Video producers from the Department of Innovative Media Research and Extension (IMRE) and content specialists from the Department of Extension Family and Consumer Sciences (EFCS) teamed up to create a five-part video testimonial series to promote vaccination among the New Mexico agricultural workforce.
EFCS graduate research student Cecilia Mendez interviewed several dairy employees who chose to receive the COVID-19 vaccine and become immunized against the infectious coronavirus disease. The hope is that others will find these perspectives relatable and be encouraged to take advantage of future vaccination opportunities.
The video testimonials were produced for the “Vaccinate with Confidence” communication campaign, part of the Extension Collaborative on Immunization Teaching and Engagement (EXCITE). Dr. Sonja Koukel, Extension Health Specialist and Associate Department Head for EFCS, said, “The goal of the campaign is to reduce fears related to the COVID-19 vaccine and share positive messages that will motivate others to get immunized.” Responses were given in Spanish, so English subtitles were added to reach non-Spanish speakers.
Dr. Robert Hagevoort, Extension Dairy Specialist for the Department of Extension Animal Science & Natural Resources, was instrumental in organizing this video production and plans to add the videos to his outreach curriculum. Hagevoort said, “All throughout the pandemic, NMSU Dairy Extension has tried to quickly and concisely provide the most up-to-date information to dairy producers and their workforce. In turn, producers are conduits of this pertinent information. I think the videos speak clearly to that.”
The videos are a result of the combined efforts of the NM Cooperative Extension Service and the New Mexico Department of Health. John Kutinac, NMDOH Health Promotion Program Manager, said, “Working with NMSU Extension through the EXCITE project has been rewarding. Extension plays such an important role in educating and linking our communities to resources. Collaborating, sharing resources, and working as a team is essential to reaching all corners of our diverse population here in New Mexico.”
Funding for this project was provided through an Interagency Agreement (IAA) with the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture (NIFA) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Award No 2021-77041-34831.
To view the videos, please visit any of these sites:
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Written by: Art Ruiloba, Video Production Specialist, and Tomilee Turner, Video Unit Manager, Innovative Media Research and Extension.