The Extension Collaboration on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE) Program has received additional funding to enhance immunization education within Cooperative Extension communities. EFNEP programs have been awarded funds to educate underserved and rural audiences about the CDC’s Bridge program and other adult immunization opportunities, aiming to close gaps across all adult immunizations. This new phase will further integrate immunization education into Extension programming. By incorporating this education into EFNEP activities, a comprehensive health approach will be promoted, addressing both nutrition and disease prevention for Extension audiences.
EXCITE Funding and Collaboration
EXCITE is possible through an interagency agreement between the United States Department of Agriculture – National Institute of Food and Agriculture (USDA-NIFA) and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and a cooperative agreement with the Extension Foundation in partnership with the ECOP Health Program Action Team. The funding for these efforts is provided through the CDC’s COVID-19 Bridge Access program.
For the first time, the USDA NIFA Expanded Food and Nutrition Education Program (EFNEP) teams who applied for this opportunity will receive $72,000 to incorporate Bridge Access and immunization education into their curriculum and programming efforts.
Key Objectives of the New Funding
- Increase awareness of the eligibility criteria for the COVID-19 Bridge vaccine program (for uninsured and underinsured individuals aged 18+)
- Equip Participants with knowledge on how and when to access free covid-19 vaccines through the Bridge Access Program,
- Increase awareness and confidence regarding all adult immunizations following the ending of the Bridge access program.
EFNEP Resource Integration
With resources from the EXCITE program and the CDC, EFNEP teams can easily integrate Bridge messaging and immunization education into their curriculum. These resources cover a range of topics, including promoting healthy eating, facilitating budget-friendly meal planning, and encouraging physical activity. By incorporating Bridge and immunization education messaging alongside these topics, EFNEP will foster a comprehensive approach to health education.
Cooperative Extension: A Trusted Partner
The CDC’s selection of Cooperative Extension as a partner in immunization education underscores Extension’s reputation as a trusted community health messenger. With a proven track record of reaching rural and underserved audiences, Extension is uniquely positioned to deliver culturally relevant messaging that resonates with community members. EFNEP’s particular focus on families with limited resources further highlights the program's potential to serve those who may lack healthcare coverage and stand to benefit from Bridge immunizations. EFNEP’s focus on adult immunizations following the end of the Bridge Access program will focus on COVID - 19, flu, and RSV immunizations. EFNEPs long standing relationship with its audience makes the program a great partner in health communication.
Dr. Jackie Wilkins, former Dean and Director for OSU Extension, joins the EXCITE team as the EFNEP Project Director. Regarding this new project, Dr. Wilkins shares, "We are excited to showcase the capacity of our EFNEP professionals, through this innovative funding, to reach literally hundreds of thousands of individuals. Leveraging our existing trusted relationships, community partnerships, and educational programs, we aim to increase awareness of and access to critical, life-saving immunizations."
We are thrilled to embark on this new phase of EXCITE!
Congratulations to the following institutions awarded EFNEP funding!
- Central State University
- Clemson University
- Cornell University
- Delaware State
- Florida A&M University
- Langston University
- Louisiana State University
- New Mexico State University
- North Carolina A&T
- Southern University
- Tennessee State University
- Texas A&M Agrilife Extension
- Tuskegee University
- University of Arizona
- University of California, Ag & Natural Resources
- University of Connecticut
- University of Delaware
- University of District of Columbia
- University of Hawaii
- University of Illinois
- University of Maryland
- University of Maryland Eastern Shore
- University of MIssouri
- University of Nebraska Lincoln
- University of New Hampshire
- University of Tennessee
- University of Vermont
- Utah State University
- Virginia State University
- Washington State University
- West Virginia State University
- West Virginia University
Comments (0)