1. Strengthening the Power of Evidence-Based Prevention in Cooperative Extension: A Capacity-Building Framework for Translation Science-Driven Behavioral Health.
- Author
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Spoth, Richard, Franz, Nancy, and Brennan, Alison
- Subjects
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EDUCATION , *HEALTH behavior , *LITERATURE , *MEDICINE , *MENTAL health , *PSYCHOLOGY , *PUBLIC health , *TRANSLATIONS - Abstract
Background: Translation science entails application of information gained through scientific research to practices intended to improve prevention and public health. The outreach arm of Land-Grant Universities—the Cooperative Extension System—is uniquely poised to facilitate this translation process and contribute to resolution of current substance misuse and other behavioral health issues. Objective: This paper summarizes selected literatures that guided the conceptualization of a framework for building Extension's capacity to enhance the translation process, in order to better address substance misuse and other behavioral health issues. Method: Peer-reviewed literature was obtained from journals representing varied disciplines including medicine, public health, education, and psychology. Journals for Extension professionals were a prominent source of relevant literature. The literature review informed the identification of relevant practice gaps, barriers in addressing those gaps, and the development of a capacity-building framework. Results: The framework described highlights opportunities for building Cooperative Extension's capacity to address goals in four key domains. These goals include (1) catalyzing Extension's organizational development to support science-driven practices, (2) bolstering prevention and behavioral health-oriented professional development for Extension faculty and staff, (3) creating a stronger culture of behavioral health in Extension, and (4) strengthening Extension's financing of prevention-oriented behavioral health efforts. Conclusion: Addressing the capacity-related goals identified in this paper could be a major catalyst for enhancing the power of proven, prevention-oriented behavioral health and, thereby, the well-being of our families, communities and nation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
- Published
- 2021
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