Progress 09/01/13 to 12/31/15
Outputs
Target Audience:Eighty-nine Extension Wellness Ambassadors have been trained in targeted counties. The majority of Ambassador graduates (88%) are female. Eighty-five percent of graduates are Caucasian; 14% are African-American, which is proportional to the racial diversity of the state. Ambassadors range in age from 23 to 92 years, with an average age of 58 years; 62% have a college degree or higher, which is much higher than the state rate of 29%. Ambassador projects and programs reach a range of audiences in targeted counties, including senior citizens, SNAP-eligible adults and children, Head Start families, 4-H youth, etc. Approximately 8,728 volunteer hours have been reported by agents on behalf of their Wellness Ambassadors; 1,054 educational sessions have been reported reaching more than 10,000 Arkansans. Changes/Problems:The following "lessons learned" best capture challenges encountered and strategies to overcome in this project. Volunteer recruitment is time intensive and dependent on personal connections; requires active recruitment strategies. It is challenging to capture reach of programs conducted by Ambassadors. Evaluation plans must be flexible to meet local needs and address barriers. Use process evaluation to improve the program and reduce the programmatic and reporting burden for county educators. Be flexible in changing plans and methods. Most volunteers needed structure and knowledge of local Extension resources to develop well-structured project plans. Offer an array of opportunities and resources, but allow room for volunteers to shape and customize direction of project. County educator schedules present challenge in conducting training. Educator schedules are filled with meetings, mandatory in-service training, and recurring commitments. Finding five consecutive weeks for which the same day was available for Ambassador training between all agents in multi-county clusters was at times impossible. 42% of targeted counties experienced agent turnover; local program challenges highlight importance of continuity in local Extension leadership. Allow for program adaptation to meet evolving needs of educators and community members, including alternate delivery strategies. Provide structure for volunteerism beyond 40-hour requirement; 65% of volunteers contributed more hours than required. Ambassadors are less willing to contribute volunteer efforts when activities present barriers of personal inconvenience or discomfort. It is challenging but possible to continue program when county educators relocate or retire. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided?This project provided professional development to county educators in targeted counties by creating an environment supportive of multi-county work. Collaboration across county lines is important for success of new agents and provides opportunities for formal and informal mentoring. Close working relationships between state faculty and county educators, which were strengthened through this project, created a new channel for bi-directional development. For example, state faculty developed greater understanding and appreciation of the opportunities and challenges to county Extension work; county educators expanded their knowledge of the importance of following training and evaluation protocols and made the connection between their work locally and the collective accomplishments reported from the state level. One-one-one and group coaching was provided to county educators at district and state Extension and professional development meetings. The Ambassador basic training and advanced trainings have shown to be high-quality and relevant education for new FCS agents, particularly those with more specialized (i.e., not generalists) educational backgrounds in an FCS-related field. Project results have been presented at several professional and scientific conferences, providing professional development for key personnel. ? How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest?Talks to promote the program and share preliminary results have been conducted by key personnel, agents, and Ambassadors. Displays at public events, such as county fairs, health fairs, and farmers markets have been manned by Ambassadors in several counties. Ambassadors in each county are actively involved in promoting the program to health care providers, consumer groups, and public institutions. Counties involved in the project developed Impact Statements to share results with stakeholders and clientele. The project has received media coverage in state and local newspapers and magazines. Ambassador graduates have developed partnerships with local organizations and agencies to support community projects. Such partnerships have allowed communication of program results locally. County agents presented results to County Extension Councils and County Quorum Courts through interpretive events held annually. Wellness Ambassador program training content has been shared upon request with specialists and county educators in three states: New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Pennsylvania. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals?
Nothing Reported
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Extension Wellness Ambassador Program (EWAP) piloted a lay leadership development program and structure to guide collective efforts around health. Eighty-nine volunteers from rural counties were recruited and participated in 40 hours of training on a range of health-related topics. Trainees assessed community needs and resources and planned projects to address health needs, which were implemented in the months following training. Pilot efforts produced a refined curriculum and implementation guide which are available for dissemination. Ambassador projects and programs reach diverse audiences in targeted counties, including senior citizens, SNAP-eligible adults and children, Head Start families, and 4-H and other youth groups. Approximately 8,728 volunteer hours valued at $201,355 were contributed by Wellness Ambassadors during the project period; 1,054 educational sessions were reported reaching more than 10,100 Arkansans. This project increased access to health promotion programs in rural communities and created a structure for sustained engagement by training and organizing volunteers around locally relevant health-related issues. Specific Aim (SA) 1: Recruit and train EWAP volunteers to conduct healthy living programs to reduce chronic disease risk, reduce obesity, and increase physical activity in their communities a: Recruit 10 volunteers per county to be trained and serve as Wellness Ambassadors (WA). b: Provide 40 hours of training for each set of WA. Activities: 89 WA were recruited and have completed the program. At least one round of EWAP Basic Training (BT) was conducted for all targeted counties. In total, the BT has been completed seven times (a total of 280 hours of training). Data collected: Training session attendance, BT completion data Summary: 93 people were recruited for the program; 89 people graduated, yielding a program completion rate of 95%. Volunteer recruits represented 83% of targeted counties. Outcomes: Program format was refined after completion and evaluation of the first BT. Final program format includes 5 weekly sessions and includes required and elective topics. SA 2: a: WA completing training will pass a written and practical assessment by scoring at least 80% within two attempts. Activities: WA participated in 40 hours of BT to increase knowledge of chronic disease risk factors and lifestyle changes to lower risk. A certification exam consisting of 50 questions covering training content and practical application was administered on the final training day. Data collected: number passing certification exam within two attempts Summary: 100% of participants completing the program passed the exam within 2 attempts. Outcomes: The final knowledge check has been refined and aligned with session content. SA3: By 6-month follow-up: a: 80% of WA will increase self-efficacy to take control of personal health b: 60% will increase physical activity levels c: 75% will improve fitness levels d: 75% with diabetes, high cholesterol, and/or hypertension will have glucose, cholesterol, and/or blood pressure levels nearer to recommendations. e: 60% with BMI ≥ 25 will improve weight Activities: Each BT included a physical activity component. WA participated in a fitness test and biometric screening. Data collected: Physical exercise self-efficacy (SE) scale; nutrition SE scale; Healthy Physical Activity Participation Questionnaire; Senior Fitness Test; Biometric Screening Summary: 63% reported meeting physical activity recommendations 94% reported healthy blood glucose levels 69% reported healthy levels of total cholesterol 94% reported blood pressure levels within the healthy range 41% with baseline BMI ≥ 25 improved weight Outcomes: Friedman's Two-Way Analysis of Variance by Ranks Test was used to compare baseline, 3-month, and 6-month measures. Statistical analyses showed significant and positive changes in general self-efficacy from baseline to six-months (p=.001). Changes in self-efficacy specific to healthy eating and exercise were non-significant, as were changes in physical activity levels from baseline to 6-months. Significant and positive changes in lower body strength (p=0.24), upper body strength (p=.000), and aerobic endurance (p=.003) were sustained to the 6-month point. Changes in blood pressure, blood glucose, and blood cholesterol were non-significant and limited by small sample size and participant's failure to fast prior to testing. SA 4: a: By the end of the BT, WA will develop a project plan based on local needs and resources. b: WA will work together to implement the project plan in their communities prior to September 30, 2014. c: WA will contribute a minimum of 40 hours of direct service Activities: WA developed project plans as part of the BT. Follow-up meeting dates for data collection were used to conduct program updates. WA worked with the county agent and other WA to implement projects. Data collected: Observation, document review, activity reports Summary: 89 program graduates reached more than 10,100 Arkansans with 1,054 educational sessions/activities 91% of WA developed a project plan by end of BT 93% of WA implemented project in communities 8,728 volunteer hrs (avg. 98 hrs per graduate) WA projects include: Establishing intergenerational gardening and nutrition education with senior center patrons and Head Start students/families Educating food pantry donors to stock healthy foods for distribution Conducting nutrition education with SNAP and non-SNAP audiences Caregiver support groups "Grow a Row" campaigns for donation of fresh produce to food pantries Diabetes education; healthy cooking schools One-on-one healthy lifestyle mentoring Development of a clearinghouse of community health resources Expanding Extension group fitness programs in rural communities Worksite wellness programs, including smoking cessation support groups Education for law enforcement on laws protecting child health A run for city council to promote community health policies Outcomes: WA implemented projects to help others live healthier lives. WA reported initiating project beyond those developed through BT to address other needs in their communities, secured private grants to support projects and have received in-kind and financial donations from local businesses.
Publications
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Washburn, L., Traywick, L., Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. (2016) Lessons Learned: Health-Focused Master Volunteer Program Implementation. Accepted for poster presentation at the National Health Outreach Conference, Roanoke, VA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Washburn, L., Traywick, L., Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. (2014). The Extension Wellness Ambassador Program: Results from Pilot Implementation. Poster presentation at the National Extension Association for Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Session, Lexington, KY.
- Type:
Journal Articles
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2016
Citation:
Washburn, L., Traywick, L., Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. Extension Wellness Ambassadors: Individual Effects of Participation in a Health-focused Master Volunteer Program. Accepted with minor revisions for publication in the Journal of Extension.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Washburn, L., Traywick, L., Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. (2015). Individual-level results from an Extension health volunteer training program pilot. Poster presentation at the Society for Public Health Education 2015 Annual Meeting, Portland, OR.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Washburn, L., Traywick, L., Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. (2015) Preliminary Results of the Extension Wellness Ambassador Program Pilot. Poster presentation at the Southern Gerontological Society 2015 Annual Meeting, Williamsburg, VA.
- Type:
Conference Papers and Presentations
Status:
Published
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Washburn, L., Traywick, L., Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. (2015). Individual-level results from an Extension health volunteer training program pilot. Poster presentation at the Gerontological Society of America Annual Scientific Meeting, Orlando, FL.
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Progress 09/01/13 to 08/31/14
Outputs
Target Audience: Sixty Extension Wellness Ambassadors have been trained in targeted counties. The majority of Ambassador graduates (88%) are female. Eighty-seven percent of graduates are Caucasian; 13% are African-American, which is proportional to the racial diversity of the state. Ambassadors range in age from 26 to 80 years, with an average age of 56 years; 65% have a college degree or higher. Ambassador projects and programs reach a range of audiences in targeted counties, including senior citizens, SNAP-eligible adults and children, Head Start families, 4-H youth, etc. Approximately 5,641 volunteer hours have been reported by agents on behalf of their Wellness Ambassadors; 434 educational sessions have been reported reaching 4,273 Arkansans. Changes/Problems: A no-cost time extension was requested and approved for this project. Unanticipated county agent vacancies through retirement and resignation delayed project implementation in some counties. Currently there are no agent vacancies in targeted counties. Recruitment numbers in pilot counties were below the ten per county projected. Newness of the program and uncertainty of program content made participant recruitment challenging for some county agents. Experiences in year one of this project allowed for program refinement and widespread program promotion. We feel such recruitment issues will not be present in future years. What opportunities for training and professional development has the project provided? This project provided the following training and professional development opportunities for volunteers and county agents: The Extension Wellness Ambassador Basic Training provides 40 hours of education on a range of health-related topics. Basic Training sessions conducted: Extension Wellness Ambassador Basic Training – Van Buren, Cleburne and Conway counties (6 sessions, October – November 2013) Extension Wellness Ambassador Basic Training – Columbia, Nevada and Clark counties (5 sessions, January – February 2014) Extension Wellness Ambassador Basic Training – Clay, Randolph and Sharp counties (5 sessions, January – March 2014) Extension Wellness Ambassador Basic Training – Van Buren, Cleburne and Conway counties (5 sessions, August 2014) Extension Wellness Rally (August 2014) The Extension Wellness Rally was a one-day event designed to provide additional educational opportunities for Wellness Ambassadors to learn and share projects, exchange ideas, and present to others who may benefit from the Wellness Ambassador Program. Ambassadors were involved as both presenters and participants in seven concurrent and two general sessions. Blood pressure, cholesterol, and glucose screenings were conducted. The Rally attracted approximately 130 participants from across the state. Advanced Ambassador Training Advanced Ambassador Trainings were conducted to provide additional training for Wellness Ambassador Program graduates. Workshops were a minimum of 5 hours in length. The following trainings were conducted during the project period: Understanding Personality Types (May 2014, Little Rock) 4-H Yoga for Kids (May 2014, Hope) 4-H Yoga for Kids (May 2014, Pocahontas) Strength-training with Stretch Tubes (April 2014, Conway) StrongWomen Program Leader Workshop (May 2014, Pocahontas) StrongWomen Program Leader Workshop (April 2014, Conway) In addition, preliminary results for this project were presented at the National Extension Association of Family and Consumer Sciences Annual Conference, which provided professional development for key personnel. How have the results been disseminated to communities of interest? Talks to promote the program and share preliminary results have been conducted by key personnel, agents, and Ambassadors. Displays at public events have been manned by Ambassadors in several counties. Counties involved in the project developed Impact Statements to share results with stakeholders and clientele. The project has received media coverage in state and local newspapers and magazines. Ambassador graduates have developed partnerships with local organizations and agencies to support community projects. Such partnerships have allowed communication of program results locally. County agents will present results to County Extension Councils and County Quorum Courts through interpretive events. Presentations by key personnel: Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. (March 2014). Wellness Ambassador Program. Arkansas Gerontological Society Spring Conference, Little Rock, AR. Washburn, L. (February 2014) Overview of the Extension Wellness Ambassador Program. Arkansas Health Improvement Coalition meeting, Little Rock, AR. Washburn, L. & Copeland, L. (March 2014). Overview of the Extension Wellness Ambassador Program. Statewide Farm Bureau Women’s Conference, Little Rock, AR. Washburn, L. (June 2014). How to Start the Extension Wellness Ambassador in Your County. Arkansas Extension Homemakers State Meeting, Hot Springs, AR. What do you plan to do during the next reporting period to accomplish the goals? Project goals will continue to be pursued through recruitment and training of new Extension Wellness Ambassadors and retention of current Ambassadors in the targeted counties. One-on-one training and mentoring has been provided for newly hired agents in targeted counties.
Impacts
What was accomplished under these goals?
The Extension Wellness Ambassador Program (EWAP) piloted a lay leadership development program and structure to guide collective efforts around health. Sixty volunteers from nine rural counties were recruited and participated in 40 hours of training on a range of health-related topics. Trainees assessed community needs and resources and planned projects to address health needs, which were implemented in the months following training. This project produced a refined curriculum, which will aid program dissemination. Ambassador projects and programs reach diverse audiences in targeted counties, including senior citizens, SNAP-eligible adults and children, Head Start families, and 4-H and other youth groups. Approximately 5,641 volunteer hours valued at $127,205 were contributed by Wellness Ambassadors during the project period; 434 educational sessions were reported reaching 4,273 Arkansans. This project increased access to health promotion programs in rural communities and created a structure for sustained engagement by training and organizing volunteers around locally relevant health-related issues. Specific Aim (SA) 1: Recruit and train EWAP volunteers to conduct healthy living programs to reduce chronic disease risk, reduce obesity, and increase physical activity in their communities a: Recruit 10 volunteers per county to be trained and serve as Wellness Ambassadors (WA). b: Provide 40 hours of training for each set of WA. Activities: Sixty WA were recruited and have completed the program. At least one round of EWAP Basic Training (BT) was conducted for all targeted counties. In total, the BT has been completed four times (a total of 160 hours of training). Data collected: Training session attendance, BT completion data Summary: Sixty-seven people were recruited for the program; sixty people graduated, yielding a program completion rate of 89.5%. Volunteer recruits represented 86.6% of targeted counties. Outcomes: Program format was refined after completion and evaluation of the first BT. Subsequent sessions were reformatted to occur over 5 weekly sessions, as opposed to 6 sessions. Feedback from program participants indicated a need for inclusion of additional topics, such as stress management and the connection between mental and physical health. As a result, these topics were added to the curriculum for other BT sessions with assistance from faculty with specialties in mental health. SA 2: a: WA completing training will pass a written and practical assessment by scoring at least 80% within two attempts. Activities: WA participated in 40 hours of BT to increase knowledge of chronic disease risk factors and lifestyle changes to lower risk. A certification exam consisting of 50 questions covering training content and practical application was administered on the final training day. Data collected: number passing certification exam within two attempts Summary: 100% of participants completing the program passed the exam within 2 attempts. Outcomes: Following the first testing day, key personnel reviewed the questions to determine those that were misunderstood by participants. These questions were removed or refined based. SA3: By 6-month follow-up: a: 80% of WA will increase self-efficacy to take control of personal health b: 60% will increase physical activity levels c: 75% will improve fitness levels d: 75% with diabetes, high cholesterol, and/or hypertension will have glucose, cholesterol, and/or blood pressure levels nearer to recommendations. e: 60% with BMI ≥ 25 will improve weight Activities: Each BT included a physical activity component. WA participated in a fitness test and biometric screening. Data collected: Physical exercise self-efficacy (SE) scale; nutrition SE scale; Healthy Physical Activity Participation Questionnaire; Senior Fitness Test; Biometric Screening Summary: 94% maintained or increased self-efficacy to take control of personal health 52% increased physical activity levels 31.5% improved blood glucose 31.5% improved total cholesterol 47% improved systolic blood pressure 50% with baseline BMI ≥ 25 improved weight Table 1. Repeated Measures ANOVA - Baseline, 3-month, and 6-month Senior Fitness Test Measures and Corresponding p Values Test Baseline (Mean ± SD) 3-months (Mean ± SD) 6-months (Mean ± SD) p Value Chair stand 17.56 ± 4.82 19.22 ± 5.73 20.45 ± 6.5 .02 Arm curl 21.65 ± 6.89 26.10 ± 7.14 24.65 ± 5.90 ?.0001 2-Minute step 109.59 ± 21.58 123.18 ± 23.82 117.18 ± 16.41 .01 Sit-and-reach 2.30 ± 5.02 3.86 ± 3.84 2.96 ± 3.85 .02 Back scratch -0.66 ± 3.32 -0.55 ± 3.41 -0.49 ± 2.85 ns Up-and-go 3.57 ± 0.87 3.77 ± 0.72 3.76 ± 0.68 >.05 Table 2. Repeated Measures ANOVA - Baseline, 3-month, and 6-month levels of physical activity and self-efficacy Measure Baseline (Mean ± SD) 3-months (Mean ± SD) 6-months (Mean ± SD) p Value Physical activity frequency 6.75 ± 3.51 8.17 ± 2.04 7.88 ± 2.86 0.03 General self-efficacy 33.46 ± 4.95 34.75 ± 4.23 35.71 ± 3.49 ? 0.001 Nutrition self-efficacy 16.33 ± 3.44 16.54 ± 4.24 17.13 ± 2.64 ns Physical exercise self-efficacy 14.88 ± 3.69 16.67 ± 3.86 16.04 ± 3.07 ns Changes in self-efficacy for nutrition and physical exercise were non-significant. This is likely due to the high levels of self-efficacy as measured at baseline among some participants and the small sample size. Mean weight, BMI, blood glucose, and blood pressure decreased from pre to post but changes were not statistically significant. Outcomes: Statistically significant changes in all but two measures of fitness indicate participants increased physical activity levels, which was also reflected by a statistically significant increase on the physical activity frequency measure. SA 4: a: By the end of the BT, WA will develop a project plan based on local needs and resources. b: WA will work together to implement the project plan in their communities prior to September 30, 2014. c: WA will contribute a minimum of 40 hours of direct service Activities: WA developed project plans as part of the BT. Follow-up meeting dates for data collection were used to conduct program updates. WA worked with the county agent and other WA to implement projects. Data collected: Observation, document review, activity reports Summary: 60 program graduates reached 4,273 Arkansans with 434 educational sessions/activities 94% of WA developed a project plan by end of BT 84.9% of WA implemented project in communities 5,641 volunteer hrs (avg. 94 hrs per graduate) WA projects include: Establishing intergenerational gardening and nutrition education with senior center patrons and Head Start students/families Educating food pantry donors to stock healthy foods for distribution Conducting nutrition education with SNAP and non-SNAP audiences Caregiver support groups “Grow a Row” campaigns for donation of fresh produce to food pantries Diabetes education; healthy cooking schools One-on-one healthy lifestyle mentoring Development of a clearinghouse of community health resources Expanding Extension group fitness programs in rural communities Worksite wellness programs, including smoking cessation support groups Education for law enforcement on laws protecting child health A run for city council to promote community health policies Outcomes: WA implemented projects to help others live healthier lives. WA reported initiating project beyond those developed through BT to address other needs in their communities, secured private grants to support projects and have received in-kind and financial donations from local businesses.
Publications
- Type:
Other
Status:
Other
Year Published:
2014
Citation:
Washburn, L., Traywick, L., Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. (September 2014). The Extension Wellness Ambassador Program: Results from Pilot Implementation. Poster session presented at the National Extension Association for Family & Consumer Sciences Annual Session, Lexington, KY.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Accepted
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Washburn, L., Traywick, L., Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. Individual-level results from an Extension health volunteer training program pilot. Accepted for poster presentation at the Society for Public Health Education 2015 Annual Meeting, Portland, OR.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Washburn, L., Traywick, L., Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. Preliminary Results of the Extension Wellness Ambassador Program Pilot. Submitted for poster presentation at the Southern Gerontological Society 2015 Annual Meeting, Williamsburg, VA.
- Type:
Other
Status:
Under Review
Year Published:
2015
Citation:
Washburn, L., Traywick, L., Copeland, L. & Vincent, J. Pilot Results of the Extension Wellness Ambassador Program. Submitted for poster presentation at the 2015 National Health Outreach Conference, Atlanta, GA.
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