Efforts to direct additional resources toward groups experiencing inequitable health outcomes can often be derailed by perceptions that doing so works against the common good and that some people are receiving preferential treatment in the allocation of scarce resources. Targeted universalism, however, is based on the assumption that health for all is a benefit for all. Targeted universalism involves setting universal health goals for a community and then taking targeted actions to make sure...

Excellent topic and question. I believe that Targeted Universalism has a lot to offer efforts that are seeking to increase equity as it is based on an anti-racist framework that centers human wellbeing over profit. It also seems to me that many of the models we pursue, implement and replicate are tied to the same structures that contribute and perpetuate inequities, and Targeted Universalism is therefore an excellent alternate approach. In the world of community building, we are also...

Walk Across Arkansas is an 8-week online group exercise program that has been changing the lives of rural and urban participants, one step at a time. Read more to learn how this program is being implemented by the University of Arkansas System, Division of Agriculture, Cooperative Extension Service…

Hear how twelve land-grant universities across the nation are utilizing Cooperative Extension's National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being to ensure that all people have an equal opportunity to experience lifelong health. Presenting on Tuesday, November 15 in a lightning round format (five slides in seven minutes) are the University of New Hampshire, University of Florida, The Ohio State University, Kansas State University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of...

The recordings of three Zoom sessions held last fall are now available for viewing. The webinar on October 25 included an overview of Cooperative Extension's National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being and can be accessed at https://youtu.be/h2t1mmwNaf0 The webinar on November 15 included lightning presentations on how the University of New Hampshire, University of Florida, The Ohio State University, Kansas State University, Pennsylvania State University, and the University of...

What is the future role of Extension, and how does the Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being help guide Extension's work? On November 15, 2022, six presenters from LGU's across the country shared how their institutions are building capacity to implement the recommendations contained in the Framework. Topics included multi-disciplinary collaboration, the need for clear and relevant data, and aligning Extension work with existing health initiatives at the state and national level.

The 1890 Universities Foundation collaborated with the Extension Foundation to implement the system-wide program, Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE). EXCITE addresses barriers and increases confidence about COVID-19, flu, and other vaccinations among rural and medically underserved audiences and informs CDC, USDA-NIFA, Cooperative Extension, and health partners about how best to implement public health programs to reduce health disparities. EXCITE...

We are sharing different ways in which EXCITE and other health and wellness projects can share their great efforts with both internal and external audiences! This will help foster best practices, create and build partnerships, and spread the work of Extension. We encourage teams to explore different platforms and audiences to share their projects and further the mission of Extension becoming a trusted partner in public health. Internal Extension-focused opportunities: Consider writing a post...

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...

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...

Are you passionate about making a difference? Dive into the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) with our engaging speaker series this fall! Learn how to contribute to ensuring sustainable consumption, promoting health and well-being, securing water access, and providing sustainable energy for all. Upcoming Sessions: Sept 18: SDG #12 - Sustainable Consumption & Production Oct 2: SDG #3 - Health & Well-being Oct 16: SDG #6 - Water & Sanitation Oct 30: SDG #7 -...