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This past quarter has been a dynamic and productive time for the Department of Family & Community Health Sciences (FCHS) in Mercer County. Ricardo Kairios, FCHS County Agent III/Assistant Professor, continues to center his work on advancing food security, supporting community wellness, and strengthening systems that improve access to health resources. Below are key highlights, collaborations, and ongoing opportunities for community engagement.
Advancing Health, Research, and Community Impact
Supporting County Health Priorities
FCHS remains deeply engaged in countywide health planning efforts. This quarter, I continued to serve as Co-Chair of the Access to Wellness Workgroup within the Mercer County Community Health Improvement Plan (CHIP) in collaboration with the Greater Mercer Public Health Partnership. Through this role, I have:
- Convened and facilitated stakeholder meetings
- Organized cross-sector discussions to improve access to health and wellness resources
- Strengthened partnerships among community organizations, healthcare providers, and local agencies
These efforts are helping to build a more coordinated and inclusive approach to wellness across Mercer County.
Contributing to Scholarly Research and Publications
Research continues to be a central component of my work, ensuring Extension programming is grounded in evidence and contributes to broader academic and applied knowledge. This quarter:
- Three manuscripts were submitted to peer-reviewed journals
- Three additional manuscripts are currently in development
These publications focus on topics including urban agriculture, linguistic equity in agriculture, and an introduction to social prescribing, helping to elevate Mercer County’s work at the national level.
Presentations at State and National Conferences
Sharing our work beyond the county remains a priority. This quarter, I had the opportunity to present at both state and national venues:
- Rutgers Cooperative Extension 2026 conference
- New Jersey Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Annual Meeting
- National Urban Extension Conference
These presentations highlighted our work in food systems, community health, and inclusive engagement strategies, while also bringing back new ideas and best practices to strengthen local programming.
Investing in Student Success and Workforce Development
Supporting the next generation of public health and nutrition professionals is a key mission of Extension. These experiential learning opportunities help students build competencies in real-world community settings while strengthening our program capacity. This quarter, I:
- Hosted multiple dietetic interns
- Provided hands-on training in community nutrition, program planning, and evaluation
- Offered mentorship in applied research and Extension practice
- Provided multiple guest lectures to nutrition and public policy students
Ongoing Programs and Resources for the Community
FCHS continues to provide accessible, evidence-based resources to support residents in improving their health and well-being.
Wellness Wednesday Webinar Series
Our weekly Wellness Wednesday webinars remain a cornerstone of outreach, offering practical, research-informed guidance on topics such as:
- Nutrition and healthy eating
- Chronic disease prevention
- Physical activity and mobility
- Mental health and stress management
I have been actively contributing to webinar development and delivery, helping ensure content remains relevant, engaging, and responsive to community needs.
Rutgers Cooperative Extension Fact Sheets
We continue to develop and share fact sheets that provide concise, actionable information on a range of health topics. These resources are designed to support individuals, families, and community partners with reliable guidance they can easily implement.
- Community Engagement Through an Intersectional Lens
- Food Allergies
- Dialects, Identity & Health Equity in Hispanic Communities
FCHS “Visions” Newsletter
Our Visions Newsletter highlights ongoing programs, success stories, and emerging initiatives across FCHS. Contributions this quarter have focused on community health innovations and local engagement efforts.
Looking Ahead
FCHS remains committed to improving health outcomes and strengthening community resilience across Mercer County. As we move into the next quarter, priorities include:
- Expanding partnerships within the Mercer County health ecosystem
- Advancing research dissemination and publication efforts
- Continuing student mentorship and workforce development
- Enhancing outreach through accessible, community-centered programming
Stay Connected
If you’d like to learn more, collaborate, or participate in upcoming programs, please feel free to reach out to Ricardo! For more information and to access our resources: