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Cottonwood Extension outlines new prenatal, hypertension and community programs for 2025
Summary
Cottonwood Extension District agents described a slate of 2025 programs for Ellis County, including a first-time six-week prenatal class with incentives, a four-month hypertension self-monitoring program with free blood-pressure monitors, an annual Walk Kansas campaign and ongoing 4-H activities.
Monique Kerner, Cottonwood Extension District family and community wellness agent, told the Ellis County Commission on Jan. 21 that the district will roll out several community health and early-childhood programs for 2025.
Kerner said the district will run a hypertension awareness and prevention program from February through June aimed at people diagnosed with hypertension or taking blood-pressure medication. Participants will receive a validated home blood-pressure monitor, have coaching sessions twice a month and attend monthly nutrition classes as part of a four-month program.
Kerner also described “Becoming a Mom,” a six-week prenatal education class being offered for the first time in Ellis County. The program will provide class-session incentives — diapers, wipes, books and toys — and larger attendance incentives (an infant play mat or a portable crib) for participants who attend at least four of six classes. The curriculum comes from KDHE and the March of Dimes, Kerner said, and community partners include HaysMed, First Care Clinic, High Plains Mental Health and a local midwife. Funding for 10 family units comes from Midwest Energy and Heartland Community Foundation grants; partners are donating instructor time.
Kerner said a community baby shower set for Saturday, April 5 will be a related event; parents who complete pre- and post-tests will receive a portable crib. The baby shower is intended as a community kickoff during the Week of the Young Child and organizers expect participation by local partners such as EMS, firefighters and the sheriff’s office.
Tamara Robertson, Cottonwood Extension 4-H development agent, reported county 4-H enrollment at about 50 youth (ages 5–18) supported by roughly 50 volunteers, and thanked county commissioners for their support of fairgrounds and 4-H activities. Robertson said fair preparations and volunteer-led projects remain a central part of the program for 2025.
Commissioners asked about program reach: Kerner said she conducts activities across age groups from early childhood (0–3) through high school and that she is scheduling presentations in Victoria and other county locations. Kerner said she will begin the Becoming a Mom classes at the Hays Public Library in February.
The agents requested the commission note the partnerships and funding sources that made the programs possible and asked to share flyers and contact information for referrals and outreach.
Kerner and Robertson presented the updates during the county’s monthly departmental report and took questions from commissioners.
The Extension District did not request action or funding from the commission during this item.
