Cooperative Extension is uniquely positioned to be a key leader in advancing community-based initiatives aimed at tackling health inequities in underserved communities. In 2021, the Extension Committee on Operations and Policy (ECOP) adopted Cooperative Extension’s National Framework for Health Equity & Well-being (Framework) that articulates a vision for this work. Advancing health equity as a core system value across the Extension system is the first of five key recommendations.

A case study prepared by the Center for Community Health and Evaluation explored how one land-grant institution is working to institutionalize health equity in their work.  More specifically, the case study highlights the University of Florida’s Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS)  strategy to advance integration of health equity across their Extension programs through professional development.

Information from this case study was collected by reviewing relevant documents and an interview with Dr. LaToya O’Neal.  Dr. O'Neal is currently an Assistant Professor and Extension Health & Wellness Specialist at the University of Florida and serves as the State Program Leader for Health Extension.

See attachment for more information.