Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

Traditional And Virtual Hypertension Self-Management Health Education Program Delivered Through Cooperative Extension, Michelle Parisi, Ellie Lane, Cheryl J. Dye Dr., Rhonda Matthews, Danielle Mcfall, Ethan Bain, Windsor W. Sherrill

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Fewer than 25% of individuals in the United States with hypertension have controlled blood pressure (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, 2021). Hypertension Management Program (HMP) adopted the Health Coaches for Hypertension Control^© (HCHC^©) curriculum and adapted it for delivery by Extension agents. Eight lessons with intermittent health coaching calls were delivered. Pre/post-participation surveys determined changes in knowledge and self-reported weight, systolic (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). The pandemic forced a shift in methodology from in-person to virtual delivery, and results were compared. In both traditional and virtual programs, significant differences were found in weight, knowledge …

An Analysis Of Equity In Service Provided By The Snap-Ed Program: A Comparison Of Dietary Outcomes Among African American And White Participants In Louisiana, Matthew Greene, Rhiannon Kroeger, Samuel Stroope, Bailey Houghtaling, Denise Holson

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Structural racism has contributed to increased poverty, food insecurity, and obesity rates among African Americans relative to Whites. Nutrition education programs should therefore consider how well they serve this population. The objective of this investigation was to assess whether African American and White Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program Education (SNAP-Ed) participants in Louisiana had comparable dietary behavior outcomes by conducting secondary data analysis of previous program evaluations from 2017-2018 and 2018-2019 among African American and White SNAP-Ed participants (n = 434). Variables measured included pre- to post-intervention changes in dietary behaviors (e.g., self-reported consumption frequency of fruit, vegetables, whole grains, low-fat …

Full Issue, Volume 10, Number 3, Journal Of Human Sciences And Extension

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Nudging To Health Training Acceptability By Food Pantry Personnel Supports Clients’ Healthier Food Choices, Kelly K. Kunkel, Aysegul Baltaci, Carolina De La Rosa Mateo, Sunghun Lim, Dianne Davis-Kenning

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Nudging to Health: Promoting Health Nudges at Your Food Pantry is a multi-pronged initiative designed for food pantry staff, directors, and volunteers committed to offering healthier choices to their clients. Participants receive the education, tools, resources, and technical assistance to make changes that will encourage healthful food selection among clients.

Helping Youth Escape Vapes: An Online Evaluation Of A Youth E-Cigarette Prevention Program, Adrienne M. Duke 7037295, Jessica Norton

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Electronic cigarette use during middle school and high school has become an alarming public health concern. Educating youth about the risks of using e-cigarettes through a prevention program can be instrumental in curbing the growing numbers. Our Extension team implemented a prevention program, Escape Vapes, which adapted three Stanford University Tobacco Toolkit units. This study is an evaluation of the program that 1,347 youth in grades 5 through 12 completed. Results from the online retrospective post-pretest indicate that participation in the program significantly increased knowledge about e-cigarettes. Overall, the results indicate that Escape Vapes is an effective prevention program for …

Strengthening Urban Food Systems Through Extension Programming And Community Engagement: A Case Study Of New Brunswick, New Jersey, Cara L. Cuite, Lauren B. Errickson

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Cooperative Extension (Extension) can, and in many cases already does, engage in well-rooted partnerships with urban audiences. Yet, it is important to recognize that there are many layers to the diversity that exists within urban audiences– there is no single “urban community.” This article presents a case study of food security programming in New Brunswick, New Jersey, including collaborations between Rutgers Cooperative Extension and multiple community organizations to illustrate important considerations for engaging in urban Extension initiatives. Specifically, challenges exist in identifying urban audiences, including those who are hidden, especially as the demographics of city residents can vary greatly within …

Full Issue, Volume 10, Issue 2, Julie Fox, Donna J. Peterson, Scott Cummings

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Accessibility And Inclusion As An Approach To Enhancing Local Extension Programs, S. Dee Jepsen, Laura Akgerman, Karen Funkenbusch, Jessie Calero, Heather Kelejian

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Providing accessible learning opportunities and inclusive programs are critical to Extension’s mission. Creating inclusive environments is more than consideration for individuals’ personal identity. Using principles of Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) is an approach to intentionally build community and create new opportunities for education and growth. The Americans with Disabilities Act is a federal law requiring businesses and events to be accessible to individuals with disabilities. The Rehabilitation Act of 1973 states, “no qualified individual with a disability may be discriminated against in any program or activity receiving federal financial assistance.” The legislation applies to Extension buildings, programs, and …

Reconceptualizing Youth Sparks: A Sociocultural Approach To Co-Designing Programs For Somali Youth, Joanna A. Tzenis

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The 4-H Youth Development Program has a long history of fostering positive youth outcomes. Recently, attention and resources have been invested in the development of a program model (i.e., the 4-H Thriving Model) that theorizes the program elements that lead to positive outcomes (Arnold, 2018). Less attention, however, has been given to the program design process by which and with whom 4-H programs are designed and implemented. This matters because a lack of a community-engaged design process may lead to outcomes disconnected from community self-interests or to the exclusion of youth who might view the program as irrelevant to their …

Documentary Review – Two Roles In Urban Community Revitalization: Julian Price The Philanthropist And Cooperative Extension, Susan A. Kelly

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Julian Price used his inherited wealth to revitalize downtown Asheville, North Carolina. This documentary review reflects on his passion for community, and the concepts he believed would bring the city back from decay. Some of those same community development practices are successfully used across the country by Extension professionals to assist urban communities in revitalization. Examples of Extension programs and techniques are provided throughout this review about an inspiring documentary about a man looking for purpose and finding it by transforming a troubled downtown with his generosity.

Cooperative Extension In Urban America: Place-Based Approaches For Improving Health, Dawn Burton, Latoya O'Neal, Erin Yelland, Suzanne Stluka, Rodger Rennekamp

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

While the bulk of Cooperative Extension’s (Extension) historical work has been with rural populations, its future work should also address the needs of those living in urban areas. The opportunity to live a long and healthy life is paramount among those needs. Cooperative Extension’ National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being (Framework) provides a roadmap by which Cooperative Extension can help ensure that all people have that opportunity. The central premise of the Framework is that future work of Extension must include but extend beyond the promotion of healthy behaviors to place-based approaches for improving conditions in which people live, …

“I’M Going To Live My Life Freely”: Authenticity As An Indicator Of Belonging Among Urban Latinx Lgbtq+ Youth, Maru Gonzalez, Bianka M. Reese, Tania Connaughton-Espino

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

While there is a growing body of scholarship on the experiences of LGBTQ+ youth in school and community settings, less is known about Latinx LGBTQ+ youth specifically. In response, this phenomenological study examined the experiences of eight Latinx LGBTQ+ youth relative to school and community belonging, with a specific focus on urban environments, using intersectionality and minority stress frameworks, and Lee and Robbins’ operational definition of belongingness. Three overarching themes emerged from the data: (a) navigating challenges, (b) the importance of an inclusive climate, and (c) thriving through adversity. Further, authenticity was identified as an additional indicator of belonging among …

Visualizing Diversity: Spatial Data As A Resource Enabling Extension To Better Engage Communities, Justin Krohn, Jacqueline Davis-Manigaulte, Christopher Fulcher, Jennifer Sarah Tiffany

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Effective Extension programming relies on engaging people of all races, ethnicities, and cultures. Extension educators sometimes struggle with how best to engage communities that are not “traditional” program audiences. Centering data visualization on the strength of Black, Latino/Hispanic, Asian, Native American, and other potentially marginalized communities can assist Extension’s work to engage diverse staff, program participants, and advisory board members. For example, using maps to understand what languages people speak at home strengthens the connections between Extension programs and community participants and can inform staff recruitment and advisory board composition. However, maps of aggregated areas like counties can mask socioeconomic …

Book Review – The Art Of Being Indispensable At Work: Win Influence, Beat Overcommitment, And Get The Right Things Done, Eric Killian

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

With new technology, constant change, uncertainty, and virtual teams, getting things done at work is tougher and more complex than ever. Finding your place amid the collaboration revolution working with everyone across silos and various platforms can feel like we are in a no-win cycle in urban Extension environments. However, there is always the indispensable go-to person, or in our case organization—urban Extension, that thrives on many working relationships, maintains a positive attitude of service, demonstrates creativity and tenacity, and strives to get the right things done. This review will share information on how urban Extension professionals can continue to …

Foreword, Mary A. Ruemenapp, Katherine Williams

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Extension Engagement With Urban Communities: Editors’ Introduction To The Urban-Themed Issue Of Jhse, Julie Fox, Donna J. Peterson, Scott R. Cummings

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

This introductory article for the special issue of the Journal of Human Sciences and Extension (JHSE) highlights respectful Extension research and engagement with dynamic urban communities. Like the 2017 urban-themed issue of JHSE, the intent is not to diminish the importance of rural and suburban Extension engagement but to better understand unique experiences of Extension in urban communities. The 35 contributing authors represent a range of geographic and programmatic viewpoints. Insights shared

• demonstrate that diversity in our cities is multidimensional;
• reinforce the importance of culturally relevant engagement;
• address issues of access, equity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging;
• highlight the …

Book Review – Lean Impact: How To Innovate For Radically Greater Social Good Review & Implications For Engaged Programming, M.C. "Molly" Immendorf

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The book “Lean Impact: How to Innovate for Radically Greater Social Good” outlines ways to infuse innovation techniques learned from the private start-up sector into sectors traditionally working to make a societal change that may be funded through governmental agencies and grants. These techniques are also applicable to the Land-Grant Cooperative Extension System (CES) through combining them with engaged programming practices and CES best practices and the tools and methods of the Extension Foundation’s Impact Collaborative in urban programs and beyond.

Fostering A Sense Of Belonging In Urban Extension For Internal And External Stakeholders, Ramona Madhosingh-Hector, Linda M. Seals

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

In urban areas, the communities are as diverse as the issues, and different educational and engagement strategies must be deployed to support urban Extension clientele. Urban communities must connect with and feel a sense of “belonging” with Extension–this connection can strengthen Extension’s presence and value proposition to urban constituents. This study found that although Extension was engaged in efforts to support belonging, its efforts were hampered by a lack of collaboration and commitment to supporting a system-wide effort to change the culture. Intentionality, emotional intelligence, and dialogue were presented as strategies to foster a sense of belonging for Extension personnel …

Futuring Perspectives And Practices For Urban Extension, Julie Fox, Solomon Garner

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Extension is well-positioned to engage strategically with urban communities now and in the future. A century of collaboration and proven impact provides Extension with a valuable foundation focused on relevant service accessible to all people; applied science and co-discovery; respectful and inclusive engagement; and commitment to community well-being. An exploration of the literature on the future, from the Extension perspective and from external viewpoints, informs a contemporary approach to focus on the future of urban Extension. An interplay of Extension professionals with diverse community stakeholders and dynamic technologies bridges past perspective and current context with practical methods to address the …

Unifying Multi-State Efforts Through A Nationally Coordinated Extension Diabetes Program, Laura E. Balis, Shari Gallup, Heather Norman-Burgdolf, Julie Harker Buck, Pam Daniels, Daniel T. Remley, Lisa Graves, Margaret Jenkins, Gayle Price

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

The Cooperative Extension System translates research to practice and “brings the University to the people” throughout the U.S. However, the system suffers from program duplication and is challenged to scale-out effective programs. One program, Dining with Diabetes (DWD), stands out for its dissemination to multiple states. DWD is a community-based program aimed at improving diabetes management, nutrition, and physical activity behaviors. DWD was coordinated through a national working group and implemented by state Extension systems. A pragmatic, quasi-experimental study was conducted to determine the effectiveness of the national coordination model and the overall impact of DWD. Four states reported data …

Full Issue, Volume 10, Number 1, Journal Of Human Sciences And Extension

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

No abstract provided.

Examining The Perspectives And Experiences Of Nutrition Educators Working With Clients In Substance Use Recovery Settings, Cora Teets, Paula Plonski, Omolola A. Adedokun, Heather Norman-Burgdolf

Journal of Human Sciences and Extension

Substance use disorder (SUD) is one of the most detrimental health, social, and economic problems in the United States. Limited studies suggest providing tailored nutrition education during SUD treatment correlates with positive recovery outcomes. The University of Kentucky Nutrition Education Program conducted two focus group sessions to explore and determine educators’ instructional and programmatic needs who deliver nutrition education to clients in substance use recovery throughout Kentucky. The study team identified four emerging themes and several subthemes related to Nutrition Education Program educators working with clientele in recovery. The four emerging themes included: (1) current experiences working with the audience, …