The following is a excerpt of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System 2024 Annual Report. To read the full report, visit www.aces.edu/go/ACESAnnualReport.

Escape Vapes

In 2024, the Escape Vapes program empowered 1,690 youths across 17 counties. Health and Wellness Extension agents and county Extension directors led the program through interactive, school-based education. Escape Vapes effectively addressed key misconceptions about vaping, resulting in statistically significant increases in knowledge about nicotine, harmful chemicals in e-cigarettes, and the health risks of vaping. Notably, 85 percent of participants reported feeling confident in saying “No” to vaping, and 91 percent stated they would likely not try it.

The impact of this prevention effort extends beyond individual behavior change—reducing vaping among youth translates to substantial cost savings for Alabama. By preventing nicotine addiction, the program mitigates health care expenses related to respiratory and cardiovascular diseases, lowers long-term chronic disease rates, and saves school districts millions in prevention and intervention efforts. Escape Vapes is making a measurable difference in protecting Alabama’s youth and public health.

Health Extension Diabetes

Along with other land grant universities, Alabama Extension partners with Clemson University to implement the Health Extension for Diabetes program funded through a Centers for Disease Control and Prevention expansion grant. In 2024, 38 participants completed two online and three in-person cohorts, benefiting from an evidence-based diabetes education and support program delivered by trained Extension agents.

Significant improvements were observed among participants with complete pre- and post-program data, including weight reduction, increased diabetes knowledge, and decreased feelings of being overwhelmed by diabetes management. Participants also reported increased physical activity and engagement in small lifestyle changes to enhance overall health. To expand impact, Alabama Extension developed county-level resource guides to address social determinants of health. Extension also collaborated with the Harrison College of Pharmacy at Auburn University to educate pharmacists on using these guides to support patients with diabetes. Improved diabetes management leads to better health outcomes, prolonged workforce participation, and reduced health care costs in Alabama.

Wise Money Management

The WISE Money program is a financial education initiative led by Alabama Extension to help individuals and families improve their money management skills. The program teaches practical strategies for budgeting, saving, debt reduction, and financial planning, empowering participants to make informed decisions. During 2024, the WISE Money program, led by five Extension agents, reached 1,254 participants in all seven regions of Alabama. The program served 88.2 percent adults and 11.8 percent youth with 61 percent Black, 39 percent White, and 4 percent Hispanic participants.

Participants reported increased confidence in developing and using a budget, initiating or increasing savings, and reducing household debt and expenses. Free resources, such as the monthly money calendar, provided ongoing support for long-term financial success. By reducing financial stress and anxiety, WISE Money fosters healthier families, stronger communities, and greater civic engagement. Over time, improved financial stability contributes to better physical and mental health, breaks cycles of poverty, and reduces societal costs related to health care, social services, and the justice system.

Safe Sleep Initiative

In 2023, Children’s of Alabama hospital and Alabama Extension launched the Rural Alabama Safe Sleep Initiative, supported by a grant from the American Academy of Pediatrics. This collaboration addresses sleep-related and other childhood injuries by providing critical safe sleep education and resources to Alabama families. The initiative began with a professional development session for Extension agents, led by partners at Children’s of Alabama hospital.

Through the training, agents were equipped with educational materials and resources to use at community events. Throughout 2024, Human Sciences Extension agents conducted ten community-based safe sleep education events, reaching 273 individuals across various counties. Significant improvements were observed in safe infant sleeping practices, particularly in how babies should sleep and where they should sleep at night. This successful partnership with Children’s of Alabama shined a light on the safety and well-being of children in Alabama.

For the more in-depth 2024 Alabama Extension Human Sciences Annual Report, FCS-2881, click this link.

New May 2025, Alabama Cooperative Extension System 2024 Annual Report, ACES-2838