Health Extension: Cultivating Healthy Communities
CSU Health Extension empowers Coloradans to live healthy lives by advancing health partnerships, supporting community-driven initiatives, and offering evidence-based programs and resources that promote a culture of health and well-being. The Aging Mastery Program provides just one example of how Health Extension has advanced health equity throughout the state.
Our Focus Areas
Behavioral Health & Resillience
Programs, education, resources, and referrals that include stress reduction strategies, promote well-being and resilience, and mitigate emergencies.
Financial Well-being
Education and resources that aim to empower individuals and families with financial literacy and tangible strategies for responsible fiscal management.
Food Safety, Preservation, and Preparation
Food safety education and knowledge sharing provides community members with tools, skills, and information to safely handle, prepare, and store healthy foods.
Healthy Aging
Education and engagement programs that promote lifelong learning, increase opportunities for intergenerational connections, and support the overall health and well-being of older adults and caregivers.
Nutrition, Disease Prevention, and Management
Community engagement opportunities and nutrition education and chronic disease prevention programs that promote nutritional awareness, active lifestyles, and healthy behavior change strategies.
In line with Extension’s historic commitment to Colorado’s rural communities, advancing rural health equity is a critical component to our statewide strategy. View our 2023 Rural Health Impact Report.
Building on Extension’s national framework
CSU Health Extension’s work is based on the Cooperative Extension National Framework for Health Equity and Well-Being, which prioritizes:
• Advancing health equity by increasing access to health resources
• Responding to community needs by centering resident’s voices and experiences
• Investing in Extension’s health-related workforce and programs
• Working with partners to build on existing community resources that address social determinants of health
Our Guiding Principles
Foster belonging by enhancing community connection and engagement
Promote equity by supporting equal and fair access in attaining health and well-being
Instill resilience by supporting communities’ capacity to thrive despite challenges
Increase self-efficacy by empowering individuals and communities to make healthy decisions
Improve access to health by decreasing barriers to knowledge and resources
Boost cultural competence by cultivating an understanding and respect for differences across cultures
Advance community trust by expanding upon Extension’s legacy of engagement that builds bridges across differences
Grow community leadership opportunites by teaching problem-solving and enacting strategies to attain collective goals
