What does this research mean for the field?

Direct data collection from potential clientele through needs assessments allows Extension programs to identify broader community needs and avoid serving only select groups based on traditional assumptions. Novelty: ClaimNovelty.INCREMENTAL. Consensus alignment: ConsensusAlignment.NEUTRAL.

What question did this study set out to answer?

The aim is to evaluate community needs and interests regarding family health programs versus traditional assumptions.

May 29, 2026Open Access

Beyond Traditional County Programs

Key Points

The aim is to evaluate community needs and interests regarding family health programs versus traditional assumptions.
Conducted a randomized phone survey in a multicounty area in Pennsylvania.
Engaged potential clientele to gather data on program interests and needs.
Identified gaps between traditional program offerings and actual community needs.
Revealed the need for more tailored Extension programs based on contemporary health concerns.

Abstract

Contemporary concerns in personal and family health, public issues, and new federal priorities have led family living agents to question the extent to which traditional assumptions about program topics and audiences are valid indicators of future interest in, and need for, Extension programs.1 Data directly from potential clientele can help avoid serving only the needs of select groups with traditional programs delivered by accepted methods.To obtain such data, family living agents in a multicounty area in Pennsylvania conducted a needs assessment and surveyed the population at large through a random phone survey.10.Ibid.

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