46B-12 |
The Kansas State University Rapid Response Center: An extension agent resource for food science and human nutrition |
K. M. BLAKESLEE, Food Science Institute, Department of Animal Sciences and Industry, Kansas State University, 221 Call Hall, Manhattan, KS 66506 Since 1995, the Rapid Response Center at Kansas State University has provided support to on-campus Extension Specialists in the Food Science and Human Nutrition areas. The Center gives KSU Extension Agents throughout the state an efficient, available resource for them to answer consumer questions related to food science and human nutrition. The Center has become a vital information resource for all Kansas Extension agents. The Rapid Response Center answers questions related to food science, food safety, food preparation, and more in a timely manner using research-based information or other reliable resources. The Rapid Response Center communicates primarily by telephone and e-mail. Calls are recorded by date, county, area, caller name, position, subject, contact method, response efficiency, response method, question and answer. All information is recorded using the AskSam 3.0 Professional edition database program. Information is tracked monthly, quarterly and yearly, and reported to administrators using Excel. Frequent questions lead to programming decisions and web pages. Primary users are Family and Consumer Science agents and county office professionals. From January 2000 through October 2001, the Center received 2,470 calls. Common questions are in food safety (17.4%), home food preservation (19.9%), and home food preparation (28.3%). Of all calls, 97% were answered within 24 hours. The Rapid Response Center is a valuable resource for all Kansas Extension agents. It is especially useful for new agents and for counties with one or no agent. The coordinator maintains four web sites and participates in new agent training, gives presentations, and helps teach classes. A rapid response center has also been created in the KSU Horticulture Department. It can be a valuable addition to any university Extension program, providing information to county faculty, and freeing up time for on-campus faculty.
Session 46B, Extension
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