Extension Professionals' Perceived Needs and Programmatic Responses During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Faculty and associates who support faculty-directed Extension work possess a depth of knowledge in one content area, directly support the programmatic needs of agents, and serve as a critical resource for professional development (i.e., in-service training) and technical assistance within their area of expertise. Assessments in response to public health issues often include a survey to gauge understanding and concern about a poten1tial hazard (U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2015). Agents perceived additional needs and topics of interest related to home gardening, mental health, personal/family resource management, farm/small business information, youth education, trauma-informed parenting practices, healthy recipes and cooking demonstrations, and internet access. Extension professionals also have provided print and online resources on financial resource management, mental health, healthy homes, child development, family life, nutrition, and food safety, and other topics.