Many of the factors that affect agricultural production are largely beyond the control of the producer. Good health, including mental health, is a key factor that contributes to one's ability to keep farming.

Twenty percent of any population has mental health complications, including farmers and ranchers. Stigma and privacy concerns associated with mental health issues may mean that many people do not seek out available behavioral health services.

In support of Mental Health Awareness Month, AgriSafe Network would like to recommend Mental Health and the Impact of Wellness for Farm Families (click here).

Key components of this resource include-  Symptoms of Poor Mental Health, Factors Impacting Wellness, Warning Signs, When to Speak to your Provider, and Where to Seek Help.

Vermont Provider Training

The last week of April was an exciting week for health and safety professionals who attended the  Agricultural Medicine and Occupational Safety Training Certificate Course   in Middlebury, Vermont. The Vermont Farm Health Task Force offered this interdisciplinary training for Primary Care and Emergency Services practitioners, Chiropractors, EMTs, Phamacists, Physical Therapists, Social Workers, Behavioral Health clinicians, Public Health and Department of Labor specialists, Veterinarians, and other Agricultural Professionals serving rural areas. 

As the Clinical Director of AgriSafe Network, my role was to focus on integrating the information learned in this extensive course into existing health services.   During the on farm visit, participants were provided with a  demonstration of personal protective equipment, and a review of AgriSafe online resources including our agricultural online health risk assessment (AgHRA).   Participatory learning through the use of case studies created an interactive learning environment.  

Learn more about how to attend an upcoming AgroMedicine Core Course.

Carolyn Sheridan , RN, BSN

Ms. Knesha Rose to the team at AgriSafe Network as the Health Communications Coordinator. 

Ms. Rose  shall provide health communication, leadership, implementation, and coordination of AgriSafe initiatives. She will coordinate the development and production of timely marketing communications materials that build consistent brand identity and support strategic goals.

Ms. Rose has over 10 years of public health experience with organizations such as  Alzheimer's Association and March of Dimes. Ms. Rose attended Northern Illinois University in DeKalb, IL and obtained a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences /Chemistry (2002) and a Master of Public Health in Health Promotion (2006).  

Ms.Rose is excited to join AgriSafe Network with close family ties to farming in

Phillips County, AR.  S he will be based in our offices located in Covington, Louisiana. 

Welcome Aboard! 

 

Presenter: Charlotte Halverson, BSN, COHN-S, AgriSafe Network 

Cost: $30.00 (free with AgriSafe member coupon)

May 27, 2016 - 12-1pm CDT

Health Disparities of Immigrant Workers in Agriculture

Presenter: Marc Schenker, MD, MPH,  University of California at Davis

Cost: Free and open to the public

June 8, 2016 - 12-1pm CDT

Risk Factors for Agricultural Injury

Member Wine and Cheese Social Hour

During the International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health (ISASH) 2016 Annual Conference in Lexington, KY; AgriSafe Network will host a  Wine and Cheese Member Social 

on Tuesday June 28, 2016 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm. 

Members- will receive an electronic invitation with details by mid June. 

Not a member of AgriSafe Network? 

Join Today!

According to the World Health Organization, more than half of all human pathogens are zoonotic and have represented nearly all of all emerging pathogens during the past decade.

Farmers and farm workers have higher levels of risk for contracting zoonotic diseases because of the frequency of their exposure to animals. Prevention is the best defense. Understanding how the disease transmission process works, building a team and effectively communicating within that team are essential in preventing the spread of zoonotic disease.