Title

Howdy Health: Utilizing Innovative Technologies to Expand Program Outreach

Relevance

Chronic diseases account for 7 of the 10 leading causes of death in the U.S. Moreover, nearly 90% of healthcare costs are spent on these diseases and associated disabilities. Research clearly indicates that by implementing 4 key lifestyle behaviors (i.e., healthy eating, regular physical activity, not smoking, and maintaining a healthy body weight), millions of Texans could prevent and/or delay the onset of the deadliest diseases identified above. However, only a small fraction of adults maintains all four of these lifestyle factors, while the vast majority of adults, youth, and families do not achieve the minimal standards of physical activity and healthy eating required for chronic disease prevention. To substantially reduce the prevalence of chronic diseases and associated health care costs, there must be increased adoption of healthy behaviors and minimization of unhealthy behaviors. Thus, more innovative strategies are needed to engage a growing Texas population in evidenced-based health programs.

Response

In line with internet, mobile, and social media trends, Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service’s Family and Community Health (FCH) unit has allocated resources to embrace technology driven approaches aimed at expanding program outreach. This investment in resources led to the development of the Howdy Health platform, a centralized website and database for FCH programs that aligns with AgriLife Extension priorities and enables engagement across all levels of the agency’s network. Launched statewide in 2018, Howdy Health allows participants to select from a menu of program offerings. Each unique program design uses a theoretical approach to target key health related behaviors. This online platform allows for program registration, individualized participant monitoring and data collection, and evaluations with an on-demand reporting system. The Howdy Health platform also has a full-service Help Desk ticket system.

Results

In the first quarter of Fiscal Year 2024 (September – November 2023), Howdy Health has generated over 1.75 million page views. Moreover, as of December 2023, over 180,000 Texans across 249 counties (out of 254) have registered for and participated in FCH health programs through the Howdy Health platform. Each of the programs within the platform has a designated FCH program lead (i.e., faculty or staff member) that supports County Extension Agents with program implementation to local and state stakeholders. Internal collaboration across the AgriLife Extension network identifies local needs and issues, while external programming is driven through strategic partnerships with communities and other state and local agencies and organizations. For example, one program within Howdy Health (i.e., Walk Across Texas) has engaged nearly 800 partner groups created within the platform, including local school districts, universities, county employees, employee wellness programs, senior centers, and local businesses.

Public Value Statement

The Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service's Family and Community Health (FCH) unit is committed to addressing the impact of preventable chronic diseases in Texas. Through strategic investments in technology-driven approaches, the Howdy Health platform was launched in 2018, resulting in the modernization of existing FCH programs and creating a sustainable foundation for new initiatives. With over 180,000 participants across nearly every Texas county, Howdy Health has enabled AgriLife Extension to vastly expand its program outreach to individuals, families, and communities, thus improving health outcomes for the state’s growing population.

Primary Focus Area

Nutrition & Health

Secondary Focus Area

Youth, Family, & Communities

Impact Statement