Expanding Extension's Audience Through the Alabama Radon Education Partnership

Poster

The Community Resource Development program of the Alabama Cooperative Extension System entered into a very successful partnership with the Alabama Department of Public Health and US Environmental Protection Agency. The poster session will highlight this partnership, the Alabama Radon Education Program, which was formed to educate individuals as to the risks posed by radon, motivate those in high risk areas to test for radon, encourage individuals to mitigate the problem when high levels are detected and build new homes radon-resistant.

There are no regulatory requirements in the state for testing or mitigation if levels are high. While definitely a health problem, radon is also a community development problem. The Alabama Radon Program currently is working closely with local home builder associations, realtor groups, and public libraries. Local county agents assert that one of the largest benefits to the program has been the increased visibility for Extension by providing a new clientele group. The program has received several national awards. The strength of the program is its grassroots foundation and method of delivery. The state office exists to provide support materials, encouragement, and program ideas, while the county decides which ideas to use and in what manner.

The program owes its success to it truly being a Team effort. The team members are not overly concerned about who gets the credit, but that the job is done right. Publications, CDs and other materials will be available for review on the table-top next to the poster board display.