Purdue University Health and Human Sciences Extension

01/26/2026

🎉Congratulations to Ashley Piland, HHS Educator in Marion County, on the successful kickoff of this year's Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program!

This important program is made possible through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) grant—an IRS initiative that supports free tax preparation service for underserved communities—and in partnership with the United Way of Howard/Tipton Counties. Together, this effort helps low-to-moderate income individuals, persons with disabilities, older adults, and those with limited English proficiency file their taxes each year. 💰📄

👏 A heartfelt thank you to our federal and local partners (pictured) and dedicated volunteers who make this work possible:

- Andrew VanSingel, Internal Revenue
- Kate McKnight, Internal Revenue
- Cheryl Graham, United Way serving Howard & Tipton Counties
- Andy Nielsen, Indianapolis City-County Councilor
- Lisa Graves, Purdue University College of Health and Human Sciences

🔗 Looking for free tax resources?
Visit our new website: http://bit.ly/VITAPROGRAM2026

Purdue Extension Marion County

01/22/2026

💛🖤 Congratulations Angie!! 👏🏼🚂

Bernie Engel, the Glenn W. Sample Dean of Agriculture, has appointed Angie Abbott as associate dean and director of Purdue Extension, effective immediately. Abbott has 22 years of experience with Purdue Extension.

01/21/2026

❄️ 𝗔𝗻𝗼𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 𝗥𝗼𝘂𝗻𝗱 𝗼𝗳 𝗗𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿𝗼𝘂𝘀 𝗪𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗪𝗲𝗮𝘁𝗵𝗲𝗿 ❄️

Earlier this month, we shared information about dangerous winter weather, and once again, conditions are shaping up to be a significant concern.⚠️

Forecast models suggest a mix of impacts across the region. Parts of could see heavy snow or heavy precipitation🌨️, while areas to our south may face a major ice storm. On top of that, dangerously cold temperatures are expected for nearly everyone🥶.

Because of the potential risks, the Indiana PREPared team offers a collection of educational resources to help you prepare for and safely respond to severe winter weather (https://www.purdue.edu/engineering/ABE/INPREPared/inclusive-prep/):
- Car Winter Survival Kit Checklist
- Home Emergency & "Go-Bag" Supplies
- Other Resources -
https://www.weather.gov/?_ga=2.144820212.1365342246.1769022077-1846421146.1769022077

Please help spread the word—being prepared can make all the difference. 🧤❄️

01/16/2026

Simple blocks, powerful learning. 🧱Block play helps children explore, create, and learn together. Thanks to a partnership between Health and Human Sciences Extension and Early Learning Indiana, Block Party trainings are supporting early learning staff across . A great example of collaboration, regional strategy, and workforce development in action!

Purdue Extension - Boone County
Purdue Extension - Howard County
Purdue Extension - Monroe County
Purdue Extension-White County

01/15/2026

There are some pretty cold temps in the next few days. Warming shelters and centers are open across for anyone needing relief from the cold. Shelters offer a safe place to warm up or stay overnight. For help, call 2-1-1.
Find locations here:
🔗 https://bit.ly/4pw3tWu

🔗 https://bit.ly/3ME79qG

PLEASE SHARE: Warming shelters and centers are open across Indiana for any Hoosier who needs to get out of the cold.

Shelters are a safe place for anyone needing to get out of the cold for a few hours or to stay overnight. Hoosiers who need additional assistance can call 2-1-1.

DHS warming center map: https://bit.ly/4pw3tWu
Indiana 211 warming center map: https://bit.ly/3ME79qG

NOTE: Not all centers are shown on this map, please click the links above for more details.

01/14/2026

The rate of drug overdose deaths among teens remains higher than it was before the pandemic, and the percentage of those deaths involving fentanyl has risen from 2.7% in 2018 to 80.8% in 2023. The first steps for keeping teens safe from overdose are to recognize the risks and signs, as well as understand how to talk about substance use.

Learn more about this important topic through 's Substance Use Education Video Series, available for free at: https://extension.purdue.edu/hhs/health/programs/substance-use-education-series.html -1-parents

01/13/2026

The 2025 Impact Report is out! 🎉

Discover how research-based education is making a difference across - from agriculture 🌾 and 4-H youth development 🍀 to health 💛, Community resilience 🤝, and preparing for the future. Check out the full report here: https://extension.purdue.edu/annualreport/index.html?fbclid=IwY2xjawPTXRpleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEerXt40YAsoQIoq_sqZIp5FPcQqKAdqs86eI8gRHj4aV8tiQu6tw7KaLAkpR0_aem_iOC2ZeDmFgX5eQgu0JGy2w

We invite you to read our 2024 Annual Impact Report to learn about some of the significant activities that Purdue Extension has led during this past year.

01/12/2026

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual—but it does come with conversations. ☕

🎙️𝘜𝘯𝘭𝘰𝘤𝘬𝘪𝘯𝘨 𝘊𝘩𝘪𝘭𝘥𝘩𝘰𝘰𝘥: 𝘊𝘰𝘧𝘧𝘦𝘦 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘊𝘰𝘯𝘷𝘦𝘳𝘴𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘗𝘢𝘳𝘦𝘯𝘵𝘴 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘌𝘹𝘱𝘦𝘳𝘵𝘴 is your go-to podcast for real talk with parents and experts about navigating the early years. Podcast debuts February 2026. Stay tuned! 🌟

01/09/2026

Ready to kick off 2026 with balanced, feel-good meals? 🥗✨

Prioritize produce + protein pairings that make busy schedules (and workout intentions! 💪😉) feel doable. Think veggie stir-fries with lean protein 🍳🥦, Greek yogurt bowls loaded with berries or produce-packed soups 🥕🍲.

Here’s 5 easy ways to add more fruits & veggies to your day 🍎🥬
👉 https://tinyurl.com/zwzhnfj3

🌱

01/08/2026

For more than 30 years, Deb Arseneau, Health & Human Sciences Educator, has been dedicated to strengthening families and improving quality of life in Newton County. 💙 When new data showed local residents faced challenges with obesity and limited recreational access, Deb saw an opportunity to make a lasting difference.

What started as an idea for an outdoor gym grew into a powerful community collaboration. 🤝 Working alongside local leaders and partners, Purdue Extension-Newton County, the Town of Morocco, Newton County, and the Jasper Newton Foundation came together to create Chris LaCosse Park - a multigenerational wellness space designed to bring people together and support healthy living 🌳🏃‍♀️
Thanks to an ambitious crowdfunding campaign and incredible community support, more than $51,000 was raised by 53 donors, unlocking $55,000 in matching funds to bring the park to life 🎉 Deb also used funds from the Since its grand opening in May 2025, the park has become a source of pride and a place for free, year-round recreation in Newton County.

Deb recently connected with Patronicity to talk about the project, the partnerships behind it, and the power of collaboration to create meaningful change. Read more below and GREAT WORK DEB!!
👇✨
https://resources.patronicity.com/blog/2025/12/patron-in-the-city-deb-arseneau/

Purdue Extension Community Development Program

01/07/2026

🤧 Flu activity is currently very high in Indiana.

Now is a great time to take extra steps to protect yourself and those around you. Remember to follow the CDC “Three C’s” to help reduce the spread of illness:

🧼 Clean – Properly wash your hands with warm, soapy water.
🤧 Cover – Cover your coughs and sneezes with your arm or a disposable tissue.
🏠 Contain – Stay home from school or work when you’re sick to help prevent the spread of germs.

💉 Also, it’s not too late to get your flu shot. Vaccination is still one of the best ways to protect yourself and reduce the risk of severe illness.

If you or a loved one are experiencing flu-like symptoms, don’t wait. Contact your healthcare provider for guidance and care.

Stay informed, stay healthy, and take care of one another! 💛🖤

Indiana Department of Health

01/05/2026

🎉 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗬𝗲𝗮𝗿, 𝗡𝗲𝘄 𝗚𝗼𝗮𝗹𝘀, 𝗦𝘁𝗿𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗲𝗿 𝗬𝗼𝘂! 🎉

Kick off the new year by focusing on what matters most: food, family, money, and health!

Health and Human Sciences provides education to individuals and communities in each of ’s diverse counties. We bring university information to the local level – both in person and online – to help people:

🥗 Eat smart
👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Build strong relationships
💰 Improve financial wellness
❤️ Live a healthier life

No matter where you are on your journey, we’re here to support you all year long!

✨ Start exploring resources and programs today! 👇🏼

Purdue Extension Health and Human Sciences provides education to individuals and communities in each of Indiana’s diverse counties. We bring university information to the local level – both in person and online – to help people strengthen relationships, eat smart, improve health, and achieve f...