PRAIRIE VIEW, Texas (Nov. 22, 2022) – Launching amid a global pandemic, Prairie View A&M University’s Wellness in Houston project (formerly Healthy Houston Initiative) has built a foundation in Harris County, delivering educational workshops, programs, and other events that focus on health, wellness, finance, nutrition and agriculture. These promote long-term healthy lifestyle changes and behaviors among individuals in limited-resource communities.
PVAMU Wellness in Houston staff, alongside MD Anderson, Harris Health System and community residents restore a garden in Acres Homes.
After relaunching the program this year under its new name, the WIH project has continued to bring forth services that reflect its goal of expanding awareness of nutritional and health services available to families. These efforts include but are not limited to improving healthy self-care practices through screenings, assessments, and referrals, providing workshops and educational opportunities focused on parenting and family support and improving access to healthy foods.
Students participate in a food challenge at the Sunnyside Community Center.
In the last six months, WIH has delivered evidence-based research programs to more than 40 sites across Harris County, including schools, community centers, faith-based organizations and local nonprofit organizations. Most of its programming focuses on healthy living, preparing youth for life and work, and creating access to fruits and vegetables through our school gardens and agriculture literacy. Since its inception in May of 2022, more than 30,000 individuals have been contacted by Wellness in Houston.
Program Leader Jacqueline White fills out vaccination cards during a volunteer event with CustomCare Pharmacy in the Aldine Independent School District.
WIH’s achievements were made possible by the Cooperative Extension Associates, Agents, Coordinators, Specialists, Program Leaders, and Collaborating Colleges continuously supporting the WIH mission. Moreover, WIH created 11 new staffing positions to assist with programmatic functions and expand its outreach. Services have also been extended to 5 additional counties bordering Harris County, including Galveston, Montgomery, Fort Bend, Waller, and Brazoria.
PVAMU Wellness in Houston mobile kitchen unit at homecoming
For more information on the ongoing Wellness in Houston project at PVAMU, visit www.pvamu.edu/cafnr/pwh, and follow along on social media @PVWellnessHou.
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