Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health Pilot/Feasibility Projects Academic Track Grants is sponsored by Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health. This program supports academic/scientific investigators and those newly interested in agricultural safety and health research.

GPCAH Pilot Grants | Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health GPCAH Pilot Grant Program Spring 2026 Th e Center funds pilot projects (up to $30,000 per project) intended to promote innovative outreach and research efforts to prevent agricultural injury and illness. The pilot program supports both community-based organizations and academic researchers, especially new investigators and trainees.

Projects must target agricultural injury and illness prevention to help improve safety and health among agricultural communities in our Midwest region. Proposals addressing mental health, chemical safety, equipment/tool safety, and prevention of slips, trips, and falls are especially encouraged in the 2026-27 application cycle.

However, any topic of relevance to the GPCAH mission and/or NIOSH priority goals for the Agriculture, Forestry, and Fishing industry sector is welcome. GPCAH recognizes the need to enhance interest in agricultural safety and health among promising new investigators (including graduate students and new professionals). Such investigators are encouraged to apply with more experienced scientists as co-investigators or advisors.

Academic track projects should have a specific scientific hypothesis and should aim to advance the state of scientific knowledge relevant to the prevention of agricultural illness and injury. Deadline for both academic and community track applications is at 8:00 AM CST on June 8, 2026. Questions?

Email: jennifer-j-patterson@uiowa. edu . Community Pilot Grant RFP and Information The GPCAH is dedicated to protecting the health and safety of farmers, ranchers, farm workers, their families, and agricultural community members in the Midwest and beyond.

The GPCAH is funded by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which is a unit of the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. We conduct basic and applied research, offer education, training and outreach, and translate research results into effective ways to prevent work-related injury and illness in agriculture .

Our pilot grant program supports research projects that address hazards relevant to farmers and farm workers in our 9-state region (IA, IL, IN, KS, NE, MO, MN, OH, & WI). We especially encourage projects addressing work-related stress and mental health, the prevention of slips/trips/falls and other traumatic injuries, and chemical safety.

Community-track pilot project directors are typically staff members of organizations with established connections to agricultural workforces who propose to develop, implement, and/or evaluate evidence-based agricultural safety and health intervention or outreach/education programs.

Recent community-track pilot grant topics include respiratory protection training to prevent illness among agricultural workers, suicide prevention training within Iowa’s agricultural community, and podcasts focusing on mental health and farm stress.

When requested in the Project Concept / Letter of Intent, we will make efforts to link applicant organizations with appropriate academic specialists within the GPCAH to promote collaboration between research institutions and community organizations and to assist in the development of successful applications.

Academic/scholarly research pilot grants Potential recipients include students, staff, and faculty at the University of Iowa who are creating new agricultural safety and health knowledge and/or assessing and promoting best safety and health practices. Basic and applied research projects will be reviewed for scientific merit.

Community outreach/education pilot grants Community-track pilot project directors are typically staff members of organizations with established connections to agricultural workforces who propose to develop, implement, and/or evaluate evidence-based agricultural safety and health intervention or outreach/education programs.

Recent community-track pilot grant topics include respiratory protection training to prevent illness among agricultural workers, suicide prevention training within Iowa’s agricultural community, and podcasts focusing on mental health and farm stress.

Academic Pilot Grant Awardees 2025-2026 Evaluating the Early Impact of Designating Emergency Medical Services (EMS) as an Essential Service on Trauma Care Outcomes among Farm Injuries in Iowa (S.

Ramanathan, PhD Student, Department of Health Management and Policy, University of Iowa) The proposed pilot study will examine the early effects of Iowa’s 2021 EMS essential service legislation on trauma care outcomes among farm injury patients using the Iowa State Trauma Registry (ISTR).

The results of this study will provide empirical evidence on how strengthening EMS systems through local essential service designations impact emergency response and care delivery for farm-related injuries. Fungal Keratitis in Rural Iowa: Agricultural Risk, Clinical Impact, and Genomic Insights From a 15-Year Retrospective Study (T.

Kang, PhD Student, Department of Epidemiology, University of Iowa) Fungal keratitis (FK) is a serious eye infection that often causes visual impairment or blindness despite treatment. In the United States, approximately 6% of one million annual keratitis cases are fungal. Rural communities and agricultural workers face disproportionate risk due to corneal injuries from fungus-contaminated plant debris.

However, FK remains under recognized in agricultural states like Iowa. This pilot project will retrospectively analyze 15 years (2009–2024) of FK cases at the University of Iowa Health Care (UIHC) to characterize epidemiology, clinical implications, antifungal susceptibility testing (AfST) results, and fungal species involved.

This project includes whole genome sequencing (WGS) of Iowa FK isolates for comparison with strains from other regions. As FK characteristics have never been correlated with WGS and clinical implications, this study anticipates contributing to improved diagnosis and optimal treatment for Iowans, particularly farmers and rural residents, thereby enhancing agricultural safety and rural health.

An Evaluation of Farm Related Injuries Among Anticoagulation Users in Iowa (S. Lee, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa) This project aims to address the high risk of traumatic injuries among agricultural workers, particularly those on anticoagulation therapy.

From 2011 to 2015, farmers experienced an average injury incidence rate of 7 injuries per 100 operators annually, with the most frequent injuries involving livestock, machinery, and hand tools. The study intends to determine the prevalence and severity of these injuries, especially in those on anticoagulation therapy, which increases the risk of severe hemorrhage.

By utilizing data from the Iowa State Trauma registry, the research will evaluate the injury burden for those who were anticoagulated, and compare outcomes between those who received early anticoagulation reversal treatment and those who did not.

The primary goals are to estimate the current injury burden and evaluate the impact of early reversal therapy on survival rates, ultimately aiming to develop evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality among this high-risk population. Understanding the emission and atmospheric transport of airborne antibiotic resistance genes on farms during the manure spreading and hauling activities (K.

Lin, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University). Exposure to antibiotic resistant genes can lead to the development of resistance to antibiotics. Little is known about the emission of airborne ARGs from agricultural activities such as manure spreading and hauling.

This study aims to identify and quantify airborne ARGs emission from these activities by collecting air and manure samples from two university farms and analyze for ARGs concentrations.

The specific aims are (1) to characterize the seasonal pattern of airborne ARGs on university farms; (2) to identify and quantify the emission of airborne ARGs from agricultural activities; and (3) to explore potential approaches to reduce airborne ARGs release by elucidating the associations between ARGs in air and manure samples.

This study seeks to provide critical insights into the mechanisms of ARG dissemination in agricultural environments and offer practical solutions to mitigate the associated public health risks. The anticipated outcomes will contribute to the scientific understanding of AMR spread and support policy development and implementation of effective control measures. Conversations about Safety: Protecting Young Farm Workers (A.

Proctor, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa). The safety of young farm workers is a long-standing concern for agricultural communities. This study aims to understand how farm safety information is transmitted through parent-youth interactions, including training, supervision, modeling behaviors, and conversations.

We will interview parent-adolescent dyads to assess their likelihood of engaging in farm safety behaviors and identify motivators that influence their decision-making. We will also compare parent and youth behaviors and perspectives through a farm safety scenario, examining interactions to determine what actions should be taken.

Using the Extended Parallel Processing Model as a framework, the study’s goal is to gather data on whether Iowa youth and parents share similar perceptions of farm-related injury severity and susceptibility, as well as their efficacy in responding to farm safety solutions. By understanding these factors, we can identify strategies to enhance youth farm worker safety knowledge through parental guidance and information provision.

Academic Pilot Grant Awardees 2024-2025 An Evaluation of Farm Related Injuries Among Anticoagulation Users in Iowa (S. Lee, Department of Emergency Medicine, University of Iowa) This project aims to address the high risk of traumatic injuries among agricultural workers, particularly those on anticoagulation therapy.

From 2011 to 2015, farmers experienced an average injury incidence rate of 7 injuries per 100 operators annually, with the most frequent injuries involving livestock, machinery, and hand tools. The study intends to determine the prevalence and severity of these injuries, especially in those on anticoagulation therapy, which increases the risk of severe hemorrhage.

By utilizing data from the Iowa State Trauma registry, the research will evaluate the injury burden for those who were anticoagulated, and compare outcomes between those who received early anticoagulation reversal treatment and those who did not.

The primary goals are to estimate the current injury burden and evaluate the impact of early reversal therapy on survival rates, ultimately aiming to develop evidence-based strategies to improve outcomes and reduce morbidity and mortality among this high-risk population. Understanding the emission and atmospheric transport of airborne antibiotic resistance genes on farms during the manure spreading and hauling activities (K.

Lin, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Michigan State University). Exposure to antibiotic resistant genes can lead to the development of resistance to antibiotics. Little is known about the emission of airborne ARGs from agricultural activities such as manure spreading and hauling.

This study aims to identify and quantify airborne ARGs emission from these activities by collecting air and manure samples from two university farms and analyze for ARGs concentrations.

The specific aims are (1) to characterize the seasonal pattern of airborne ARGs on university farms; (2) to identify and quantify the emission of airborne ARGs from agricultural activities; and (3) to explore potential approaches to reduce airborne ARGs release by elucidating the associations between ARGs in air and manure samples.

This study seeks to provide critical insights into the mechanisms of ARG dissemination in agricultural environments and offer practical solutions to mitigate the associated public health risks. The anticipated outcomes will contribute to the scientific understanding of AMR spread and support policy development and implementation of effective control measures. Conversations about Safety: Protecting Young Farm Workers (A.

Proctor, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa). The safety of young farm workers is a long-standing concern for agricultural communities. This study aims to understand how farm safety information is transmitted through parent-youth interactions, including training, supervision, modeling behaviors, and conversations.

We will interview parent-adolescent dyads to assess their likelihood of engaging in farm safety behaviors and identify motivators that influence their decision-making. We will also compare parent and youth behaviors and perspectives through a farm safety scenario, examining interactions to determine what actions should be taken.

Using the Extended Parallel Processing Model as a framework, the study’s goal is to gather data on whether Iowa youth and parents share similar perceptions of farm-related injury severity and susceptibility, as well as their efficacy in responding to farm safety solutions. By understanding these factors, we can identify strategies to enhance youth farm worker safety knowledge through parental guidance and information provision.

Pilot project to learn farmworkers’ and farm labor supervisors’ perspectives on protective work clothing for heat safety (G. Gracia, M. Acosta, Department of Occupational Health and Sciences, University of Illinois, Chicago; M Martin, P.

Monaghan, Department of Agricultural Education and Communication, University of Florida). Farmworkers (FWs) are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses (HRI) and skin cancer due to sun and heat exposure, high intensity work, and complex socio-ecological factors from the individual to the policy level. Heat safety guidelines recommend clothing that is loose fitting and light colored to reflect heat.

Inappropriate workwear can increase the heat and UV burden on workers. Workers’ clothing selection is driven by their perception of risk, the availability of inexpensive and durable workwear, and cultural and personal beliefs.

This pilot will use key informant interviews and focus groups with FWs and farm labor supervisors (FLSs) to determine: 1) how diverse organizational hierarchies affect heat safety practices, 2) barriers to the uptake of heat- and sun-protective clothing, and 3) intervention approaches to promote the adoption of clothing that protects workers from HRI and UV.

This work will provide information and a track record for a larger regional grant proposal. The impact of working conditions on immune function and respiratory health of Illinois seasonal and migrant farmworkers. (J.

Brinkworth, Department of Anthropology University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign; J. Shaw Department of Anthropology University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign) This project investigates the impact of seasonal farmwork labor conditions in Illinois on worker respiratory health. Farmworkers have a higher risk of asthma and COPD than the general population.

Both social stress and environmental factors contribute to asthma and COPD pathogenesis and flares. Seasonal farmworkers and community members will voluntarily complete surveys on their mental and respiratory health, and provide spirometric and immune measures of lung function, alongside a clothing dust sample for analysis.

The goal of the study is to determine how the combined environmental and social conditions of seasonal farmwork impact worker respiratory health. The results will identify interventions that workers can take in work and personal settings to lower their risk of chronic respiratory illness. Safety and Health on Automating Dairies: An Exploration (SHADE) (M.

Comi National Farm Medicine Center, Marshfield Clinic Research Institute). This project uses qualitative methods to investigate farm operator and worker approaches to and experiences with automation in the dairy industry.

As the proposal notes, automation is often uncritically presumed to be a benefit, or at least neutral, to health and safety outcomes; however, a critical STS approach will help us better understand the intersections between behaviors and technology and the potential impacts on worker health and safety.

Application of an innovative, kinematics-based risk of falls assessment method to examine slips, trips, and falls in the agricultural sectors – a methodology validation study. (T. Xia Department of Mechanical Engineering, Northern Illinois University).

Slips, trips, and falls (STFs) is a major risk for fatal and non-fatal injuries in the agricultural sectors where unsafe floor conditions are common. Additionally, weight carrying has been identified as a main risk factor for STF. We will validate an innovative, kinematics-based risk of falls (RoF) assessment method using weight carrying tasks on simulated unsafe floor conditions.

Additionally, occupational exoskeletons (OccExos) have been developed to increase productivity and reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly related to weight carrying. However, few studies investigated OccExo use under unsafe floor conditions. Therefore, OccExo use will be utilized as a testing case to further validate the proposed methodology.

Once validated, this innovative methodology can serve as a testing platform for several applications including but not limited to the understanding of RoF in varying worker populations and personal protection equipment testing, which ultimately helps to reduce STF-related injuries and fatalities in the agricultural sectors. Identifying circumstances leading to suicide for farming, fishing, and forestry workers.

(J Davis, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa). The objective of this project is to identify the circumstances that lead to death by suicide of farming, fishing, and forestry workers, which is an essential next step towards reducing suicide risk for this population.

The hypothesis to be tested is that a lack of mental health treatment disproportionately contributes to farming, fishing, and forestry worker suicide compared to other workers. The approach to test this hypothesis will be identifying farming, fishing, and forestry workers in National Violent Death Reporting System Data and comparing previous mental health treatment with other workers.

The findings will positively impact suicide prevention efforts by providing essential information about suicide etiology. These contributions will be significant because they provide data-driven justification for policies that improve mental health for farming, fishing, and forestry workers.

Uncounted and Invisible: the lives and health of H-2A workers in Ohio (A Kline, Department of Geography, The Ohio State University) This project will survey H-2A workers to improve our understanding of their demographics, health characteristics, and healthcare access.

We will characterize how health, healthcare access and safety of H-2A workers in Ohio are influenced by geography, labor arrangements, and self-reported working conditions along with other demographics. Academic Pilot Grant Awardees 2020-2021 We funded three academic proposals in 2020-21, one addresses mental health (a priority area), while the other looks at the important topic of respiratory protection.

Understanding how to collaborate with cooperative extension to disseminate agricultural safety and health programs and information: a mixed-methods study (N Kapur, Purdue University). Increasingly, Extension Educators convene community health coalitions and connect communities to public health faculty. Because they are members of the community, they have success translating science to communities.

The purpose of this study was to support future partnerships with Extension Educators by understanding their current practices, assessing the feasibility of a partnership, and identifying potential barriers and facilitators.

Examining the role of agricultural cooperatives in protecting farmers’ mental health (Y Liang, Occupational and Environment Health, University of Iowa) Stress, depression, and suicide have been reported among farmers. Cooperatives provide farmer-members market stability, technical support, and support networks but the effects of these programs on mental health are not well understood.

Non-cooperative farmers may use similar programs from farmer support organizations, agricultural extension offices, and agribusiness. This project will examine associations between variables describing cooperative membership, social support, and programs accessed and outcome variables capturing levels of stress and depression.

Preventing workplace injury in pig production systems: applying behavior change interventions for safe animal handling (J Rudolphi, Agricultural and Biological Engineering, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign) The Impact of Drought Conditions on Occupational Psychosocial Stress among a Midwest Farmers Cohort (Jesse D. Berman, Div.

of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Public Health; Jesse E Bell, PhD, Dept. of Environmental, Agricultural, and Occupational Health, University of Nebraska Medical Center; Marizen Ramirez, PhD, Div. of Environmental Health Sciences, University of Minnesota School of Public Health; Nathan Fethke, PhD, Dept.

of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health; Fredric Gerr, MD, Dept. of Occupational and Environmental Health, University of Iowa College of Public Health Drought is considered the most far-reaching natural disaster, yet our understanding of droughts public health impacts is inadequate and incomplete.

Increased psychological stress is among the most notable drought-related health consequence and agricultural workers are considered increasingly vulnerable to drought conditions Their occupational and economic reliance on water, combined with often limited access to mental health care, places them at greater risk.

Despite their vulnerability, we are aware of no studies examining the effects of drought on measures of psychosocial stress among U.S. agricultural populations. Our project will use an existing survey of 518 Midwestern farmers across a 40 year period and apply a case-crossover longitudinal study design to estimate the association between drought conditions and occupational psychosocial stress.

We hypothesize an association between measures of drought and occupational psychosocial stress among farmers. The results will fill an important research gap and inform resilience strategies to reduce environmentally mediated stress among agricultural workers. Hydrogen Sulfide Exposure and Impact on Swine Barn Dust Induced Lung Inflammation (C Charavaryamath, Iowa State University Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ames IA).

Swine barn workers are exposed to various airborne occupational contaminants and report respiratory symptoms and many long-term health effects. The impact of low-grade hydrogen sulfide gas on the lung’s innate immunity is unknown. This study involves toxicological laboratory studies in mouse models to identify how hydrogen sulfide gases impact the lung’s innate response to bacteria.

Noise-Induced Hearing Loss (NIHL) Simulation and Hearing Protection Device Fit Testing (J Gibbs, M Cheyney, University of Iowa, Dept of Occupational and Environmental Health, R Meschner, S Klemuk, University of Iowa, Dept of Communication Sciences and Disorders/Audiology). This team (a) designed a NIHL simulator for use at outreach events and (b) examined how well hearing protection fits farmers (E-A-R fit™ validation test).

Fit test data show most farmers achieved better personal attenuation using ‘Push-In’ style ear plugs than with formable foam style ear plugs despite the higher manufacturer-reported Noise Reduction Ratings for formable foam plugs. This study provided preliminary data for additional funding and will lead to a scientific publication and recommendations for changes to hearing conservation recommendations among agricultural workers.

Occupational Safety and Health Prevention among Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers in Iowa ( A Johannes, University of Iowa, Dept of Occupational and Environmental Health – graduate student).

In collaboration with Proteus, Inc. (a nonprofit organization that provides healthcare to migrant farmworkers), study investigators examined injuries and illnesses, healthcare-seeking behavior, and use of prevention measures among 70 migrant and seasonal farmworkers. Less than 40% of survey respondents reported receiving information on any common health problem from their doctor, employer, or elsewhere.

Participants requested more information on prevention, management, and treatment of these health concerns. These results have been shared with employers and Proteus staff. Identifying Job Demands and Health Outcomes among Iowa Beginning Farmers (M Ramaswamy, University of Iowa, Dept of Occupational and Environmental Health – graduate student).

Study personnel estimated associations between (a) physical and psychosocial demands and (b) general and musculoskeletal health status and acute injury occurrences among 98 beginning farmers. Women and men differed significantly with respect to exposure to certain physical demands. Men reported higher exposure to holding powered equipment with hands (median [IQR]: 3.

0[1. 9-3. 6], men; 2.

0 [1. 0-3. 0], women) as well as using manual tools (median [IQR]: 3.

6[3. 0-5. 0], men; 2.

5 [1. 0-3. 2], women).

Participants reported occurrence of musculoskeletal pain over the past 12 months, with 62% reporting pain in the neck/shoulder region, 45% in the elbow/hand/wrist region, and 69% in the low back region. Increasing the Use of Hearing Protection among Young Adult Swine Confinement Workers (J Rudolphi, University of Iowa, Department of Occupational and Environmental Health – graduate student).

This project examined safe behavior (hearing protection use) and differences between 72 young study adult swine production workers who used smart-phone tracking with and without daily goals for hearing protection use. After completing the baseline survey, all participants were mailed hearing protection kits. Instructions for downloading and using a smartphone app to log behaviors was sent to participants in the two intervention groups.

The greatest increase in reported hearing protection use was in the intervention with goal group, who reported a mean use increase of 47%. The intervention without goal group reported a mean increase of 42% and the control group reported a mean increase of 32%. Effect of Elevated Carbon Dioxide on Lung Inflammation in Barn Dust Instilled Mice (D Schneberger, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, NE).

The investigators tested co-exposures of mice to both barn dust extracts and an atmosphere with 5000 ppm CO 2 . Although no changes were noted with CO 2 exposure in the absence of barn dust, the addition of CO 2 to barn dust was associated with an increase in inflammatory markers in comparison to barn dust alone.

These results provide evidence that controlling CO 2 concentrations in swine barns may prevent respiratory inflammation among swine workers. These results led to an American Thoracic Society presentation, additional funding, and a peer-reviewed publication. Determining the mechanisms and outcomes of ATV crashes among high-risk groups in the Great Plains Region (C Jennissen, G Denning, K Harland, University of Iowa, Dept.

of Emergency Medicine, Iowa City, IA). This project compiled 1996-2012 Iowa FACE data and nine state press clipping data to identify factors associated with agricultural ATV/UTV crashes. Data were compiled for academic publication and results have led to further funding from the Kohls Foundation ( Kohls Cares) for community ATV/UTV safety outreach activities.

Genetic variation in endotoxin receptors and their association with COPD phenotypes (T LeVan, J Merchant, & K Kelly, University of Iowa, Dept. of Occupational and Environmental Health, Iowa City, IA). Using stored blood samples of Keokuk County Rural Health Cohort participants, a nested case-control study examined the relationship between COPD and specific single nucleotide polymorphisms.

A previously unknown association between COPD and HHIP polymorphisms rs13118928 and rs1542725 was observed. The results have been published in the academic literature. A tractor rollover detection and emergency reporting system (A Bulent Koc, W Downs, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO).

Project investigators developed the first rollover detection sensor system with a Bluetooth connection to iPhone/iPad. This technology was shared with the ASABE and resulted in two scholarly publications. Researchers provided demonstrations to more than 1600 individuals at events sponsored by the Cattlemen Association, Pork Producers Association, and the Missouri State Fair.

More than 50 media stories covered these events. One of the academic papers resulting from this project also was awarded “Best Paper” recognition at the 2013 International Society for Agricultural Safety and Health Conference. Metagenomics and Staphylococcus Aureus Colonization in Livestock Workers (Kates, A.

University of Iowa, Dept. of Epidemiology, Iowa City, IA – graduate student). Study investigators are examining the nasal microbiome of 33 non-livestock and 26 livestock workers in order to compare those with aureus colonization to those without S.

aureus colonization to identify risk factors for this outcome. All RNA sequencing and spa typing has been completed, and data are currently being analyzed. Identifying agricultural behaviors of Iowa’s young farmers (J Rudolphi, University of Iowa, Dept of Occupational and Environmental Health – graduate student).

An online survey was completed by 222 young farmers and showed that young female farmers reported safer work practices than young male farmers. In addition, the study found a strong link between workplace policies and safer work practices. A manuscript is in development.

Community Pilot Grant Awardees 2024-2025 Developing Iowa Farmers Union Peer Network (A. Lehman and J. Lawrence, Iowa Farmers Union).

The project goal is to decrease the negative impact of stress and anxiety issues for farmers. Many Iowa farmers are accustomed to working long hours alone. When the farmer does open-up and reach out to someone about conditions and feelings of stress and anxiety, more than likely, it will be with another farmer, and often before he or she talks to a family member.

Iowa Farmers Union believes by training our farmer members to recognize the symptoms of stress and anxiety they will be able to help other farmers find ways to deal with their feelings and to connect these farmers to trained members of the mental health community. This proposal aims to develop, implement, and evaluate evidence-based agricultural safety and health intervention through outreach and education programs.

The project works through peer-to-peer interaction to decrease the negative impact of stress and anxiety issues for farmers and rural residents and intends to decrease the occurrence of farmer suicides.

Respiratory protection training following COVID-19: Developing and testing interactive educational resources in the ag health and safety classroom (C Sheridan, Ag Health and Safety Alliance) In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, researchers at US AFF Centers and NIOSH/CDC worked together to generate a plethora of evidence-based guidance for agricultural workers on how to deal with potential PPE shortages and plan for similar events.

The overall goal of this proposal is to develop three new evidence-based interactive infographic resources about respirator use in agriculture, strategies to address current or future PPE shortages, and proper use/prolonged storage of N95 respirators, following the pandemic. These resources will be piloted among ~230 agricultural students, health care professionals, and safety managers.

Evaluation results will be used to revise the resources for broader, national use and to construct an academic paper for an outreach publication. We believe that after engaging with these resources, participants will be more prepared to address respiratory health challenges and PPE shortages in similar future crisis or public health emergencies. Stress on the Farm: Strategies to Help Each Other (David N.

Brown, PhD, LMFT, CFLE, Behavioral Health State Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach and Chad Hart, PhD, Associate Professor, Dept. of Economics, Iowa State University & Grain Markets Specialist, Iowa State University Extension and Outreach). This pilot project will provide a culturally relevant suicide prevention “‘gatekeeper” training to the agricultural community in Iowa.

The project anticipates providing at least fifty interactive “gatekeeper” suicide prevention trainings across Iowa, in conjunction with Iowa State University Agriculture and Natural Resource Extension sponsored Farm Bill meetings.

These meetings will train between 2,500 and 5,000 agriculture producers and agribusiness professionals in an intervention strategy to identify persons at risk of suicide and refer them to treatment or supporting services as needed. Risk and protective factors of suicide will be addressed.

The project will be evaluated for short-term knowledge and potential for behavior change as well as a 3-month follow-up assessing behavior change as a result of the training. Growing Resiliency in Tough Times (GRITT): A Text-Messaging Mental Health Intervention for Farmers. (A Holmstrom, Michigan State University Department of Communication, East Lansing MI).

Chronic stress among agricultural workers is associated with negative outcomes including mental illness, substance abuse, poor physical health, risk of injury, and suicide. This project aims to develop a text-messaging mental health intervention to educate agricultural workers about farm-related stress as well as coping strategies for stress management.

The intervention will be pilot tested among more than 300 agricultural workers in the state of Michigan to assess feasibility, usability, and acceptability. This innovative intervention has the potential to overcome multiple barriers to accessing mental health information in rural agricultural communities.

Opioid Crisis Response in Farm Communities: Overdose Prevention and Training for Farmers and Agricultural Workers (S Ziegnhorn, Iowa Harm Reduction Coalition; N Novak, University of Iowa Department of Community and Behavioral Health, Iowa City IA). This project aims to conduct and evaluate opioid prevention training and outreach with two important agricultural populations: agricultural workers and migrant farmworkers.

The team will conduct 6 community “train the trainer” sessions with over 120 producers and agricultural workers, and will partner with Proteus Migrant Health Program to conduct 6 migrant health outreach sessions to 50 migrant farmworkers in the state of Iowa. The project uses a community-engaged, peer-to-peer approach to adapt and implement an established opioid overdose prevention training. The goals are to prevent opioid