Programs to Partnerships: A Brief Report on the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service HealthTalk Express Program

Chronic diseases remain a pressing issue in Texas, where high rates of obesity, diabetes, and cardiovascular conditions challenge public health. The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service addresses health by translating research into practice at the community level through educational programming and resources created by Extension Specialists and delivered by Extension Agents. This Practice Brief Report describes the design and delivery of a simple, pre-prepared AgriLife Extension program that addresses chronic conditions by encouraging healthy eating and active living. The program, HealthTalk Express, delivers short, science-based health presentations designed to inform and inspire behavior change. Included are 12 modules, offering presentations on topics like stress reduction, heart disease, diabetes prevention, and cancer screening. Innovative evaluation methods allow for streamlined data collection and real-time reporting. As of June 2025, the program reached over 2,000 adults in 43 Texas counties. Post-surveys showed significant improvements in participant knowledge (+1.1 on a 5-point scale) and strong intention to adopt healthier behaviors (average score = 4.3 on a 5-point scale). The program fosters strategic partnerships by connecting Extension Agents to local organizations like senior centers, schools, and worksites. Agents have commented that providing one-shot and short series programs like HealthTalk Express provides a gateway to future programming. Also, its design enables delivery by trained Master Wellness Volunteers, expanding reach and freeing up Agents to engage in broader community-based solutions, like coalition-building. With continued development, HealthTalk Express stands as a promising and scalable model for chronic disease prevention and partnership development within the Cooperative Extension system.