Suchergebnisse

The Cooperative Extension National Framework for Health and Wellness calls for the Cooperative Extension Service (CES) to partner with healthcare professionals to support their patients in preventing illness and promoting health through community education. Strategies to connect the healthcare system with coordinated referrals to community-based health programs can help patients improve health outcomes. The Rx for Health Referral Toolkit pilot project was developed as part of a strategy to align CES's strengths with the medical community to promote quality healthcare experiences for patients. The toolkit educates healthcare providers about the many health programs offered by CES in Michigan. It helps ease the burden on healthcare providers by providing a ready-to-use, simple referral tool. Extension staff were recruited to serve as the point of contact for healthcare provider referrals and conduct outreach with primary care practices utilizing the Rx for Health Referral Toolkit. As a result of the pilot project, CES educators had 56 new participant referrals directly from healthcare providers. Prior to this pilot, referrals from healthcare providers were rare. Feedback showed that patients also needed to know what CES is and what it has to offer. Partnerships between healthcare providers and CES can improve the health of patients nationwide.

Anger Management Education (AME) is a growing genre of Family Life Education and Extension that shows promise in helping individuals manage the frequency and intensity of their anger. The majority of research using AME, however, has primarily examined outcomes from high-risk populations such as incarcerated populations, delinquent youth, and couples in relationship duress. This study examines the perceived benefits and experiences of 36 Latino adult participants in the RELAX: Alternatives to Anger family life education program. Five themes emerged using data from five focus group interviews depicting positive evaluative findings among participants, including (1) anger management strategies, (2) understanding anger, (3) improved relationships, (4) social support, and (5) cultural influence of anger. Implications for developing and implementing AME programming for Latino audiences are described.

Recognizing the need for education that addresses social emotional and mental health issues faced by adults, Extension developed two different types of programs. Michigan State University (MSU) Extension developed the RELAX: Alternatives to Anger program (RELAX) to address anger management, and West Virginia University (WVU) Extension created Stress Less with Mindfulness (SLM) to build stress management skills among adults. At a national conference, the two states independently shared their programs' objectives and delivery implementation and then later cross-trained each other's Extension team. The research reported here shares the designs of both stress-reduction health programs and the results of a combined two-state SLM evaluation with 1,304 participants. The benefits of SLM included skill learning and practice. Recommendations for practice include state Extension services sharing curricula resources, training teams from each other's states, and jointly implementing evaluation protocols. Extension professionals looking for established programs that help people gain skills to promote emotional health and stress-reduction may consider implementing one of these community-based programs in their states.

ABSTRACTObjectiveWe aim to share practical insight acquired while implementing the Chronic Disease Self‐Management Program (CDSMP), offering strategies to reach and support diverse individuals with chronic diseases.BackgroundIn light of a global rise in chronic diseases, existing health disparities, and increasingly limited health care access, exacerbated by COVID‐19, empowering individuals through self‐management becomes important to alleviate burdens for families, individuals, and healthcare systems.MethodsUptake and effectiveness of CDSMP were quantified via enrollment data and evaluation instruments. Qualitative exploration of instructor feedback provided lessons learned.ResultsParticipation in CDSMP courses increased during the pandemic with participants reporting greater confidence and frequency of engagement in self‐management activities. Strategic efforts including partnership‐building, targeted marketing, and innovative delivery methods played a pivotal role in recruitment success. Inclusivity measures, such as use of electronic platforms and varied engagement options, broadened program accessibility. Addressing social isolation emerged as a key factor, both as an end in itself and as a motivator for course engagement and retention.ConclusionReducing barriers related to program accessibility, inclusivity, and social isolation are important factors influencing program enrollment both in total number and in diversity of participants, course engagement and retention, and program effectiveness.ImplicationsLessons learned can inform future implementation as family educators seek to uplift and improve the well‐being and health of diverse families coping with chronic diseases.