Educator seeking to address challenges

Jay County Purdue Extension Office’s newest employee is looking to help tackle some of their area’s biggest challenges.

Amanda Bullion, who started June 8 as the office’s health and human sciences educator, said census data indicates Jay County has a diabetes problem that needs to be addressed.

Through business partnerships and educational campaigns, Bullion wants to help diabetic patients and educate those who may be at-risk of developing the disease before it’s too late.

She also wants to help expand the mental health services available in the area while helping educate residents on symptoms of depression, anxiety and other mental health illnesses, disorders and diagnosis.

“I’m still learning a lot,” Bullion, a Muncie native, said about her new job and the county.

Prior to her starting at the office, Bullion had limited exposure to Jay County. She has, however, spent plenty of time in the area.

Bullion grew up in Allen and Delaware counties, went to school in Delaware County and completed her student-teaching in Adams County.

She fills a position previously occupied by Cherry Brown. Bullion’s position was upgraded from part-time to full-time when she was hired, giving her plenty of opportunity to tackle pressing problems in the area.

Bullion also assists in the office’s efforts in food sustainability, finance and overall health wellness.

She said the viral pandemic affects how the office’s campaigns reach the community, specifically residents without internet access.

From a financial standpoint, the pandemic has also limited Jay County residents’ ability to be financially independent.

Bullion also noted the uniqueness of starting a job in the midst of a viral pandemic. Her interview for the job was through a video meeting and she wasn’t sure if she was going to be able to actually work in the office when she was hired.

Until recently, she wasn’t actually able to have face-to-face meetings with members of the community, limiting her exposure to the community she serves.

Her expertise is in family and consumer sciences, which she taught at Wes-Del Community Schools and earned a degree in at Ball State University.

Though her current position is different from teaching in the classroom, she appreciates that her job always keeps her on her toes.

“It’s something new everyday,” Bullion said.