EXCITE Newsletter September 25th, 2025

The EXCITE Newsletter

September 25th, 2025

Recap: September 18th EXCITE Spotlight Session 

The September EXCITE Spotlight Session celebrated the completion of the Implementation, EFNEP Integration, and Awareness projects. Together, we recognized the incredible achievements of the teams and highlighted the valuable contributions of our coaches. The sessions tarted with remarks from Dr. Lewis, National Program Leader at USDA NIFA, and Julie Zajac, CDC partner, who both commended the impact of EXCITE’s work. In addition, Dr. Allison Hill, Director of Practice and Professional Affairs at the American Pharmacists Association, shared timely updates on Fall COVID-19 vaccines. The session also looked ahead to what’s next for EXCITE: the launch of our new Health Agents initiative and a One Health approach to immunization education, focused on integrating immunization topics across Extension programs.

Thank you to everyone who joined us for this quarterly gathering. We look forward to continuing to connect and share the next chapter of EXCITE with you!

24-25 Covid-19 Vaccination Guide

At this month’s EXCITE Spotlight session, Dr. Allison Hill from the American Pharmacists Association shared updated pharmacy guidelines on COVID-19 vaccination and provided valuable information and resources for Extension professionals. You can find her slides and additional materials below to support your education and outreach on COVID-19 vaccines.

Congratulations Kathleen Cartmell-2025 Immunization Champion Award Winner

Dr. Kathleen Cartmell, leader of the Clemson EXCITE project, has been honored with the 2025 Immunization Champion Award from the Association of Immunization Managers (AIM) and the CDC. She was recognized for building a statewide model in South Carolina to boost vaccine awareness, train all 26 Health Extension Agents, and address vaccine misinformation. Her efforts have also expanded to Clemson University’s campus, where she partnered with student health services to promote HPV vaccination through clinician training and a large social media campaign. Dr. Cartmell’s work has not only increased vaccination rates across the state but is now serving as a national model for future projects. We are so thrilled that her impactful work in EXCITE has been recongized! Read more about Dr. Cartmell’s efforts and her award here!

EXCITE Newsletter November 21st, 2025

The EXCITE Newsletter

November 21st, 2025

Advancing Poverty Competency in Cooperative Extension: Register for the 2 part workshop now! 

There are still spots available for next month’s workshop series! As one of the curricula available through EXCITE, these competency workshops not only equip you with impactful tools, but also empower you to become trainers for your community health partners. Register to attend here!

About the workshops: For most people without direct exposure to poverty, media is the primary source that informs their beliefs and attitudes about the issue. United Way reports that 42% of American households in 2023 fell below the ALICE threshold, earning incomes insufficient for basic survival needs. Considering the reach and presence of Cooperative Extension across all US counties, we are undoubtedly interacting with local community members struggling under the weight or threat of poverty. Extension is synonymous with reliable, evidence-based information. We cannot afford to be uninformed or operating from perspectives built upon stereotypes; it simply does not align with our role as trusted messengers. Advancing Poverty Competency in Cooperative Extension will offer reliable data about poverty and how it challenges common misperceptions; theoretical foundations for poverty-informed approaches; the concepts taught by the experience of poverty; and poverty-informed communication strategies. Participants will be presented with information and provided opportunities for both small group discussion and individual reflection.

This workshop series totals six hours, offered as two 3-hour online sessions. Participants must complete the sessions in order (Session #1 before Session #2), but may select different time options for each.

Presenter: Lindsey McConnell-Soong, EXCITE Regional Health Agent and Beegle Certified Poverty Coach, University of Idaho Extension.

See the dates/time and register to attend here.

2025-2026 Respiratory Season Briefings and Resources

A number of the materials/resources that used to be CDC website have been moved to the National Foundation for Infectious Disease website. As the 2025-2026 US respiratory season gets underway and immunization guidance continues to evolve, the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases is launching a new Respiratory Season News Briefing Series to focus national attention on the importance of preventing and treating COVID-19, influenza (flu), pneumococcal disease, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). With the theme, It’s On Us, the series aims to educate, engage, and empower the public and healthcare professionals to navigate these unprecedented times. See the website here.

EXCITE Newsletter December 5th, 2025

The EXCITE Newsletter

December 5th, 2025

Flu and Respiratory Season Social Media Resources

The ACIP, recently re-populated by Secretary Kennedy, met at end of this week.  The information below provided by NAIIS is important info to have in hand as there will likely be questions about the topics being discussed and this information will provide background on why certain vaccines are suggested on the current schedule.
Resources from The National Adult and Influenza Immunization:

Flu and Respiratory Season Social Media Resources from Vaccine your Family

  • VYF’s Respiratory Season toolkit has been updated with a set of graphics using holiday imagery and key message “it’s not too late” to get a flu vaccine – access them here*. Spanish versions on their way, too! *if you don’t have a dropbox account, let Dana Howe know and she will send directly  (dana@vaccinateyourfamily.org)
  • VYF’s FLU mini-course is an easy 30 minute way to learn everything you need to know about flu and how to prevent it. Consider taking the course or sharing this resource! – https://vaccinate.thinkific.com/courses/flu

Next Quarterly Spotlight: December 18th

Join us for a quarterly gathering designed for everyone working to improve health, including but not limited to all EXCITE participants—past and present—and those who want to learn more about Extension’s effort in immunization education! This session provides a space to share opportunities, receive updates from partners, explore new resources, and connect with peers. Stay engaged with the EXCITE community and our collective efforts through this quarterly meeting.

This session will review new and updated curriculum for immunization education in Extension, timely Flu/RSV resources, EXCITE radio campaign update, social media outreach tips, and more. Register here.

Advancing Poverty Competency in Cooperative Extension: Register for the 2 part workshop now! 

There are still spots available for December and January workshops! As one of the curricula available through EXCITE, these competency workshops not only equip you with impactful tools, but also empower you to become trainers for your community health partners. Register to attend here!

About the workshops: For most people without direct exposure to poverty, media is the primary source that informs their beliefs and attitudes about the issue. United Way reports that 42% of American households in 2023 fell below the ALICE threshold, earning incomes insufficient for basic survival needs. Considering the reach and presence of Cooperative Extension across all US counties, we are undoubtedly interacting with local community members struggling under the weight or threat of poverty. Extension is synonymous with reliable, evidence-based information. We cannot afford to be uninformed or operating from perspectives built upon stereotypes; it simply does not align with our role as trusted messengers. Advancing Poverty Competency in Cooperative Extension will offer reliable data about poverty and how it challenges common misperceptions; theoretical foundations for poverty-informed approaches; the concepts taught by the experience of poverty; and poverty-informed communication strategies. Participants will be presented with information and provided opportunities for both small group discussion and individual reflection.

This workshop series totals six hours, offered as two 3-hour online sessions. Participants must complete the sessions in order (Session #1 before Session #2), but may select different time options for each.

Presenter: Lindsey McConnell-Soong, EXCITE Regional Health Agent and Beegle Certified Poverty Coach, University of Idaho Extension.

See the dates/time and register to attend here. 

 

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