In this episode of Hello Austin County, host Greg Stuessel welcomes Michelle Wright, a County Extension Agent for Texas A&M AgriLife Extension, and Rosalinda Mendez, Program Coordinator for the “Reaching Well” initiative. The episode focuses on the impactful efforts of the Reaching Well program, funded by the CDC, to improve health and wellness in rural communities, including Austin County.

The conversation highlights the program’s objectives: fostering partnerships with local organizations, churches, schools, and community leaders to address chronic disease prevention, improve access to fresh produce, and promote healthier lifestyles. Rosalinda shared insights into how assessments are conducted to identify community needs, while Michelle emphasized the program’s collaborative approach, aiming to enhance—not replace—existing resources.

The episode also previews a Family Health Expo planned for November 16th at Bellville Methodist Church, which will feature health screenings, educational sessions, and resources to connect the community with health and wellness opportunities. The program seeks to build a sustainable model, empowering local leaders and organizations to create long-term improvements in public health.

This engaging discussion underscores the importance of education, collaboration, and community-driven solutions in tackling health disparities in rural areas.

 

Video Chapters:

0:00 – Meet Michelle Wright and Rosalinda Marez: Our guests share how their work is making a difference in Austin County’s health and wellness and how they connected through their shared passion for public health and helping rural communities.

2:01 – Overview of the Reaching Well Program: Our guests introduce the Reaching Well program funded by the CDC that’s all about building healthier communities and stronger local partnerships.

3:14 – Addressing Rural Health Challenges: Rosalinda explains about the unique struggles rural areas face, like finding fresh food and reliable healthcare, and how this program can help.

4:27 – The Well Church Initiative: Rosalinda explains how partnering with local churches helps bring health and wellness resources to the community in a familiar and trusted environment. Through these collaborations with faith-based organizations, they offer education, screenings, and tools to empower congregations to embrace healthier lifestyle choices.

6:27 – Target Audiences and Community Assessments: Rosalinda and Michelle emphasize that their role in the program is to listen to and understand the community’s needs. Rather than adding unnecessary elements, they focus on filling gaps to create a balanced wellness plan that truly supports the community.

18:55 – Texas Healthy Building Blocks and the Go NAPSACC: Rosalinda explains how Texas Healthy Building Blocks/Go NAPSACC, support local daycare centers and early childhood programs in promoting better health and wellness. These tools help providers assess their current practices in areas like nutrition, physical activity, and screen time, offering simple steps for improvement. Rosalind serves as a consultant, guiding these centers through the process to create healthier environments for young children, ensuring even small changes make a big impact.

28:23 – Upcoming Health Expo Details: Find out about the November 16th health expo at Bellville Methodist Church Gym and how you can be part of this exciting event.

29:47 – Final Thoughts and Contact Information: Michelle and Rosalinda invite anyone interested in improving community health to reach out for more information or assistance in organizing health-focused events for their church, school, or community.

33:49 – Closing Credits and Contact Information

 

 

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