Extension creates new position aimed at increasing access to health and nutrition programs

University of Nevada, Reno Extension has employed Elika Nematian in a newly created place to work with different Extension professionals to assist assess the wants of communities in southern Nevada and pilot, implement and consider initiatives to advertise good well being and diet.

As the well being and diet Extension educator for Clark County, Nematian might be serving to to supply well being and diet sources and schooling to group members of all ages. She additionally goals to tailor packages to fulfill wants of particular neighborhoods and zip codes, and broaden the attain of packages.

“We are revolutionary methods to finest share our sources and experience with the group and stakeholders in Clark County,” Nematian stated. “When offering sources, we actually need to take a programs strategy to enhance the well being of communities we’re working in.”

While Nematian works to find out the most effective programs of motion to develop new packages and sources, she can also be decided to make sure profitable established initiatives proceed to be supported. This consists of the Healthy Kids Festival, which celebrated its tenth yr this September. During the occasion, Extension and different native well being, diet and bodily exercise specialists exhibit actions and share accessible sources aimed to enhance wholesome residing of their day-to-day lives.

Nematian has an intensive background in each well being and diet, and Extension. Throughout her profession, she’s developed and piloted group diet packages; supplied statewide trainings and technical help; written and managed authorities grants; and advocated for insurance policies to advertise good well being, diet and meals safety on the native and federal ranges.

Nematian beforehand labored with Extension in Clark County for six years, so she understands the significance of evidence-based programing on the subject of serving the group in Nevada, and he or she is worked up to be again. During this time, she labored as a community-based teacher to ship diet teaching programs. Later, as a program officer, she piloted new diet schooling and bodily exercise packages for older adults.

Going ahead, Nematian says she’s putting specific emphasis on collaboration. This consists of working with different Extension professionals, in addition to persevering with to strengthen new and current partnerships with group members.