AgriLife Extension involved in statewide effort to get Texans moving
Agency's Family and Community Health unit will lead project to promote active living within communities
In an effort to help Texans be more active, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service is coordinating a statewide project to engage civic leaders in promoting physical activity within their communities.
The project aims to empower public health professionals and planners to collaborate and implement strategies that promote active living and connect residents with everyday destinations that provide opportunities for physical activity.
The statewide effort is in conjunction with the Texas Department of State Health Services and is supported by a grant from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention State Physical Activity and Nutrition, SPAN, program.
Co-primary investigators are Debra Kellstedt, DrPH, and Michael Lopez, DrPH, both assistant professors and AgriLife Extension specialists in the AgriLife Extension’s Family and Community Health unit, Bryan-College Station.
“This project aligns with our mission to help Texans better their lives through programs designed to improve the overall health and wellness of individuals, families and communities,” said Stephen Green, Ph.D., the unit’s program director.
How the project will promote active living
Green said Kellstedt and Lopez bring combined expertise in planning, public health and active living promotion, making them exceptionally well suited to lead this project which will utilize AgriLife Extension’s statewide network of experts.
AgriLife Extension’s network of professionals will collaborate with community planners, transportation engineers and public health professionals to create activity-friendly routes and environments, Kellstedt said.
“Our vision is to create communities where walking, biking and other forms of movement are not just encouraged but supported by the environment around them,” she said. “By leveraging AgriLife Extension’s network of agents and specialists, we will be able to support local and state efforts to create healthier, more active environments.”
AgriLife Extension will also train other professionals on health-focused tools such as the Active People, Healthy Nation Tools for Action and the Active Communities Tool.
“This collaboration is a significant step toward building a sustainable system that will support Texans in creating healthier communities,” Lopez said. “We aim to empower communities to implement long-term changes that promote active living by providing ongoing support and resources.”
Kellstedt said creating public systems that prioritize physical activity will make it an easily accessible part of daily life.
Program kickoff
The program officially launched in early September at the Texas Trails and Active Transportation Conference hosted by Bike Texas. The event brought together transportation professionals from multiple sectors in Texas and beyond, providing a platform to introduce the statewide initiative.
Additionally, a workshop was held, allowing statewide and national experts to offer valuable insights to help guide the project’s initial steps and ensure it effectively addresses the needs of Texas communities.
For more information on this project and how to get involved, contact Kellstedt or Lopez at 979-845-3850.
