Community Health Extension Program (CHEP)
Healthy Communities, Healthy Lives
Your health isn’t just about doctors or medicine—it’s about where you live, work,
and play! Things like having enough food, safe housing, good schools, walkable communities
and parks, and nearby health care make a big difference. In some Oklahoma communities,
people face bigger health challenges because these basics are harder to get.
Extension FCS Educators work with community organization leaders and stakeholders
to identify critical health issues impacting the people in the community. We listen,
team up with local groups, and find ways to make healthy living easier for everyone
Our Goal
We want all Oklahomans to have a fair chance at good health—no matter where they live.
To do this, we:
- Provide training and technical assistance to equip County Extension Educators and local community leaders to come together and identify local conditions affecting health.
- Engage community members in participatory approaches like community asset mapping, data driven decision making and action planning.
- Connect state and tribal health organizations, universities, and agencies, community governments, civic organizations, etc. to make their towns healthier.
- Link people with resources (like food programs, walkable communities, virtual health care or health-education programs)
Our Impact as of 2024(By the Numbers)
339,000+
PEOPLE IMPACTED
by increased access to healthy community resources.
7,000+
FAMILIES
reached by health info.
$1.3+
MILLION DOLLARS
leveraged for trail systems, safe school routes, park amenities, and access to fresh
affordable foods.
6
STATES & NATIONAL
awards won for school wellness, community partnerships, food safety & family wellness
programs.