Emerging Programs and Initiatives
Family and Community Health responds to emerging health issues with innovative approaches that equip Texans with awareness, research-based knowledge, and practical resources. The following programs and initiatives highlight new strategies designed to help Texans thrive in their health and well-being.
National Active Living Partnerships (ALPs) Consortium for Land Grant Universities
With support from the SEC Faculty Travel Grant Program, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Family and Community Health partnered with Auburn University and the Alabama Cooperative Extension to advance an initiative promoting active living through community design. Joint planning activities and an in-person site visit to Auburn University helped establish a shared vision for a national consortium focused on strengthening Extension’s capacity through coordinated collaboration and the development and dissemination of practical tools and resources. This work positions AgriLife Extension as a national convener and leader in advancing active living efforts.
Texas Active Policy, Research, and Engagement Network (TAPREN)
The TAPREN project aims to improve the health of Texans by promoting active living through community design. Supported by a $420,000 contract with the Texas Department of State Health Services and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention State Physical Activity and Nutrition (SPAN) Program, TAPREN focuses on developing a statewide, coordinated system of assessment, training, and technical assistance. By leveraging the AgriLife Extension dissemination network, the project supports state and local efforts to increase physical activity through community-centered design strategies.
Get Outside!
The Get Outside! program encourages families to incorporate daily outdoor and nature experiences into their lives using a bingo card format designed to boost health, happiness, and family time together. The five-week program can be implemented in partnership with a variety of youth-serving settings, including child care centers, home-based child care providers, elementary classrooms, afterschool programs, and libraries. Get Outside! was successfully launched in 2024 in partnership with schools, libraries, and afterschool programs. To date, 84 families from eight counties have participated by registering in Howdy Health and completing daily bingo activities in and around their homes. As a result, families engaged in more than 250 hours of outdoor activity and reported positive health outcomes. The program has been expanded for early childhood audiences and continues to be piloted and evaluated for effectiveness. This emphasis on nature-based programming has contributed to multiple agency-wide early childhood conferences and health summits held over the past year with similar themes.
Active / Well Family Initiative
This family-focused effort leverages internal and external collaborations to develop educational materials for families with young children. The initiative encourages active family engagement in positive health behaviors, such as regular physical activity and healthy meal preparation. Programming and education are developed in partnership with key stakeholders to support families in adopting healthier lifestyles.
