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. A strong body of evidence shows that regular physical activity and healthy dietary patterns-along with maintaining a healthy body weight and avoiding tobacco use-play a critical role in preventing or delaying the onset of many of the most common and costly chronic diseases, including heart disease, cancer, stroke, and diabetes. Yet most Texas adults and youth do not meet recommended standards for physical activity or healthy eating, placing them at increased risk for preventable illness and premature death. In addition, accidents (unintentional injuries), another leading cause of death in Texas, continue to cut short and negatively impact the lives of hundreds of thousands of Texans each year.

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

Agrilife Extension’s FCH program helps Texans improve their health and well-being through evidence-based educational programs that support healthier behaviors across the lifespan. Programs are developed by content experts and delivered statewide by local educators and volunteers, with guidance and support from Regional Program Leaders, unit leaders, and Agrilife Extension’s Associate Director for Health, Families and Youth Programs. Through these efforts, Agrilife Extension works to reduce common risk factors-such as poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and preventable injuries-that negatively affect 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 2025 with educational programs and resources that increased awareness of critical health and safety issues and equipped participants with the knowledge and skills needed to adopt healthier lifestyles. These efforts emphasized practical strategies for regular physical activity, nutritious food choices, stress management, and occupant safety­behaviors known to improve overall health and well-being. We invite you to learn more about the reach and impact of Agrilife Extension’s Family and Community Health program and our continued commitment to helping Texas thrive.