Author: Luke Fries
Planning Unit: Nelson County CES
Major Program: Active Living and Health Promotions General
Plan of Work: Family & Consumer Sciences Education; Food Preparation, Preservation & Nutrition
Outcome: Initial Outcome
While the COVID-19 Pandemic has been detrimental to grassroots Extension Programs in many ways, and to many partnerships/collaborations, one long-standing partnership has allowed Nelson County Extension to disseminate new and helpful research-based information in a safe and physically distant manner. WBRT's "Extension Today" segment has been a staple in the Nelson County Community for over 10 years. When the pandemic worsened, Extension Agents asked station to provide double the segments, each and every Thursday at 11 a.m. EST. With rapidly changing COVID protocols and guidelines from all levels of government, and mental and physical health at the forefront, Extension Agents felt a larger responsibility to provide fact-driven information regarding ways to stay healthy and thriving during a difficult time.
From March 2020 and forward, Extension Agents in the FCS, 4-H and Horticulture/Agriculture program areas provided information to community-wide listeners through the airwaves. Topics have included family financial guidance, care-taker tips, nutritional information, upcoming virtual programs, and food safety & security topics, amongst many, many others. Promotions and giveaways have, over time, inspired more reactions and incoming callers to the show. One listener has called the office after each Thursday session to ask for more information and provide "critique" where necessary.
Through hours of live shows, Extension Agents have been able to step up to the plate and provide helpful information from the University of Kentucky's CAFE Specialists. In a pandemic, Nelson County Agents have shown a willingness and readiness to adapt to unprecedented change in programming without flinching. The WBRT radio program is an on-going collaboration.
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