UC Cooperative Extension in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara Counties has moved into phase two of a needs assessment examining conditions that affect community health. Phase one compiled secondary data on systemic conditions in each county. Phase two brings community-engaged qualitative interviews with local leaders and residents to discuss that data and identify additional assets, strengths, and needs that quantitative measures may be missing. This work supports our health-focused research and extension teaching program and keeps our programming responsive to what our communities actually need. Assessment findings will be shared with everyone who participates in an interview, along with other community stakeholders, and will shape UC Cooperative Extension's future programming in both counties.
Interested in participating? Reach out to Dr. Katherine Soule kesoule@ucanr.edu to schedule an interview. This research is being supported by the University of California Global Health Institute's Summer Immersion Program.