We are entering our sixth month of the Modified Operating Procedure for Extension. It is encouraging that we are seeing some progress towards the goal of decreasing COVID-19 cases across the state. SC DHEC’s data indicates that local mask ordinances are helping to slow the spread.
Remember, it is also up to us to support the change in behavior to stop the spread. In order to help change others’ behavior, we must practice what we preach and demonstrate the desired behavior change. I cannot emphasize enough that you can Be a Part of the Solution to get us back to our new normal by following these four simple safety protocols:
- Wear a mask when around others.
- Social distance, even with family members you do not live with or are not in contact with regularly.
- Wash your hands often (use the 20-second rule).
- Stay home when you are sick, even if you are not sure that it is the COVID-19 virus.
We have received over a dozen submissions from Extension personnel sharing videos explaining why they wear masks and photographs of them in their masks. They are impactful. There is still time to submit videos and photographs today to dawnw@clemson.edu. Please share your message as part of our new Be a Part of the Solution campaign. We are close to the start of our state’s K-12 and University fall semesters, and it is of great importance that we not allow COVID-19 to gain a foothold again in South Carolina.
More evidence of Extension’s commitment to the health and safety of our state’s citizens is our involvement in a new mobile testing program. Dr. Michelle Parisi, along with members of the Rural Health and Nutrition Program Team have been working in partnership with the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) through the Healthy Me – Healthy SC (HMHSC) program. The program is providing mobile COVID-19 testing sites in the Midlands and Upstate regions to rural and underserved areas to increase access. Initiatives like these will make an immediate impact in our state on slowing the spread while improving the reach of education about COVID-19. It is a natural fit for Extension to be involved.
As I have stated many times before, it is crucial that Extension provides our stakeholders and legislators with impactful data resulting from your hard work. As we head into a new financial year amid discussions of the next year’s budget talks, we must continue to build on what we have accomplished during this pandemic. We are doing a great job with weekly work reports as well as keeping records in CUMIS updated. However, we cannot let up even though there are ongoing frustrations with the limited delivery methods for programming.
I am asking you to dig deeper and work harder to prove that Extension is a high ROI, that every cent invested in Extension returns significant dividends to South Carolina taxpayers. Over the past weeks, there have been several calls made to the Governor’s office and the chair of the House Agriculture, Natural Resources, and Environmental Affairs Committee from stakeholders expressing disappointment in Extension’s output, such as the lack of in-person programming. Please remember the University EOC guides us in our operations, and we are held to specific safety protocols. While it is discouraging when stakeholders express concerns with Extension’s work, it is a red flag that it is happening now when the state legislature is examining possible budget cuts in various areas. We must do everything in our power to keep Extension moving forward and go above and beyond to provide our stakeholders with the most current and well-rounded educational programs as possible within our limited options. Be hopeful, as there will be a time when we can return to more of our previous programming activities.
Please remember the Extension Town Hall Meeting is coming up this Thursday, August 20, at 10:00 a.m. through Zoom. The discussion will cover changes to our Return to Work Framework Plan, a review of the code of conduct, and Extension’s budget status. I encourage everyone who is available to listen in, but a recording of the meeting will be made available soon after. As noted in today’s e-letter Announcements section, we are changing the frequency of the Extension Employee e-letter. Going forth, the e-letter will be distributed every other week. However, if there is any relevant news or updates, we will notify everyone immediately. We will continue to provide consistent communications.
Please do your part to keep yourself and those around you safe. Be a Part of the Solution. I look forward to connecting with everyone during the Town Hall Meeting this Thursday. As always, please take good care of yourselves and your families, and thank you for what you do for Clemson Extension.
