About Family and Community Health

Chronic diseases account for eight of the 10 leading causes of death in Texas and nearly 90% of U.S. health care costs. By implementing certain lifestyle behaviors — such as engaging in regular physical activity, eating a healthy diet, maintaining a healthy body weight and not smoking — millions of Texans could prevent or delay the onset of some of the deadliest and costliest diseases, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, diabetes and other life-threatening conditions. Most adults and youth, unfortunately, do not achieve the minimal standards of physical activity and healthy eating required for chronic disease prevention. Additionally, accidents (unintentional injuries), another leading cause of death in Texas, cut short and negatively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of Texans every year.

Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service recognizes that education plays a vital role in preventing premature deaths, reducing health care costs and improving the quality of life for Texas’ growing population. For over 100 years, the agency has improved lives by delivering innovative science-based solutions and education at the intersection of health, agriculture and environment in communities across the state. Healthy Living, one of AgriLife Extension’s five strategic plan priority areas, is addressed by the agency’s Family and Community Health program, a network of subject matter academic units (Family and Community Health, Nutrition and Food Science, and Healthy South Texas), local educators (County Extension Agents) and trained volunteers (Master Wellness Volunteers and Healthy Texas Youth Ambassadors).

AgriLife Extension’s Family and Community Health, FCH, program helps Texans better their lives through science-based educational programs designed to improve the overall health and well-being of individuals, families and communities. Programs are developed by content experts and delivered throughout the state by local educators and volunteers with support and direction from regional program leaders, unit heads and AgriLife Extension’s associate director for Health, Families and Youth programs. Through these educational programs, AgriLife Extension seeks to reduce common risk factors that negatively impact quality of life and contribute to premature death.

Through a coordinated approach with key partners across the state, AgriLife Extension reached millions of Texas adults and youth in 2024 with educational programs and resources that not only brought greater awareness to vitally important health and safety issues, but also equipped participants with the knowledge and skills needed to implement healthy lifestyle behaviors such as regular physical activity, healthy dietary choices, stress reduction techniques and occupant safety practices that are known to improve overall health and well-being.

We hope you enjoy learning about the reach and impact of AgriLife Extension’s Family and Community Health program on the state’s growing population, and our continued commitment to helping Texas thrive.