Programs to Partnerships: A Brief Report on the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service HealthTalk Express Program

Abstract

Chronic diseases remain a pressing issue in Texas, where high rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions challenge public health. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service addresses health by translating research into practice at the community level through educational programming and resources created by Extension Specialists and delivered by Extension Agents. HealthTalk Express is a simple, pre-prepared program addressing chronic conditions and encouraging active living and healthy eating. The program delivers short, science-based health presentations designed to inform and inspire behavior change. Since its relaunch in 2023, HealthTalk Express includes 12 modules and has reached over 2,000 adults across 43 counties, offering presentations on topics like stress reduction, heart disease, diabetes prevention, and cancer screening. Evaluation data show significant improvements in participant knowledge (+1.1 on a 5-point scale) and strong intention to adopt healthier behaviors (average score = 4.3 on a 5-point scale). Innovative evaluation methods using the AgriLife Extension Howdy Health platform allow for streamlined data collection and real-time reporting. In addition to improving health, the program fosters strategic partnerships by connecting Extension Agents to local organizations like senior centers, schools, and worksites. Agents report that providing one-shot and short series programs like HealthTalk Express provides a gateway to future programming. Also, its design enables delivery by trained Master Wellness Volunteers, expanding reach and freeing up Agents to engage in broader community-based solutions, like coalition-building. With continued development, HealthTalk Express stands as a promising and scalable model for chronic disease prevention and partnership development within the Cooperative Extension system.