By Alison Crane
While the internet is a great source of information and entertainment, being careful about where your information is coming from is essential to your family’s well-being. For over 100 years, the Cooperative Extension Service has connected Arkansas communities with trusted research to help the adoption of best practices. That mission has not changed today.
- 4-H & Youth Development
- Agriculture & Natural Resources
- Community & Economic Development
- Family & Consumer Sciences
Extension agents and specialists are still working to improve the lives of Arkansans in all 75 counties. Adapting techniques and approaches to the ever-changing needs within our communities has helped Extension through many tough times in our nation’s history and it remains the same in this present crisis. We will continue to develop programs and reach people through four main areas:
Since its beginning, Extension has used the results of scientific research to help improve the lives of Garland County residents. Serving as a go-to source for non-biased information, research and science-based techniques, the Cooperative Extension Service provides practical application solutions to everyday problems.
Today, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Extension agents are telecommuting from home and developing virtual programs and videos to continue reaching out with practical programming for families. Garland County agents are still available to answer questions through email or phone calls or even Zoom meetings and other online ways of communication.
The UAEX website is a reliable source of information for COVID-19 updates and has links to the CDC and Arkansas Health Department. https://www.uaex.edu/life-skills-wellness/health/covid19/default.aspx. Helping you and your family stay safe is a priority. You can visit www.uaex.edu to contact agents and specialists in every county and the state office, and for information on all Extension topics.
Garland County Extension also has Facebook pages with everything from great tips for staying healthy to community service ideas through the Extension Homemakers Council. For our Facebook posts to show up on your newsfeed, just visit each of our pages and like them to start following. Our pages include:
- UAEX Garland County Family & Consumer Science – for information for family on nutrition, finances, stress management, etc.
- Garland County Extension Get Fit – UAEX – features tips on physical activity, health and our county Extension Get Fit groups
- Garland County EHC – follows all the events and activities of the Extension Homemakers Council and all our local EHC clubs and community service. It is a great way to see what is happening in Garland County.
Another Facebook page has recently started to help maintain contact with Arkansas families during this time of social distancing. The At Home with UAEX page features virtual classes and programs through Facebook live, Zoom sessions and other online programming. This page was started by family and consumer science agents and is maintained through the collaboration of agents across the state.
For more information contact the Garland County Cooperative Extension Service at 501-623-6841 or email acrane@uaex.edu. “Arkansas is Our Campus.”
Alison Crane is a Family and Consumer Science Agent with the Garland Count Extension Service. The Arkansas Cooperative Extension Service offers its programs to all eligible persons regardless of race, color, national origin, religion, gender, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status, and is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer.
Helpful Resources
University of Arkansas Extensive Service: https://www.uaex.edu/life-skills-wellness/health/covid19/default.aspx
World Health Organization: http://www.who.int
Center for Disease Control: https://www.cdc.gov/
