Extension programs strengthen families through health, parenting initiatives

Healthy and resilient communities are built by supporting families and youths through reliable childcare, mobile health services and strong, healthy relationships. Extension-led efforts strengthen well-being by building life and parenting skills and fostering environments where individuals and families can thrive.

Here are a few examples of that work:

• In 2025, Ohio Extension educators launched a maternal health program to support mothers facing gaps in the health care system through doula services, nutrition education and ongoing postpartum support. The program has supported four mothers to date, celebrated two healthy births and received high satisfaction ratings for reducing stress, improving physical and emotional well-being and empowering participants to navigate pregnancy and postpartum recovery with confidence.
  Central State University – Extension. Supported by 1890 Extension capacity funds. See full statement.

• An intervention program is strengthening Nevada communities by helping families break cycles of domestic violence through improved communication, emotional regulation and conflict resolution skills. Adults showed statistically significant improvement in 21 of 25 behavior measures, reporting stronger parenting practices, greater family cohesion and increased confidence in helping children cope with trauma, reducing future violence risk and long-term social and economic costs in rural communities.
  University of Nevada, Reno Extension. Supported by county funding. See full statement.

• Affordable, quality childcare remains a critical barrier to family stability and workforce participation in rural South Dakota. Extension responded by bringing together local leaders, technical assistance and seed-grant funding across three communities. The effort engaged 22 stakeholders and expanded care through new after-school and summer programs, easing stress for working families and strengthening rural vitality.
  SDSU Extension. Supported by Smith-Lever (3b&c) capacity funds. See full statement.

• Chronic diseases such as diabetes, hypertension, obesity and cancer remain major concerns in northeast Louisiana. Extension addressed the need by adding painted playgrounds at 23 community sites. In follow-up surveys, all principals reported increased student activity, with most noting greater adult engagement and lasting benefits for community health.
  LSU AgCenter. Supported by Smith-Lever 3d capacity funds; private grants and contracts. See full statement.

• Extension professionals in Ohio are using a mobile health unit to deliver screenings and health education to communities, helping close gaps in preventive care. In 2025, the unit reached 518 participants across seven counties, improved blood pressure and HbA1c outcomes and earned exceptionally high satisfaction and trust ratings, with nearly all participants planning to follow care recommendations.
  Central State University – Extension. Supported by 1890 Extension capacity funds. See full statement.