHW) training and delivery model to promote health within target communities. Specifically, utilizing the Promotores de Salud approach, which recruits community volunteers who are also members of the target population and share many characteristics with the broader community, complements well the ABCD model described above for identifying people as assets and strengths of their communities. Additionally, the proposed project will employ a second CHW model, the Community Organizer and Capacity Builder Model, to assist with the promotion of community action and build community support for new health-related activities. This ground-up approach works to assist communities in identifying and prioritizing needs using assets and resources available within and among that community and its residents.
Action to Date
Community volunteers acting as a cohort of EHAs achieves the goal of giving the community agency and empowering individuals within the community by providing a structured, in-depth, and foundational training curriculum for health education. Acting under the guidance and oversight of the CEAs, EHAs are beginning to deliver Extension health programs to both Extension audiences and new audiences identified in the ABCD process. This broadens and amplifies the reach that a single CEA has, effectively increasing our workforce and program delivery capabilities for reaching rural communities with important health programs.
To date, 22 volunteers have been trained as Extension Health Ambassadors and are beginning the process of community health program delivery across six target counties. Programs include chronic disease prevention, drug misuse and abuse among youth, health literacy, and physical activity for older adults.
Value
This approach bridges the gap between diverse populations and improved health, and builds capacity and human capital toward health promotion and the identification of strategies for reducing chronic disease.

Speakers

Bryan Mader

Assistant Professor of Health & Extension Public Health Specialist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

As an Assistant Professor in the Department of Family and Consumer Sciences, Bryan Mader, DrPH, MPH, serves the University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service as the state’s Extension Public Health Specialist. Dr. Mader also has an appointment... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

POSTER 9-Factors associated with fruit and vegetable intake among those living in rural communities in South Carolina: Informing intervention development and implementation

Koob, C, Matthews, R, Parisi, M, and Griffin, S.
Background: Compared to urban communities, rural communities demonstrate a higher
prevalence of obesity, citing low physical activity and poor dietary habits, including lower fruit
and vegetable (FV) intake. Still, rural residents tend to cook more at home and snack less
frequently than their urban counterparts. Rural-urban disparities in eating behaviors highlight
the need for targeted interventions, leveraging local food systems and dietary diversity, to
promote healthy eating in rural areas.

Methods: Facilitated by Extension agents, researchers conducted a cross-sectional survey
assessing food access/security, eating behaviors, physical activity, and community well-being in
3 rural South Carolina (SC) counties from June-August 2023 (N=481). An adjusted linear
regression model was run to examine associations between individual’s eating behaviors,
measured via the 6-item Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System’s FV module, and food
security status, household composition, and demographic characteristics.

Results: Respondents consumed an average of 2.74 FV servings daily—approximately half of
federal recommendations. Those who were food insecure and/or female reported significantly
less FV intake in the past 30 days, compared to their counterparts. Additionally, Non-Hispanic
Black respondents reported significantly higher FV intake, compared to Non-Hispanic White
respondents. The presence of children in the home, age, and household income did not
significantly affect individual’s eating behaviors.

Conclusion: Risk factors associated with poor FV intake in this analysis may tailor programs to
support county-specific food systems, while adjusting for the impact of food security. Extension
agents, embedded in their communities, are key to implementing data-driven interventions for
improved eating behaviors among rural communities.

Speakers

Caitlin Koob, PhD, MS

Caitlin Koob, PhD, MS has worked as a graduate research assistant for the CDC’s High Obesity Prevention Project at Clemson University for the last 4 years. She has participated in research and evaluation efforts, including conducting community-based surveys and engaging with stakeholders... Read More →

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

5:30pm EDT

Reception sponsored by the Clemson University School of Health Research

Monday May 13, 2024 5:30pm - 7:30pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

11:00am EDT

Gaps in Lactation Support Services and the Association with Breastfeeding Rates and Infant Health Outcomes in Georgia and North Carolina: A Potential Role for Extension

Gallo, S, and Fogelman, A.
Professional organizations recommend breastfeeding for at least the first two years of life as it
is protective for both maternal and infant health. Southern states in the United States (US) have
the lowest breastfeeding rates nationally. There are disparities with breastfeeding as
ethnic/racial minorities and rural populations are less likely to breastfeed compared to their
White and urban counterparts. Breastfeeding education and support has been shown to increase
breastfeeding rates and help overcome barriers. Extension is a resource to support breastfeeding
and improve infant health. This session will provide an overview of current breastfeeding trends
and lactation support services in the US. Additionally, we will highlight findings from our
observational study which examined the relationship between access to lactation support,
breastfeeding rates, and infant mortality, and identified geographic gaps in access to support
services in Georgia (GA) and North Carolina (NC). We used publicly available county-level
characteristics on breastfeeding initiation rates and infant mortality rates. The following
lactation support services were identified for each county: International Board Certified
Lactation Consultants (IBCLCs), La Leche League groups, breastfeeding peer counseling
programs through WIC (Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants, and
Children), and Baby Friendly hospitals. Counties were further characterized by rural-urban
status using Rural-Urban Continuum Codes (RUCCs), and vulnerability using the
CDC/ATSDR-Social Vulnerability Index (SVI). Multiple linear regression models were
constructed for breastfeeding initiation and infant mortality rates as a function of the four
support service availability types and the two population-level correlates of both outcomes.
Maps were created to evaluate geographic distribution of breastfeeding and infant mortality
rates and breastfeeding resources. Regression models predicted: 1) IBCLCs and WIC sites
were most significantly associated with increased breastfeeding initiation rates. 2) Numbers of
IBCLCs were significantly associated with lowering infant mortality. 3) The higher the SVI
score of a county, the lower the initiation rates, and the higher the infant mortality rates. Maps
showed the regions most in need of breastfeeding support included North East NC, South NC,
and South West GA. Our data support increasing the number of IBCLCs and WIC peer
counselors as a priority for the identified underserved areas. Introducing more breastfeeding
resources to the most vulnerable counties may increase breastfeeding initiation rates and lower
infant mortality rates over time.

Speakers

Sina Gallo

Associate Professor, University of Georgia

Sina Gallo, PhD, MSc, RD, is a Registered Dietitian with expertise in maternal and infant nutrition. She completed her training in human nutrition and dietetics at McGill University in Montreal, Canada, and is currently an Associate Professor in the Department of Nutritional Sciences... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 11:00am - 11:20am EDT
Palmetto Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina A&T State University

11:00am EDT

Addressing Mental Health Needs in Agriculture: Multi-disciplinary Examples from Oregon, South Carolina, and Across the US

Myers, A, Haskin, T, Kantrovich, A, and Roy, N.
Suicide rates in the United States are higher in rural areas than in urban areas, and are
exceedingly high among people working within the “Agriculture, Forestry, Fishing, and
Hunting” industry group. Extension professionals have long been trusted and valued educators
in rural, agricultural, and natural resource communities and their capacity to both engage on this
challenging topic, and to make an impact, is growing. A suite of evidence-based practices are
being implemented at the local- and state-levels to reduce stress, provide emotional support,
and prevent suicide in this vulnerable population.

In response to tragic deaths in Oregon, a broad bipartisan and multidisciplinary stakeholder
coalition, across agriculture and the health system, worked to pass legislation in Oregon and to
launch the AgriStress Helpline in 2023. The AgriStress Helpline utilizes a “care navigation”
process where the helpline responders: triage for safety and provide de-escalation using a crisis
intervention model; provide emotional support and coping techniques; and, when necessary,
direct callers to the appropriate resources for their situation. In the first four months of
operation, calls were received from 16 of 36 Oregon counties.

The South Carolina (SC) AgriWellness program provides farmers with telephone support and
complementary resources. Through this program, farmers receive a minimum of three free
counseling sessions with mental health professional(s), Life Management Services, and access
to the online Well-being Center. The Clemson Extension Agribusiness Team also works as part
of the program with farmers to provide support through one-on-one consultations on farm
financial analysis and planning to assist in one of the top reasons for stress within the
agricultural industry, financial difficulties.

Extension specialists recognize that farmers prefer to speak to helpline specialists and
counselors who understand the stressors of agriculture. In 2022, AgriSafe launched
FarmResponse, an on-demand, self-paced 3.5-hour continuing education module that provides
healthcare providers with the full range of competencies necessary to provide appropriate
mental healthcare for agricultural producers and their families. To date, almost a thousand
healthcare practitioners have been trained in Farm Response across forty-three states.
FarmResponse is the only training of its kind that has been accepted in the Suicide Prevention
Resource Center (SPRC) Best Practices Registry, supported by the Substance Abuse and Mental
Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). Every listing on the SPRC’s Best Practices
Registry has been reviewed by experts to ensure they align with the most current guidance on
suicide prevention.

Speakers in this presentation will share their roles in: implementation of a unique agricultural
suicide/resource crisis line; raising awareness about the burden of stress and suicide in the
agricultural community and the need for tailored services; fundraising efforts and partnership
development to fund the line; development of culturally and linguistically appropriate
promotional materials for the line for people in differing industries (e.g., ranching, fishing) and
roles (e.g., farmer, farmworker); and, launching an evidenced-based agricultural mental health
training that supports state farm stress efforts and expands referrals for agricultural
communities and the AgriStress Helpline.

Speakers

Allison Myers

Allison Myers is the Associate Dean for Extension and Engagement within the College of Health (2022-present), and in that role also serves as program leader for Extension Family and Community Health (FCH) (2021-present). As FCH program leader, Allison oversees statewide health extension... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 11:00am - 11:20am EDT
Francis Marion Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University

11:30am EDT

Participation in Diabetes Prevention Program Yields Additional Benefits Among Individuals and Household Members

Add all Authors and accepted abstract

Speakers

Vanessa da Silva

Vanessa da Silva, PhD, RD, CDCES is an Extension Specialist in the University of Arizona School of Nutritional Sciences and Wellness Nutritional Sciences. Dr. da Silva is interested in chronic disease prevention and management through diet and lifestyle changes. She directs the... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 11:30am - 11:50am EDT
Card Room

Clemson University, Clemson University

11:30am EDT

Extension Public Health AmeriCorps-Building the Next Generation of Public Health Leaders

Presenters: Emilee Drerup, Dan Remley, Susan Zies, Destiny Pettus, Samantha Maxwell
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XuU19AeLjto

The Extension Public Health AmeriCorps program supports the recruitment, training, and development of public health leaders who will be ready to respond to the nation’s public health needs.

EPHAC was developed to provide credentials, professional development, career exploration, and mentorship. The program was implemented within Extension’s already existing network to leverage partnerships and support programmatic efforts related to health and well-being.
In one year of operation, EPHAC members have served their communities by supporting existing Extension programming, addressing topics such as diabetes, nutrition, food insecurity, vaccine hesitancy, sustainability, and mental health. Members have also taken leadership roles in new key projects and encouraged participants, especially youth, to explore opportunities in public health. In addition to onsite experience, EPHAC develops members by offering:

An intensive onboarding with instruction from a diverse group of professionals on leadership and health and wellbeing topics, along with CDC’s Foundational Public Health AmeriCorps training course.
Professional development opportunities such as conferences, workshops, LeaderCorps.
Certifications such as Mental Health First Aid and Service Speaks
Collaboration and leadership experience through committees and National Day of Service project planning.

As a brand-new program, we also implemented program evaluation tools to document important outcomes. Since inception, EPHAC has certified twenty-two members in Adult Mental Health First Aid and members have participated in 116 hours of professional development opportunities. Seven members have completed a service term. Out of our seven graduates, three earned a Segal Education Award and two used their experience for gainful employment after service in the field of public health.
Integrating an AmeriCorps program in your organization can be a win for everyone involved. Conference participants can expect to learn the process of creating a new statewide program, aligned with AmeriCorps and the CDC national work of strengthening the public health workforce.

Speakers

Emilee Drerup

Program Director, EPHAC, Ohio State University Extension

Tuesday May 14, 2024 11:30am - 11:50am EDT
Palmetto Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina A&T State University

11:30am EDT

Group 1 Lunch sponsored by the University of Georgia, College of AES Extension

Tuesday May 14, 2024 11:30am - 12:15pm EDT
SpringHill Suites Greenville Downtown

Springhill Suites, Meal

11:30am EDT

Making MyPlate a Household Name: Listening Session 1

Join Dr. Caree Cotwright, Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity at the Food and Nutrition Service at USDA, to learn about how you can help make MyPlate (the federal symbol for healthy eating) a household name. She will facilitate a listening session with attendees after she provides an overview of USDA’s goals and vision for making MyPlate a household name and ways health outreach professionals can help. Attendees can provide oral and/or written feedback on success stories using MyPlate, challenges using MyPlate materials, and big and bold ideas for collaborative work ahead

Speakers

Caree Jackson Cotwright

Caree Jackson Cotwright, PhD, RDN; Director of Nutrition Security and Heath Equity for the Food and Nutrition Service at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Tuesday May 14, 2024 11:30am - 12:20pm EDT
Francis Marion Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University

12:30pm EDT

What is Value-Based Care and Why Does it Matter for Extension? Insights for the Future of Health Engagement and Outreach.

Myers, A, Eschbach, C, and Lytle, L.
Value-based care (and value-based payments) are a movement that is meant to create a cost-
effective, high quality, and health promoting health care system. Value-based care in Medicare
and Medicaid government insurance programs also creates the conditions for Health Extension
professionals to become a health promotion and disease prevention partner of choice for health
care providers and payors.

Value-based payments involve a payor (e.g., a private health plan, Medicare, Medicaid) offering
a provider (e.g., physician) a higher or incentive reimbursement amount, if and when a patients’
health status improves. This is a marked distinction from “fee-for-service” payments where a
payer offers a provider the same reimbursement amount, without regard to whether a patients’
health status improves. The inequities in health outcomes seen in population statistics are
attributed to many factors including social conditions and the policies that influence those
conditions such as access to health care and the quality of available care. Promoting health and
well-being – particularly for diverse individuals and population groups who are most at risk for
poor health outcomes – require well-designed educational approaches and changes in policies
and systems. Changes in the ways that the U.S. health care system funds and rewards payors
has implications for those wishing to partner to improve the health of all people.

For example, Oregon’s Coordinated Care Organizations (geographically based Medicaid
insurance networks) are incentivized to provide “Comprehensive Diabetes Care”, which is
operationalized as “the percentage of patients 18-75 years of age with diabetes under care of the
CCO who had hemoglobin A1c > 9.0%” (showing ‘poor control’) during a measurement
period. Other incentive metrics are related to child and adolescent immunizations, mental health
and substance use screenings and follow up, and commercial tobacco use. The metrics
connected to value-based care payments are already areas that Cooperative Extension is
engaged in for community-based education and health promotion outreach. In this newer
movement, value-based care and payment approaches have created financial incentives for
health systems to re-shape the ways they provide care, and where they invest in health
promotion and disease prevention activities. Opportunities exist to strengthen partnerships
between providers, payors, and Cooperative Extension professionals, for collective movement
towards creating a health care system that truly promotes healthy behaviors and healthy
communities. The Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has tried for decades to
advance quality improvement initiatives that address health disparities. CMS’s quadruple aim
pushes the need to improve patient health, provide better healthcare experiences, reduce costs,
and to increase efforts in preventive health and chronic disease self-management.

This presentation will provide an overview of value-based care as it relates to Health Extension
and Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity and Well-being; share
relevant Federal and state-level examples of value-based incentives that are matched to the
content areas of Cooperative Extension programs and are therefore opportunities for
collaboration; describe potential benefits and challenges related to Health Extension
partnerships with providers and payors; and, offers a listing of reputable organizations and
resources where Extension professionals can learn more about this topic.

Speakers

Allison Myers

Tuesday May 14, 2024 12:30pm - 12:50pm EDT
Card Room

Clemson University, Clemson University

12:30pm EDT

Group 2 Lunch sponsored by the University of Georgia, 4-H Extension Team

Tuesday May 14, 2024 12:30pm - 1:15pm EDT
SpringHill Suites Greenville Downtown

Springhill Suites, Meal

12:30pm EDT

Making MyPlate a Household Name: Listening Session 2

Speakers

Caree Jackson Cotwright

Caree Jackson Cotwright, PhD, RDN; Director of Nutrition Security and Heath Equity for the Food and Nutrition Service at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Tuesday May 14, 2024 12:30pm - 1:20pm EDT
Francis Marion Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University

1:30pm EDT

Keynote Address: USDA Actions on Food and Nutrition Security: The Role of Health Outreach

Dr. Caree Cotwright, Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity at the Food and Nutrition Service at USDA, will provide an overview of the department’s actions on food and nutrition security, emphasizing the role of the health outreach. Dr. Cotwright will also explain how USDA is leveraging the momentum of the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health and working to implement the actions put forth in the corresponding National Strategy to end hunger, improve nutrition and physical activity, and reduce diet-related diseases and disparities. Attendees will also learn how they can help make MyPlate (the federal symbol for healthy eating) a household name and engage in two listening session during the Conference to share success stories, challenges, and ideas for collaborative work ahead.

Dr. Caree Cotwright, Director of Nutrition Security and Health Equity at the Food and Nutrition Service at USDA, will provide an overview of the department’s actions on food and nutrition security, emphasizing the role of the health outreach. Dr. Cotwright will also explain how USDA is leveraging the momentum of the historic White House Conference on Hunger, Nutrition, and Health and working to implement the actions put forth in the corresponding National Strategy to end hunger, improve nutrition and physical activity, and reduce diet-related diseases and disparities. Attendees will also learn how they can help make MyPlate (the federal symbol for healthy eating) a household name and engage in two listening session during the Conference to share success stories, challenges, and ideas for collaborative work ahead.

Speakers

Caree Jackson Cotwright

Caree Jackson Cotwright, PhD, RDN; Director of Nutrition Security and Heath Equity for the Food and Nutrition Service at the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)

Tuesday May 14, 2024 1:30pm - 2:20pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, Poster

2:30pm EDT

Five for Five – 5 Minutes to Better Health

Abstract: Five for Five: 5 Minutes to Better Health
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDCP) Adult Obesity Prevalence Maps for 50 states, the District of Columbia, and three U.S. territories show the proportion of adults with body mass index (BMI) equal to or greater than 30 (≥30 kg/m2) based on self-reported weight and heights. In 2020 the U.S. overall rate of obesity was 41.9% (2022). New population data from CDCP in 2022 show 22 states have an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35%, compared to 19 states in 2021. Just ten years ago, no state had an adult obesity prevalence at or above 35% (CDCP News Release, September 2023). Youth are also experiencing increased rates of overweight and obesity. America’s Health Rankings reports (2020-2021) that 27% of youth 10-17 being overweight or having obesity. Being obese and/or overweight is a major risk factor for heart disease, hypertension, high blood cholesterol, diabetes, and some cancers. These health issues are manageable and preventable if prevention measures are adopted.
Physical activity (PA) has proven to have a positive impact on overweight and obesity and chronic disease. New research from Columbia University Medical Center found blood sugars and blood pressure were significantly lowered by five minutes of walking every 30 minutes (May 2023). Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans, 2nd edition, notes that only about 1 in 4 adults and 1 in 6 high school students fully meet PA guidelines (2018).
Communities need to call upon multiple strategies to improve the health of all. University of Idaho Extension’s “Five for Five” - 5 Minutes to Better Health curriculum goal is to increase the rate of PA for all ages through a broad spectrum of programming. Five for Five is designed to be offered in just “5” minutes moving through five components of PA: Mindfulness, Cardiovascular Endurance, Muscular Endurance and Bone-Strengthening, Muscular Strength, and Flexibility and Balance.
Five for Five is now practiced within school districts, virtual instruction, Extension programs, youth organizations, and afterschool programs. Over 366 adult participants have been shown how to offer Five for Five. Eighty-seven percent (n=116) indicated that they plan to implement Five for Five practice in the classroom. Thinking of their own health, 88% indicated that they would incorporate mindfulness and/or PA in their own daily work routine. These are strong indicators of action given only 52% had used PA in the classroom previously. Additional benefits of Five for Five include improving motivation and engagement in the learning process, and overall instruction.
During the session participants will learn how to use the curriculum, posters, PA activity cards and resistance bands. Presenters will share how to use this add-curriculum as a strategy for health and wellness to increase PA levels. Presenters will share how community partners, beyond Extension are using Five for Five.

Speakers

Maureen Toomey

Associate Professor Health and Wellness, University of Idaho

Youth development Area Educators, Maureen Toomey, collaborates with colleagues, implementing health equity initiatives including training and community programs across Idaho. She is a certified poverty coach, supporting Extension professionals to view programming through a health... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 2:30pm - 2:50pm EDT
Card Room

Clemson University, Clemson University

2:30pm EDT

Delta Rides: Creating an innovative community transportation system in Phillips County, AR

Darby Treat, MPH; Bryan Mader, DrPH, MPH, CHES

Problem
For many Phillips County residents, transportation is a barrier to accessing healthcare services, healthy food options, and recreational facilities such as parks and walking trails. Across the county, the average distance to a grocery store is 24.1 miles. Phillips County lacks a public transportation system, and 12.3% of households do not own a vehicle. Outside the main city, the rest of the Phillips County has a National Walkability Index of only 3.22, lending residents few options for safe, active transportation such as walking or cycling.
Response
The Delta Rides pilot project is a deviated fixed route transportation solution that services all of Phillips County, Arkansas. This solution is comprised of servicing three main geographic service areas; Helena-West Helena, Elaine, and Marvell. The service has fixed time schedules and routes. Route stops focus on destinations that address social determinants of health including but not limited to grocery stores, community centers, low-income housing, elderly/disabled living centers, health care facilities, pharmacies, and food pantries.
Results
The rider population for the Delta Rides proof of concept experiment trended older and female, with 82% of riders reporting that they were 60 years or age or older and 64% reporting they were female. Ninety-five (95%) of riders self-reported their race/ethnicity as Black or African American and all riders reported that the primary language spoken in their home was English. The most frequently reported city of residence was Poplar Grove (41%). Among the riders, self-reported vehicle ownership was low, with only 32% of riders reporting that they currently owned a vehicle. Word of mouth (79%) was the primary method through which riders found out about the Delta Rides project, followed by 'Advertisement or Flyer' at 17%. The primary reason that riders took a trip was to get groceries or food (62%), with 29% reporting that unreliable personal transportation was the reason they utilized the Delta Rides service. Finally, 29% of riders perceived that they saved $25 or more by using Delta Rides instead of another form of transportation.
Value
This pilot program revealed the stark absence of transportation options for the residents of Phillips County, especially among older adult populations. As evidenced by the survey data above, residents’ primary purpose for utilizing the Delta Rides service was to get groceries or food. Delta Rides addresses a myriad of social determinants of health, including access to transportation and access to healthy foods. The eventual evolution of this program will allow residents access to everyday destinations, including healthcare clinics, pharmacies, banks, and local employers, all while providing a social interaction that some older adult populations may forego or simply not have access to at all due to their living arrangements. For Phillips County residents who lack reliable transportation, or who may not own a vehicle at all, Delta Rides provides increased access to destinations and routes that facilitate the conditions for improving health outcomes related to the social determinants of health.

Speakers

Bryan Mader

Assistant Professor of Health & Extension Public Health Specialist, University of Arkansas System Division of Agriculture Cooperative Extension Service

Tuesday May 14, 2024 2:30pm - 2:50pm EDT
Palmetto Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina A&T State University

2:30pm EDT

Advancing Poverty Competency Within Extension: A Pathway to Health Equity as a Core System Value

McConnell-Soong, Peutz, J, Toomey, M, and Howard, T.

This session will focus on University of Idaho Extension’s goal of
establishing health equity as a core value by integrating poverty competency throughout the
system. A case study presentation will be structured around three components: context,
concepts, and big considerations. We will first share our experience of bringing poverty
competency work to UI Extension, illustrate how this example fits into a multidirectional template for change,
and identify for consideration the paradigm shifts necessary to support an actionable commitment to
health equity in our Extension systems.

Despite a surprising lack of in-depth poverty training for policymakers from local to national
levels, there is no shortage of theoretical and statistical support for its importance, particularly
when addressing health equity. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention have recently
added poverty as a local level social determinant of health, acknowledging that multipronged
approaches are required to address the impact of 41% of US households lacking enough income
to meet basic needs. Building upon the foundation of Idaho’s participation in the Well
Connected Communities national health initiative and the Extension Collaborative on
Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE), our teams have committed to establishing
health equity as a core system value by increasing poverty competency within Extension and
our communities. Training and mentorship from leading poverty researcher Dr. Donna Beegle
has resulted in 14 Certified Poverty Coaches across our statewide Extension system and the
establishment of an Extension Poverty Competency Task Force. This Task Force has been
engaging internal partners to provide competency training for leaders in 4-H, the Digital
Economy Program, and the UI Extension Health and Wellness Priority team. Idaho’s current
EXCITE project partners with local health districts to provide poverty training for application
to immunization education, with evaluation of impact provided by the Idaho Office of
Underserved and Rural Medical Research. Conversations surrounding these trainings has
resulted in collaborative discussions with our state’s largest health system and the Idaho
Department of Health and Welfare.

Increasing poverty competency is not the only approach to strengthening our systems’
commitments to health equity, but it makes sense when considering its intersections with both
Extension and public health. Each are defined by their priorities of understanding one’s
community, valuing research, and providing resources to improve quality of life. There is a
clear connection between the content of Extension’s educational programs and the struggles
faced by those in poverty: chronic disease, nutrition insecurity, financial well-being,
immunization rates, agricultural work, mental health, and stress. While there is no simple
process for infusing these connections into a new foundation for health equity, the goal of this
session is to leave attendees with a clear example, a guiding template, and new conversations
that must continue – not only nationally, but in our states, counties, and coalitions.

Speakers

Lindsey McConnell-Soong

Health Equity Director, University of Idaho Extension

Lindsey McConnell-Soong, Health Equity Director for University of Idaho Extension, serves as project manager for multiple public health programs. She has lead Extension teams in all projects for the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement, as well as the Well... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 2:30pm - 2:50pm EDT
Francis Marion Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University

2:30pm EDT

Delivering an Effective Suicide Prevention Program - Question, Persuade, Refer (QPR)

Catlone, C, and Amor-Zitzelberger, J
Suicide is a rising national health crisis, ranking among the leading causes of death in the U.S.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported a 5% surge in suicide deaths in
2021, with an initial review of data indicating a further 2.6% increase to 49,449 deaths in
2022._ In that same year, 2022, Pennsylvania recorded a suicide rate of 1,694 deaths._
SAMHSA's 2022 report highlights the imperative for prevention education, citing 13.2 million
adults contemplating suicide, 3.8 million planning, and 1.6 million attempts._ The 2021-2022
Pennsylvania statewide youth survey reveals that 19% of high school students seriously
considered suicide, with 11% attempts.

Recognizing the severity of the situation, the CDC has supported prevention strategies
grounded in the belief that suicide is preventable. _ One approach adopted by Penn State
Extension involves utilizing the evidence-based prevention program, Question, Persuade, Refer
(QPR), designed to help communities identify and support at-risk individuals. The QPR
curriculum, created by the QPR Institute, holds a distinguished place in the National Registry of
Evidence-based Practices and Policies (NREPP), underscoring its credibility and effectiveness.
_ Its core objectives include:
• Equipping participants to recognize signs of suicide risk
• Intervening effectively through persuasion
• Gaining proficiency in referring individuals to appropriate resources
An important training component involves role-playing exercises at the workshop's conclusion,
facilitating the practical application of acquired skills and a comprehensive review of course
materials.

Penn State Extension has established meaningful partnerships with various agencies across
Pennsylvania and neighboring states to enhance the program’s influence. These partnerships
include collaborations with local County Suicide Prevention task forces, school districts, senior
centers, and affiliations at West Virginia University and West Virginia State University
Extension programs. Our Extension educators are assisting West Virginia State University
Extension in acquiring the knowledge and skills to implement the QPR training effectively
among their key stakeholders.

Since November 2022, 389 individuals have successfully completed the QPR training. The
program is evaluated by assessing participants' pre- and post-knowledge, confidence levels,
attitudes, and intention to apply the behavioral skills acquired during the course. Results from
175 evaluations during the initial year of QPR programming highlight substantial positive
outcomes:
• 77.1% of participants gained increased knowledge of suicide prevention facts.
• 82.3% reported an enhanced understanding of initiating conversations about suicide.
• 79.2% expressed heightened confidence in aiding individuals at risk.
Remarkably, 92.4% of participants reported feeling more competent in assisting someone who
is suicidal, with 95.1% expressing a solid intent to utilize the QPR Booklet when seeking help
for at-risk individuals.

This presentation encourages attendees to explore implementing the QPR curriculum in their
state. Positioned as an effective evidence-based program, QPR emerges as a fundamental tool in
community settings, offering a means to reduce suicides. By disseminating knowledge,
fostering confidence, and instilling practical skills, Penn State Extension hopes to contribute
meaningfully to the collective endeavor of preventing suicide and promoting mental well-being
in our communities.

Speakers

Chi Catalone

Chi Catalone works at Penn State Extension in the Food, Families, and Communities Unit, providing educational programming on Health and Wellness. She is a Licensed Social Worker, Mental Health First Aid Instructor, Question, Persuade, Refer Gatekeeper Instructor and Advanced Bereavement... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 2:30pm - 3:20pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

3:00pm EDT

Implementation of Cross-disciplinary Partnerships to Support Health Equity and Well-Being for All Missourians

Add all Authors and accepted abstract

Speakers

Sawiyyah Chanay

Education Director/Community Health Outreach Specialist, University of Missouri Extension

Sawiyyah (Chiquita) Chanay is an experienced public health professional with a deep commitment to the elimination of health disparities in marginalized populations. She has over 20 years of experience in private, non-profit industry, and state government. Ms. Chanay has proven success... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 3:00pm - 3:20pm EDT
Card Room

Clemson University, Clemson University

3:00pm EDT

PLAZA Mobile Market: Bringing Local Produce to the Community

Parlin, J. and Whitmer, E.
Food insecurity is found at high rates throughout marginalized communities in the US (1). Resilient local food systems can address such issues but need significant public and private systemic support. With investment from the community and key partners, mobile markets can support a thriving food culture. The PLAZA Mobile Market supports two equally important objectives. In areas with high food insecurity, the PLAZA mobile market sells locally grown produce at deeply discounted prices that are payable with government assistance programs like SNAP-EBT, Double Up Bucks, and the Farmers Market Nutrition Program. The market’s locations are at trusted community institutions, and involve trusted community partners, to meet the community where they live, work, and play. This helps eliminate transportation issues, a known barrier to purchasing local produce by low-income populations (2,3). The market aims to inspire participant conversations around produce available for sale and participants are educated through dialog with staff, seasonal recipes, and food demonstrations made with the market's produce. The market is designed this way because, research shows mobile markets, coupled with taste testing events, have been shown to increase the consumption of fruits and vegetables by low-income participants (4). The program also supports the local food economy, by buying directly from farmers at fair-market value. This removes a large barrier for small producers by taking on the time, energy, and financial risks that a farmers’ market requires. Our market buys primarily from Black women refugee farmers, in response to research showing that Black farmers and women farmers earn less farm-related wealth than their white and male counterparts, respectively (5). Program evaluation is conducted through surveys to learn customer demographics, their experience with farmers markets, barriers in produce consumption, and
how they heard about the market. Surveys also focus on program improvements, for example, ideal times and days for the market as well as preferred accompanying education and programming. This program was formed after many community conversations, including focus groups of SNAP-eligible community members, farmer interviews, a pilot market at an affordable housing site, and planning meetings with local leaders. A detailed inventory is kept, to record the amount of fresh local produce available and sold in the community. This
presentation will cover the process of developing the mobile market, challenges related to financial processes and navigating government assistance programs, and lessons learned.
Conference participants will learn steps in developing a mobile market and best practices in running a mobile market.

Speakers

Jenn Parlin

Assistant Agent, University of Arizona

Jenn Parlin is the Assistant Agent for Pima County Cooperative Extension’s The Garden Kitchen program. The Garden Kitchen is a seed to table whole health program, focusing on health equity in food systems and early childhood programming. Jenn has been with Extension for over 12 years, has a Master’s degree in public health, and serves as state lead for Mental Wellness i... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 3:00pm - 3:20pm EDT
Palmetto Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina A&T State University

3:00pm EDT

Unlocking Professional Success: The Power of Workforce Resilience & Cooperative Extension

Brauner, R and Crocker, A.
In today's dynamic and fast-paced work environment, resiliency is fundamental to success and
well-being. Resilience empowers individuals to effectively navigate the inevitable challenges,
uncertainties, and pressures that arise in the workplace (Jackson, Firtko, & Edenborough,
2007). Resilience is not just about bouncing back but about thriving through adversity (Norris
et al., 2022). By cultivating resilience, professionals can maintain their mental and emotional
equilibrium, enhance their problem-solving abilities, and continue to perform at their best even
in the face of change and stress (Norris et al., 2022). Moreover, a resilient workforce fosters
collaboration, innovation, and overall productivity thus contributing to a positive and adaptive
organizational culture (Jackson, Firtko, & Edenborough, 2007). With a focus on workforce
development, prevention of professional burnout, and mitigation of organizational tension, the
Cooperative Extension community has maintained a longstanding commitment to addressing
resiliency concerns, both within and beyond its boundaries (Ensle 2005, Bradley et al. 2012).
Workforce resilience refers to the capacity of employees to effectively navigate challenging
circumstances, cope with stress, adapt to new conditions, and sustain motivation within their
work environment. An assessment based on the OneOp, a virtual professional development
network, webinar series on resiliency delivered during the COVID-19 pandemic identifies best
practices that Cooperative Extension can employ to impart essential resilience skills to both
individuals and service providers, contributing to a more resilient and adaptable workforce.
This session will focus on applying these identified strategies to the context of the Cooperative
Extension professional.

Speakers

Rachel Brauner

Tuesday May 14, 2024 3:00pm - 3:20pm EDT
Francis Marion Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University

3:00pm EDT

Meet the Speakers and Networking

This room will be open to meet with colleagues and for further Q&A after the presentations with speakers.

Tuesday May 14, 2024 3:00pm - 5:00pm EDT
Furman Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia

3:30pm EDT

Break sponsored by the National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA)

Tuesday May 14, 2024 3:30pm - 3:50pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

4:00pm EDT

Partnership to Implement Diabetes Prevention Program in Rural Communities

Authors: Bai Xiong, MS
Authors:Chiquita Chanay, MPH, MCHES

Background
The University of Missouri Extension Community Health Engagement and Outreach has a goal to improve the health and wellbeing of Missourians at every stage of life.   It is estimated one in three adults aged 18 years or older and nearly half (43%) of adults over 65 have prediabetes. In Diabetes is a major health issue in Missouri, with over 11% prevalence among adults. Individuals and families with the best intentions to adopt healthy behaviors encounter countless social, economic, and environmental factors that reinforce their current lifestyle choices. Through a collaborative partnership with Cox-Monett Hospital, we can address the community's emerging needs with programs focused on well-being and health promotion.
Objectives
Participants will understand the background of how this partnership materialized, our planning process, our program impact to date, challenges, best practices and keys to success. The purpose is to evaluate the implementation of the DPP at MU Extension and describe additional partnerships and support impact the program's success.
Methods
To reduce the incidence and prevalence of pre-diabetes in Barry/Lawrence counties, we partnered with Cox-Monett hospital to identify participants who were overweight or obese adults (18-75 years) with or at high risk for prediabetes. Participants were encouraged to use an internet-based lifestyle intervention for people at risk for type 2 diabetes to support creating healthy habits and monitoring weight and physical activity. The Community Health Engagement and Outreach Program Community Health Field Specialist (CHS) worked across Extension programs with Health and Human Sciences to incorporate Walk with Ease and grocery tours to combine multiple programming for continuous participant engagement.
Results
To date we have had six (6) English speaking cohorts (n= 117) and two (2) Spanish speaking cohorts (n=9). All but one cohort had retention rates higher than 50%, apart from the Spanish speaking cohorts, all cohorts completed at least 22 sessions. An average of 4% weight loss goal and average minimum physical activity range from 7.86 mins/week - 218.72 mins/week.

Conclusion
Program success is dependent on a diverse set of strategies to engage participants including integration of the Walk with Ease program, grocery store tours, and cooking demonstrations. MU Extension DPP program is adapting and expanding in different settings to explore strategies for success. Retention among Spanish speaking participants continues to be a challenge, in spite of having a Spanish speaking lifestyle coach.

Speakers

Bai Xiong

Community Health Field Specialist, MU-Extension-CHEO

Bai Xiong a Community Health Field Specialist for University of Missouri Extension's Community Health Engagement and Outreach department. She holds a master's degree in Diagnostic Nutrition and Dietetics. She is passionate about community nutrition, and MU-Extension's land-grant mission... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:20pm EDT
Card Room

Clemson University, Clemson University

4:00pm EDT

Collective Engagement to Change Health Outcomes

Evelyn Whitmer, Rosie Stewart, Jen Parlin, Margine Bawden, Hope Wilson, Cynthia Aspengren, (* not in attendance) *Kate Speirs, *Ashley Wright, *Traci Armstrong Florian, *Cathy Martinez.
The Building Healthy Communities Project is an innovative community program situated within underrepresented rural communities in Cochise County, Arizona that bridges communication and working barriers between local leadership, citizens, agencies, and local agricultural producers working to mitigate the Social Determinants of Health. This project increased the community's capacity for healthy change through leadership and collaboration. The Leadership Academy from this project empowered community members to mobilize and take positive action with the completion of a community project. Healthy Community Committees were formed and obtained their 501(c)3 status, food pantries were expanded, gardens/garden towers were established, the food bank increased fresh produce by 42%, the Superintendent of Schools for the county prioritized healthy food in the schools and her report to the governor’s office. A network analysis conducted showed that there was an increase in both the number and strength of cross-sector partnerships in all the strategies implemented in this project. We will share how to make simple changes in your community with community engagement and Collective Impact to move the needle on health.

Speakers

Evelyn Whitmer

Full Area Agent, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Evelyn Whitmer-University of Arizona Family and Consumer Health Sciences Area Full Agent (Faculty) and State Collective Impact Area Agent. For the past 23 years, she has served the state of Arizona as an Area Extension Agent for Family and Consumer Sciences, developing, and delivering... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:20pm EDT
Palmetto Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina A&T State University

4:00pm EDT

Building Healthier Communities: A Comprehensive E-Learning Journey for Adults and Young People on Social Determinants of Health, Health Equity, and Policy Systems & Environmental Change

Jennifer Braun (She/Her)

The University of Wisconsin-Madison Division of Extension’s Health & Well-Being and Positive Youth Development Institutes’ collaborated to create a free and engaging e-learning course, “Groundwork For Community Change,” to help foster a shared understanding of social determinants of health, health equity and policy, systems & environmental change (PSE) work within our Extension programming. This session will provide an overview and access information for the e-learning course. This course went through a thorough review process by fourteen Extension professionals and seven young people.

Key aspects of the course include:

Youth Empowerment and Development
Positive youth development principles
Capacity Building for Adults
Promoting Health Equity
Interconnectedness of Social Determinants
PSE Efforts as a Framework
Interactive Learning Experience

Some comments by those that have completed the course include:
“These activities really made me think and try to understand what communities can do to better
the lives of people living in them!”

“Good script, good clear explanations of these concepts, great work in distilling things that are
very complicated into twenty minute modules.”

“This is really well done and actually fun! I liked the focus on rural communities,
transportation, health care and disability. This is an angle I haven't seen before and it's really
relevant here.”

“I love how easy it is to understand everything. From the navigation to the way things are
presented, it is very user friendly. I like how there's read-aloud and text so that it's suitable for
more people!”

Speakers

Jen Braun (She/Her)

Heath Equity State Specialist, University of Wisconsin - Madison Extension

Tuesday May 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:20pm EDT
Francis Marion Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University

4:00pm EDT

Addressing Systemic Health Inequities: National, Cross-Site Evaluation Results from the Well Connected Communities Initiative

Schafer, L and Dinh, C.
For over a decade, the Cooperative Extension System has made significant efforts advancing its
work related to health equity and wellbeing and making it more central to the system’s core
lines of work. With support from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Extension
implemented Well Connected Communities (WCC), a national, six-year initiative to tackle
systemic health inequities in over 50 communities supported by 25 land grant universities
(LGUs). WCC aimed to 1) build diverse, multigenerational, cross-sector local coalitions; and 2)
position Extension as a key partner in community health and wellbeing . An external, cross-site
evaluation of WCC assessed and documented signals of Extension systems change and lessons
learned.

This session will share evaluation results from the final four years of WCC. We will present key
findings, focusing on WCC’s contribution to transforming how Extension partners, both
internally and externally, to advance local health priorities. For example, WCC helped build
relationships and trust with local partners through methods like a coalition. Extension staff
applied a community-driven approach to prioritizing work, meeting communities where they
were at. LGU leads reported that through WCC, Extension is more visible within the
community, with local partners realizing opportunities for engaging Extension in ways beyond
more traditional roles (e.g., agriculture expertise, direct health education). Youth leadership
development was a central aspect of WCC, bringing energy and new ideas and demonstrating
the value of authentic, multi-generational collaboration.

Within Extension, WCC provided the opportunity to partner across program areas, building
collaborative relationships between and among program areas (e.g., family and consumer
sciences, 4-H, community development, and agriculture and natural resources). Extension staff
built skills, worked in new areas and in new ways, and brought passions and values of service
and equity to life through tangible approaches and strategies.

The presentation will also highlight key facilitators and barriers to doing this type of work
within the Extension context elevated by WCC. It will close with a discussion of implications
for sustainability and systems-wide change, including promising examples and plans for
building on this work. The session will engage participants in reflection and peer exchange.
Additional insights would be gathered on what it takes to do this work as well as opportunities
to further prompt and embed systems changes within Extension that advance health equity and
wellbeing. An additional goal of the session would be to celebrate the work of WCC
participants over the last several years and build excitement and interest in the LGU case
studies and final evaluation report anticipated to be shared in July 2024

Speakers

Lisa Schafer

Center for Community Health and Evaluation

Lisa has over 15 years' experience in public health and currently manages several mixed methods evaluations related to philanthropic grantmaking and clinical quality improvement. Her interests include using collaborative approaches to understand impact, capture lessons, and promote... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 4:00pm - 4:20pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

4:30pm EDT

Engaging Healthcare for Direct Referrals to Extension Health Programs

Rafie, C.
Diabetes is a significant health issue in the U.S. Diabetes diagnosis has doubled in the past 20
years. Prediabetes is a condition of slightly elevated blood sugar that increases risk for diabetes.
Over 96 million people in the U.S., and 1 in 3 adults in Virginia have prediabetes. Research
shows that people with prediabetes who participate in a structured lifestyle intervention can cut
their risk for developing diabetes in half. Virginia Cooperative Extension joined the National
Diabetes Prevention Program (National DPP), a partnership of public and private organizations
supported by the CDC working to prevent or delay type 2 diabetes, in 2017. Partners work
together to increase access of people with prediabetes to the 12-month lifestyle diabetes
prevention program that can reduce risk of developing diabetes by 58% in people who lose 5-
7% body weight.

Strategic planning for implementation of the VCE Diabetes Prevention Program (VCE DPP)
was conducted by a team of Extension Specialists and Agents with the goal of building an
accessible, effective program. The team used guidelines from the Extension National
Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being in their planning. The National DPP lifestyle
change program aligns with the Framework recommendation to adopt programming for the
prevention and control of chronic disease. One of the Framework recommendations included in
strategic planning was to establish links with the healthcare community that permits direct
referral of individuals that can benefit most from Extension health programs. As part of our
strategic planning we developed a three-pronged strategy for outreach to local healthcare
providers to increase awareness of the VCE DPP and referral to the program.

The strategy involved 1) production of referral materials for use by the healthcare professional
including Rack cards for display in practice waiting room that included a QR code for patient
self-referral to the VCE DPP, and a fax form for direct referral by the physician to the VCE
DPP program; 2) Collaboration with a physician working with the Virginia Department of
Health who sent letters of introduction of the VCE DPP to the local healthcare practices; 3)
Direct visits to the healthcare practices by two Extension community health workers to
introduce the VCE DPP program and referral materials.

There were 12 family practices in the outreach area of the CHW’s. Two letters of introduction
were sent to all 12 offices by the VDH Physician Liaison prior to the CHW’s contacting them to
make an appointment to discuss the availability of the VCE DPP and methods of referral.
CHWs were able to schedule 4 provider visits and dropped by the other 8 offices to provide
Rack Cards and the fax referral form. The VCE-DPP has received 24 physician referrals to date,
12 of whom have been successfully placed in a VCE DPP program. The CHWs are repeating
the strategy in a second community with health disparities. We will present lessons learned and
recommendations for successful implementation of this strategy for healthcare outreach.

Speakers

Carlin Rafie

Senior Extension Specialist, Virginia Tech/Virginia Cooperative Extension

Carlin Rafie holds a Doctorate in Nutrition and Dietetics, a Master of Science in Food, Nutrition & Institution Administration, and is a Registered Dietitian. She has international experience, spending the first decade of her career working in Honduras, Central America. Carlin is... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 4:30pm - 4:50pm EDT
Card Room

Clemson University, Clemson University

4:30pm EDT

Innovation in Next-Gen Extension: Lessons Learned and Next Steps in Collaborative Hires of Community Health Workers

Martinez, E, Johannes, E, and Kiss, E.
Community health workers (CHWs) are “frontline public health workers” who are naturally
embedded in the communities they serve. CHWs “serve as a liaison/link/intermediary between
health/social services and the community to facilitate access to services and improve the quality
and cultural competence of service delivery” (APHA, 2024). The scope of practice of CHWs
includes, but is not limited to (Kansas Community Health Worker Coalition, 2024):
• Client support
• Care coordination
• Healthcare liaison
• Health education
• Advocacy

Much like Extension professionals, CHWs work to build individual and community capacity
via outreach and education but complement Extension’s role via a unique connection to health
care providers and expanded scope of practice. Additionally, CHWs are uniquely connected to
health care in ways that Extension is not via both requirements and opportunity. That is, to be
recognized and reimbursed by Medicaid, Medicare, and other third-party payors, CHWs must
be supervised, at least in part, by an individual or organization with an associated National
Provider Identification Number, or NPI. An individual with an NPI is a health care provider and
might include a physician or nurse practitioner, physical therapist, or clinical social worker.
This requirement presents the practical opportunity to have a joint hire between Extension and
direct-care providers. Furthermore, one of many opportunities is developing, or joining, a
closed-loop referral system that significantly improves patient and community health. To
illustrate: Patient A visits Provider B because they suspect they have diabetes. After a diagnosis,
Provider B then supplies the necessary medical treatment, but also enters the patient into a
closed-loop referral system. This means that Patient A could be referred to Extension for a
Dining with Diabetes course and other healthy living programming, as well as a CHW who can
help the patient secure a blood sugar monitor, learn how to interpret their blood sugar, check-in
regularly, and explore insurance benefits. This simplistic example begins to highlight how the
work of Extension professionals and CHWs are both complementary and effective for the
individuals being served. By following a joint-hiring model and employing CHWs within local
Extension offices, there is an even greater natural opportunity for collaboration, reduced
duplication of services, expanding the services both entities provide, and improving the health
of our nation. This is Health Extension.

As of the writing of this proposal, funding has been secured and hiring of CHWs within
Extension offices has begun. There has been an incredible journey to building the foundation on
which this is moving forward, and this session will describe that path. This will include
developing initial partnerships with CHWs in the state, certification requirements, funding
possibilities, a visual model of Extension and CHW’s overlapping and unique scopes of
practice, and other hiring considerations. The status of the initiative and lessons learned will be
shared. Then, future opportunities, including additional hiring, partnerships, and insurance
reimbursement will be discussed.

Innovative initiatives such as this directly contribute to the pursuit of health equity, serving
populations that are underserved and victim of discriminatory practices, and meeting the call to
diversify Extension’s workforce

Speakers

Erin Martinez

Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Kansas State University

Dr. Erin Martinez is an Associate Professor and Extension Specialist at Kansas State University. Her primary foci for her outreach and Extension work are promoting health and well-being across the lifespan to encourage optimal aging and exploring methods of implementing policy, systems... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 4:30pm - 4:50pm EDT
Palmetto Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina A&T State University

4:30pm EDT

Using the Experiential Learning model, the Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) teaches Life Skills to Children and youth to change behavior and prevent Childhood Obesity and Chronic Diseases.

Charlton, A, Madden, S, and Khan T.
Rationale & Objectives: USDA Economic Research Service (ERS) reported that food-away-
from-home spending accounted for 55 % of total food expenditures in 2021,
compared to just 25% in 1970. Foods prepared away from home are higher in calories and
lower in nutrients. Cooking skills among youth are declining. The childhood/adolescent obesity
rate has steadily risen in South Carolina. In 2020-2021, data shows that 33% of all children and
adolescents between the ages of 10-17 years old are obese, 36% of males and 31% of females.
In South Carolina, 20% of youth live in poverty as of 2021. Youth who live in poverty are more
likely to experience food insecurity, which can result in poorer food and health choices and
increased obesity risks.

The Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) teaches youth the knowledge
and skills they need to lead a healthier lifestyle through the “Teen Cuisine” (TC) and “Choose
Health: Food, Fun and Fitness” (CHFFF) curricula. “Teen Cuisine” was developed by Virginia
Tech Cooperative Extension Service for youth 6-12th grade, and “CHFFF” was developed by
Cornell University, “to teach 3-6th grade children. The curricula highlight key messages from
the Dietary Guidelines for Americans and the MyPlate initiative.

Method: Both ‘Teen Cuisine’ and ‘CHFFF’ have lessons consisting of activities focused on
nutrition, food safety, food security, and physical activity. EFNEP Nutrition Educators offer
community programs in various settings. Both curricula use a learners-centered educational
approach where nutrition educators act as facilitators who guide the children and youth to
discover new ideas and ways of applying the ideas through different activities. This allows
children and youth to adopt new behaviors because they have connected to the concepts through
personal experiences. The Experiential Learning Model (ELM) with the 4 As dialogue approach
was also used to design the lessons for more effective retention and application of information
and skills for healthy eating and active living. Each lesson in both curricula includes an
‘Anchor’ that connects the children and youth with their experiences or interests, some new
information to ‘Add’, and a chance to “Apply’ this new information through interactive
nutrition activities, active games, food preparation, and other activities. Then, the ‘Away’
includes a goal-setting challenge for the kids to use the new information in their daily lives.

Results:
EFNEP uses Pre and Post-surveys to evaluate the program impact and behavioral changes. In
2022-23, SC EFNEP reached 3558 youth, and the outcome data showed:
91% improved Diet Quality
57% improved Food Safety
68% improved Physical Activity
15% improved Food Security
50% improved Food Resource Management

Conclusion: By applying the Experiential Learning Model and Learner-Centered education,
EFNEP youth use a higher level of thinking to understand and internalize the key concepts
related to Diet Quality, Physical activity, Food resource management, Food security, and food
safety.

Speakers

Ali Charlton

Regional Coordinator, Clemson Extension - Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program

I’m a Regional Coordinator for Clemson Extension’s Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program. I am based out of Charleston and I oversee nutrition educators in Georgetown, Berkeley, Charleston, and Beaufort counties. I received my bachelor’s degree in Nutrition Science from... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 4:30pm - 4:50pm EDT
Francis Marion Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University

4:30pm EDT

Exploring Health Equity Through Community Engagement

Jan Stankiewicz and Carrie Johnson
In this session participants will learn about the strategies utilized for authentic community engagement when exploring health equity in New American and Indigenous communities in North Dakota. We will unveil our best practices, hard-earned lessons and share initial data collected from dialogue circles and action forums which will serve as a guide to how we continue this work in the future.
In a state marked by glaring health disparities, particularly affecting urban Indigenous populations and New American residents, our mission is clear: to lean into existing assets, bridge gaps, and pave the way towards equitable healthcare access and positive health outcomes. Indigenous people are the second highest demographic for population in North Dakota and experience the highest rates of health disparities. In North Dakota, 25% of Indigenous individuals are without health insurance compared to 7% of all North Dakotans; the life expectancy of Indigenous individuals in ND is 65.1 years compared to 76.9 years for all other North Dakotans. The burgeoning New American community is rapidly growing, presenting its own unique challenges and opportunities with populations increasing nearly three-fold in the past two decades.

At the heart of our endeavor lies genuine community engagement, where local voices take center stage. We've enlisted the expertise of community coaches deeply rooted within these communities, where they lead candid conversations that delve into the lived experiences of health inequity. Together, we've co-created a powerful health equity discussion guide, ensuring that every voice is heard and every perspective valued.

Join us as we unveil the initial data collected from our dialogue circles and action forums, offering a glimpse into the transformative power of authentic community engagement. And as we look towards the future, rest assured that our commitment to these communities remains unwavering. Together, we're forging a path towards a healthier, more equitable tomorrow.

Speakers

Jan Stankiewicz

Community Health & Nutrition Specialist / Tribal Liaison

Jan Stankiewicz, M.S., MPH cert., is a Community Health and Nutrition Specialist and Tribal Liaison with North Dakota State University (NDSU) Extension. Her work revolves around statewide efforts in policy, systems, and environmental change efforts to address community health, nutrition... Read More →

Tuesday May 14, 2024 4:30pm - 4:50pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

5:30pm EDT

Dinner and Priester Awards sponsored by University of Georgia, College of FACS, Extension

Tuesday May 14, 2024 5:30pm - 7:00pm EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

7:30am EDT

Breakfast sponsored by Clemson University Extension

Wednesday May 15, 2024 7:30am - 8:15am EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

8:30am EDT

Keynote Address

The Journey to Rural Health Transformation

This keynote presentation describes my 30 year professional journey from large urban/tertiary healthcare leadership to my current role with Healthy Me - Healthy SC, and its mission to improve access and inequities in rural and underserved communities in SC.

I'll discuss the value of partnerships, the link between food access and improved health conditions, opportunities for rural health transformation and lessons learned during my journey.

Speakers

J. David Sudduth, MBA, FHFMA

Executive Director, Healthy Me - Healthy SC, Medical University of South Carolina

Wednesday May 15, 2024 8:30am - 9:20am EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

9:30am EDT

Sleepless in Nebraska

Guenther, H and Luxa, J.
Sleep rules every moment of our lives, yet it is often overlooked and underutilized as an aspect
of health in America.1 in 3 American’s is not getting the recommended 7+ hours of sleep each
night according to the Sleep Foundation. The implications of this statistic translate to 1 in 3
drivers being sleep deprived which is similar to driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Additionally this translates to 1 in 3 children being raised in an environment where sleep is not
deemed a priority in overall health which can lead to detrimental habit development during a
sensitive period of development. Disseminating evidence-based information and practical
strategies on improving sleep to the public is an important step in addressing current mental
health and overall wellbeing concerns in the US.

Sleepless in Nebraska is an engaging, educational program that can be delivered as a lecture,
lunch and learn, webinar, or a hands-on health fair for youth and adults. Participants learn about
sleep cycles and the impact lack of sleep has on their whole body and walk away with the tools
they need in order to address sleep quality that same night. “I learned that there are many things
I do that affect why I can’t sleep at night,” one participant stated. Data collected has shown that
this program has the potential to improve the environment in which people are sleeping, leading
to improved sleep habits and long term benefits to physical, mental, and emotional health as
well as safety. Of the 725 participants reached in 18 months, 91% plan on making a behavior
change to improve their quality of sleep. Before program participation 17% of youth recognized
the impact of sleep on their learning, mental health, and athletic performance. After the
program, this number increased to 78% of youth participants. The data is preliminary, but
shows promise on the impact and potential of this program.

We recognize that sleep can also be viewed as a privilege and have adapted the program to fit
the needs of various audiences (including but not limited to shift workers, seasonal workers,
parents, and more).

It is the goal of this program to change the narrative on sleep. To view going to bed not as a
chore or something that you can do once you are deceased, but as a wellness practice and a way
to improve your overall health. We know the importance of eating enough fruits and vegetables,
drinking enough water, and getting enough physical activity in our day - it is time to prioritize
getting the recommended amount of quality sleep as well!

Speakers

Hannah Guenther

Food, Nutrition, and Health Extension Educator, Nebraska Extension

Hannah Guenther is a Food, Nutrition, and Health Extension Educator for the University of Nebraska - Lincoln. Hannah began her career in Extension in June 2018 after leaving her Family and Consumer Science classroom. She has a degree in Dietetics from the University of Nebraska... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 9:30am - 9:50am EDT
Card Room

Clemson University, Clemson University

9:30am EDT

Junior Master Wellness Volunteers Program -Extending Knowledge to Youth Leaders

Harris-Speight, Sansing, A, and Buys, D.
The Junior Master Wellness Volunteer (JMWV) program is a community health education
youth volunteer program offered through Mississippi State University Extension 4-H. The
program is for youth, ages 14-18 years who have an interest in health literacy and volunteerism.
The JMWV program enhances students’ knowledge of important health information and
prepares them to deliver community health interventions and advocate for healthier
communities. Participants receive training on 12 health-related modules with 1 optional
module. After completing the training modules, students are asked to give back 24 hours in
community service by engaging in various community service activities or through peer-to-peer
interactions.

The program started in 2014 as a pilot program in two Mississippi counties until 2016. In 2016
the program was offered statewide and was implemented in four Mississippi counties. To date
1,307 volunteers have been trained with over 11,610 community service hours reported and
over 168,106 contacts have been reached in 42 out of the 82 Mississippi counties. Starting in
2023, the program was made accessible through the learning management system, Canvas.
With the Canvas integration, Extension agents and teachers can offer the program in a hybrid
method to students. The teacher and Extension agent work together to deliver the program
content online and work in-person to facilitating the community service planning process. The
online course was created with the students in mind. The course creates an engaging learning
environment for students to be successful in learning more about healthy living and
volunteering. The online course consists of module overviews, learning objectives, activity
checklists, lesson readings, videos, interactive practice activities, supplemental resources, social
media messages, discussion boards, and other key information students can use to progress
through the course.

To enhance the partnership with the school districts. The program curriculum was mapped on to
the educational standards for the Mississippi Department of Education curriculum in career and
technical education and general secondary courses including family and consumer science,
contemporary health, health science, health care and clinical services, sports medicine,
International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE), and 21st century skills.
The content is tailored to youth in all cultures. The material is selected and designed for
relevant and trending material in today’s youth that is related to health. Activities, supplemental
material, and community service projects are designed to help students apply material learned
in real world situations. Each course offering is unique in that it is led by a local extension
agent. The agent can customize the course by incorporating relevant information specific to
their community. The 13 lesson modules included in the curriculum are: (1)Privacy, Health
Literacy, and Cultural Competency, (2)Hypertension and Diabetes, (3)Obesity and Healthy
Eating, (4)Oral Health, (5)Mental Health Wellness, (6)Asthma Awareness, (7)Bullying
Prevention, (8)Heat and Sun Safety, (9)Substance Misuse Prevention, (10)Functional Foods,
(11)Teen Relationships, (12) Community Service Volunteering, and (optional) Illness and Injury
Simulation (I2).

This presentation will include an overview of the program development process, the content
outline, the Canvas course, strategies used to connect Extension agents and teachers, and
program output and outcomes.

Speakers

Jasmine Harris-Speight

Mississippi State University

Wednesday May 15, 2024 9:30am - 9:50am EDT
Palmetto Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina A&T State University

9:30am EDT

Tri-Learner Model: How One University Approached Promoting Resilience in Young Children Through a Community-Engaged Process.

Abstract
Resilience is adapting positively to life’s challenges. Resilience is for everyone and can help us deal with trauma and stress. We nurture resilience by reflecting, connecting, and caring for ourselves and each other. The session will describe a tri-learner model for partnering across academic and extension faculty in response to a community coalition-defined need. Participants will learn about an example utilizing Roots of Resilience, a research-based, professional development program for early childhood professionals to promote resilience among children impacted by trauma. Participants will also engage in activities to nurture resilience, and receive resources to share with the communities they serve.
Authors
Megan Pratt, Barbara Brody, Shannon Lipscomb, Toiresa Frazier

Speakers

Megan Pratt

Assistant Professor of Practice, Oregon State University

Megan Pratt coordinates the Oregon Child Care Research Partnership, which serves two primary functions: 1) to conduct research related to child care and education policy of interest to local and state partners; and 2) to convene a virtual organization that brings together researchers... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 9:30am - 9:50am EDT
Francis Marion Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University

9:30am EDT

Community and Clinical Linkages: A Look at Extension’s Role in Healthcare Across Minnesota

ABSTRACT
Collaborative efforts between Extension and healthcare institutions hold the potential to address key health challenges, particularly in reducing chronic diseases and promoting health equity. This presentation will explore the symbiotic relationship between Extension and healthcare and the importance of strengthening such partnerships to address issues of nutrition insecurity, health, and wellbeing.
Connections between healthcare and Extension can help to improve food security, lower chronic disease risks, and provide access to local, nutrient-dense produce to program participants. Nutrition education becomes a powerful tool in addressing health disparities and promoting overall wellbeing. Extension's unique position as a trusted partner stems from its rich history of community involvement, establishing long-standing relationships with diverse populations. Leveraging this trust helps to ensure the development of programming grounded in community and inclusivity, thus leading to better program outcomes.
This presentation will also explore the practical benefits of collaborations between Extension and healthcare in the context of addressing chronic diseases. With healthcare often constrained by time and resources, Extension can fill the gap and provide opportunities for impactful programs that might otherwise be impossible, allowing for more efficient use of resources within traditional healthcare settings.
Finally, this presentation will draw on real-world examples to illustrate successful collaborations between Extension and healthcare. These examples will showcase various ways in which University of Minnesota Extension partners with healthcare entities to improve health outcomes in participants.
In this session, participants will:

Recognize the importance of Extension’s role in the successful implementation and evaluation of nutrition education based programs with various healthcare partners
Identify strategies to integrate community-based nutrition education into healthcare systems, such as improved adoption of food insecurity screenings and increased referrals to nutrition support services in healthcare settings
Compare various approaches to produce prescription programs
Understand the unique opportunities and challenges of projects focused on the intersection of food access, community-based programs, and healthcare systems

AUTHORS
Nikki Johnson, Kate Welshons, Abby Gold, Rachel Jones

Speakers

Nikki Johnson

Community Health and Nutrition Specialist, University of Minnesota Extension/North Dakota State University Extension

Wednesday May 15, 2024 9:30am - 10:30am EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

10:00am EDT

Meeting the Community Where They Are: A Placed-based Approach to FCS Programming

Speakers
Taylor Crumpler, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
Taylor Crumpler is the Family and Consumer Science Extension Agent for Wilson County, North Carolina. She has a bachelor's degree in Public Health with a concentration in Community Health and a master's degree in Health Education, both from East Carolina University. Her academic background, combined with her hands-on experience, allows her to effectively address a wide range of issues affecting rural communities. With over eight years of experience working in community outreach, education, and policy, system, and environmental changes, she is dedicated to fostering positive change and improving health outcomes for individuals and populations.

Stephanie Stevenson, Family and Consumer Sciences Agent
Stephanie Stevenson is the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agent for the NC Cooperative Extension - Carteret and Craven County Centers. Stephanie is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) and will complete a master's degree in Health Education and Promotion from East Carolina University in July 2024. Her passion lies in fostering healthier lifestyles in the counties through various programs, including nutrition and physical activity, health and wellness, food safety, home food preservation, and local food systems. In her free time—when she is not cooking—Stephanie enjoys spending time with her dog at the Crystal Coast beaches.

Description
Chronic diseases, such as cancer, heart disease, hypertension, and stroke, are among the leading causes of mortality within our community. Extensive evidence supports the fact that a healthy diet and enhanced physical activity can significantly reduce the incidence of these chronic conditions. Unfortunately, individuals with a lower socio-economic status face an elevated risk of developing such health issues due to a lack of local resources. Therefore, it becomes imperative to reduce these barriers by delivering education and programming directly to this demographic.

To foster a stronger connection, higher participation rates, and increased success in chronic disease prevention, place-based programming becomes a pivotal strategy. Family and Consumer Sciences Agents, recognizing the need, strategically utilized local library branches and senior citizen HUD Housing complexes as venues for impactful food and nutrition programming. In response to National Nutrition Month, a county FCS agent collaborated with the local library branch to initiate an adult food and nutrition program. The senior citizen HUD Housing complex sought a nutrition education program, leading to an 8-week chronic disease prevention program facilitated by a county FCS agent.

Following the initial programming, agencies continued to engage Agents for ongoing food and nutrition education, as well as for policy, system, and environmental changes. The partnership with the local library branch enabled additional programming focusing on reducing sodium, decreasing added sugar, exploring the Mediterranean Diet, addressing food safety with popular kitchen appliances, and implementing evidence-based home food preservation methods. Likewise, the collaboration with the senior citizen HUD Housing complex resulted in the establishment of a community garden, walking trail, and the incorporation of health and wellness signage within their on-site senior center. These initiatives not only enhanced the well-being of the residents but also positioned the Agents as trusted community resources.

Evaluation methods, including pre-post surveys and site director feedback, validated the effectiveness of these interventions. Direct education programs demonstrated a noticeable increase in knowledge and behavioral change. The library site expressed satisfaction with the FCS programming, expressing a desire to continue these programs in the upcoming years. Site director feedback from the senior citizen HUD Housing complex indicated a rise in the utilization of policy, system, and environmental interventions by tenants. Participants will learn a comprehensive approach to successfully implement placed-based interventions in low-resource areas for chronic disease prevention.

Speakers

Stephanie Stevenson

Family and Consumer Sciences Agent, North Carolina Cooperative Extension

Stephanie Stevenson is the Family and Consumer Sciences (FCS) Agent for the NC Cooperative Extension - Carteret and Craven County Centers. Stephanie is a Certified Health Education Specialist (CHES®) and will complete a master's degree in Health Education and Promotion from East... Read More →

Meeting the Community Where They Are A Placed based Approach to FCS Programming pdf

Place Based Approach Planning Sheet pdf

Wednesday May 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
Card Room

Clemson University, Clemson University

10:00am EDT

Growing the Behavioral Health Workforce to Support Ohio Children and Families

White, S.
If the Appalachian counties of Ohio were combined into a separate state, it would be the
second-most economically distressed state in the country, according to a 2019 study by the
Ohio Alliance for Innovation in Population Health. The Appalachian Children Coalition (ACC),
a non-profit organization, was formed in March 2020 to improve the health and well-being of
the region's children through collective advocacy and strategic investments. Utilizing research
and best practices, the ACC aspires to be a servant to those who serve children by building
awareness, advocating for change, generating resources, and building a culture of collaboration
across all 32 counties in the Appalachian Ohio region. The ACC focuses its work in
Appalachian Ohio for six reasons:
Concentrated poverty
Drug exposure
Lack of acute care access
Shortage of child behavioral health specialists
Lack of broadband access
A significant philanthropy gap

This presentation will highlight the six focus areas of the ACC, with the bulk focusing on the
work of the ACC Behavioral Health Workforce Hub (The Hub).
In response to a shortage of child behavioral health specialists and based upon conversations
with numerous superintendents, mental health leaders, child advocacy leaders, child
researchers, and others across Appalachian Ohio, the ACC created The Hub to focus efforts,
resources, innovation, and research. The service goals of The Hub are:
Awareness, planning, and recruitment.
Workforce development and education pathways.
Job placement and career pathways.
Workforce support and professional development.

The Hub's services are available to behavioral and mental health providers, healthcare
organizations, schools, and agencies seeking to address their workforce needs. We recognize
that workforce challenges vary from place to place. The Hub offers services tailored to the
needs of each of our partner and affiliate organizations, as well as personalized support services
for individuals interested in behavioral and mental health careers.

This concurrent session will detail the support and programming developed to meet their
service goals, including the implementation of a free career coaching program, paid internships
for high school and college students at community behavioral health provider organizations,
over $100,000 earmarked for colleges and universities in Appalachian Ohio counties to create
innovative educational and training pathways, the creation of a Training Gateway to provide
access to training and continuing education opportunities, and the implementation of a
partner/affiliate model for community organizations to access tailored workforce support
services with over $500,000 of support disbursed so far.

Overall, this presentation will highlight the unique challenges facing Appalachian Ohio children
and families, the Appalachian Children Coalitions' approach to addressing these needs, a
focused look into the creation of the Appalachian Children Coalition Behavioral Health
Workforce Hub, and a detailed overview into the services and supports provided to individuals
and community organizations to grow and support the behavioral health workforce in
Appalachian Ohio to better serve children and families of the region.

Speakers

Sara White

Director of Outreach & Engagement, Appalachian Children Coalition

Sara White is the Director of Outreach and Engagement with the Appalachian Children Coalition. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communication studies and a Master’s in Law, Justice, and Culture, both from Ohio University. With over ten years of experience in higher education... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
Palmetto Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina A&T State University, North Carolina A&T State University

10:00am EDT

Fostering Teacher and Student Self-Regulation Skills: Recognizing and Responding to Trauma in PreK-12 Schools

Crawford, M.
Attention to childhood trauma and the need for trauma-informed care has contributed to the
emerging discourse in schools related to teaching practices, school climate, and the delivery of
trauma-related in-service and preservice teacher education (Cole et al., 2005; Crosby, 2015;
Day et al., 2015; Oehlberg, 2008). The session outlines the development, implementation, and
evaluation of a trauma-informed PreK-12 teacher professional development series. The project
aligns with initiatives outlined in the Cooperative Extension's National Framework for Health
Equity and Well-Being. The presentation will include critical lessons learned, suggested best
practices, and future directions for supporting and sustaining trauma-informed practices in
schools.

Numerous studies document an increase in the pervasiveness of trauma among school-age
children, as well as the subsequent effects of trauma on overall student performance. Adverse
childhood experiences (ACEs) are the root cause of many serious academic, social, and
behavioral problems that have the potential to prevent a child from receiving the full benefits of
education. Teachers are key players in helping schools become trauma-informed learning
environments.

The educator workforce development program was created through a collaboration between the
University of Illinois Extension community health educator, teachers, and local experts in the
field. The 12-hour program series is delivered by the health educator and includes four 3-hour
modules approved for Illinois State Board of Education Professional Development Units. Series
participants include teachers, administrators, counselors, social workers, and paraprofessional
school staff. Modules span the following topics: 1) types of trauma and numerous effects on the
brain, student learning, and health, 2) the role of self-care in preventing educator burnout, 3)
strategies to assist students self-regulate in the classroom, and 4) identifying and responding to
signs of mental health challenges among youth. The series aligns with the recommendations
provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
National Center for Trauma-Informed Care, which includes acknowledging the prevalence of
trauma, recognizing the impact of these experiences on all individuals, utilizing trauma-
sensitive practices and policies, and avoiding practices that may retraumatize.
Post-test data across modules demonstrates all 520 participants reported increased knowledge
and intent to return information and strategies to their schools and classrooms. Three-month
follow-up survey data reveal that 75% report implementing strategies learned at the training,
75% report successful execution of self-care action plans, and 67% report providing training to
staff at school who did not attend training.

Educating PreK-12 teachers on recognizing and responding to trauma in the classroom supports
Extension professionals in their efforts to improve health via promoting healthy behaviors
through communication and education to ultimately create healthier communities. Furthermore,
the professional development series aligns with initiatives outlined in the Cooperative
Extension's National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being. This includes supporting
individuals and families experiencing mental health challenges, expanding health programming,
capacity building and professional development, and actively addressing the social
determinants of health and well-being that prevent communities from experiencing optimal
health.

Speakers

Michele Crawford

As a University of Illinois Extension Community Health Educator, Michele Crawford provides research informed health education to individuals throughout the lifespan. In this role, Michele shares knowledge and resources to empower individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices. As Michele... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 10:00am - 10:20am EDT
Francis Marion Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

North Carolina State University, North Carolina State University

10:30am EDT

Break sponsored by the North Carolina State University, Plants for Human Health Institute

Wednesday May 15, 2024 10:30am - 10:50am EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

11:00am EDT

Closing Session: Collective Impact Through Extension Partnerships

Alison Berg, Soghra Jarvandi, Carlin Rafie, Nikki Johnson, Anna Gorczyca. Members of the Cooperative Extension- National Diabetes Prevention Program Workgroup will discuss their process of partnership and collaboration for supporting the evidence-based diabetes prevention lifestyle change program in Extension. This panel discussion will address how the group formed, success and challenges in collaborating for collective impact, next steps, and lessons learned.

Speakers

Alison Berg

Associate Professor and Extension Nutrition and Health Specialist, University of Georgia

Wednesday May 15, 2024 11:00am - 11:50am EDT
Gold Ballroom 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia, University of Georgia

12:00pm EDT

Meet the Speakers and Networking

This room will be open to meet with colleagues and for further Q&A after the presentations with speakers.

Wednesday May 15, 2024 12:00pm - 2:00pm EDT
Furman Room 120 S Main St, Greenville, SC 29601, USA

University of Georgia

1:00pm EDT

A Changing Way of Life: Ambiguous Loss in Farming, post-conference curriculum workshop.

Speakers

Emily Krekelberg

Extension Educator, Farm Safety & Health, University of Minnesota Extension Center for Food, Agriculture, and Natural Resources

Emily grew up on her family’s dairy farm near Le Sueur, Minnesota. She works for University of Minnesota Extension as the Extension Educator for Farm Safety & Health. Her work focuses on grain bin safety, livestock safety, tractor safety, farmer mental health, ambiguous loss in... Read More →

Wednesday May 15, 2024 1:00pm - 4:00pm EDT
Card Room