Connecting communities to health — virtually
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EmailWith its easy-to-use health program referral system, MSU Extension helps people find upcoming virtual classes in diabetes management, sleep education, and more — all within minutes.
In a post-pandemic world, healthcare systems are often stretched thin — making access to community-based preventative health education more important than ever.
With its innovative health program referral form, Michigan State University Extension is making it simple and quick for adults, their healthcare providers, and even their loved ones to find free, virtual health classes tailored to their needs.
Bridging the gap
Launched in May 2022 — and supported by a Rural Health and Safety Education Grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture — MSU Extension’s referral system connects people to a wide range of online health programs, available at no cost to them.
“Our referral system has streamlined the connection between people and programs,” said Cheryl Eschbach, director of MSU Extension’s health and nutrition programming. “Ultimately, the goal is to meet people where they are and help them make informed decisions for their health.”
Programs are available in topics such as falls prevention, sleep education, stress management, and more:
- Tai Chi for Arthritis and Falls Prevention
- A Matter of Balance
- SLEEP
- Stress Less with Mindfulness
- RELAX: Alternatives to Anger
- Chronic Disease PATH
- Chronic Pain PATH
- Diabetes PATH
- Walk With Ease
- Powerful Tools for Caregivers
For many people, particularly those in rural areas, location is a central concern when considering attending a community health program. Others struggle to navigate the variety of classes offered to know what is right for them.
By offering an accessible pathway to all of these programs, MSU Extension is breaking down barriers and ensuring that more Michiganders can take charge of their health and access programs virtually.
“We want people in the community to know about the suite of programs we offer,” said Eschbach. “Not only because they can provide immediate benefits — like better sleep or reduced stress — but also because they can contribute to more positive long-term health outcomes.”
Since its creation, the online form has received thousands of website visits and connected over 400 people in more than 50 Michigan counties to online health programs.
The unparalleled value of health education
MSU Extension’s evidence-based health programs — taught by experts in communities all across Michigan — have long offered invaluable support for people looking to manage things like chronic diseases, diabetes, stress, and more.
Christine Histed of the Tri-County Office on Aging often promotes these classes to her clients.
“The programs [MSU Extension] offers that TCOA does not, specifically Tai Chi for Arthritis, and to a lesser extent, Stress Less for Mindfulness, meets a need that we can’t serve,” she said. “Mental health and physical health are incredibly important for everyone, especially older adults, and these two programs help older adults stay healthy socially, mentally, and physically.”
A longtime partner of MSU Extension, Histed notes the value of community-based programs for the clients she and her organization serve.
“People learn best from people like them, not from doctors or nurses telling them what they ‘should’ do,” she said. “By offering these community health programs it gives older adults an opportunity to make and reach goals they never knew they could achieve.”
To refer yourself, a loved one, or a patient to one of MSU Extension’s classes, fill out the health program referral form and an MSU Extension educator will contact you. To learn more about MSU Extension’s health and nutrition programming, visit the Food & Health website.
