Issue Guide: The Needs of Extension in the Southeast Region During the COVID-19 Pandemic

The Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (SCCAHS) conducted research to identify the needs of Extension professionals in the Southeast region as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Research findings indicated that extension professionals in the Southeast are well-informed regarding COVID-19 and receive trusted information from healthcare providers and Extension administrators, making these Extension professionals well-prepared to share information with clientele. 

Extension professionals serve key roles in their communities and, as such, have observed the impact of the pandemic on their clientele, with many exhibiting symptoms of stress or emotional distress. 

Even though Extension professionals report some difficulty balancing personal and professional needs and balancing working remotely and family needs, they also report feeling prepared and supported in the workplace.

This survey was completed by 831 Extension professionals in Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and the Virgin Islands. These extension professionals included county agents, state specialists, multi-county agents, RSAs, SSAs, regional specialists, administrators, support staff, and miscellaneous others. 

Learn more by downloading the latest SCCAHS issue guide:

The information in this issue guide was adapted from the key findings of survey research conducted by:

Dr. Sebastian Galindo – Research associate professor of program development and evaluation in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida

Dr. Glenn Israel – Professor of program development and evaluation in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida

Dr. David Diehl – Associate professor of family, youth and community sciences

Cassandra Ward – Evaluation Coordinator, Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety

July Nelson – Graduate student in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida

Haaris Saqib – Graduate student in the Master’s in Sustainable Development ProgramTamiko Gaines – Graduate student in the Department of Agricultural Education and Communication at the University of Florida

The Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety (SCCAHS) is part of a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) / National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) Agricultural Health and Safety Initiative. SCCAHS explores and addresses the occupational safety and health needs of people working in agriculture, fishing, and forestry in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, the U.S. Virgin Islands, and Puerto Rico.