Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education

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OVERALL Project Summary The Southwest Center for Agricultural Health, Injury Prevention, and Education (SW Ag Center) is a well- established organization based at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Tyler. The SW Ag Center will build on over 25 years of service in Public Health Region 6 (Arkansas, Louisiana, New Mexico, Oklahoma, and Texas) through the proposed work. The mission of the SW Ag Center is to improve the safety and health of agricultural, forestry and fishing (AgFF) workers. This is accomplished through an integrated program of research, intervention, translation, surveillance, and outreach activities that engage and leverage a network of strategic partners who represent the interests of a diverse worker population and a wide range of AgFF production. The Center is positioned to expand its connections with industry segments, state departments of agriculture, cooperative extension, trade associations, and service providers. The proposed scope of work is responsive to the current funding announcement and is organized around the theme “Leveraging strategic partnerships to advance best practices that promote and protect the health and safety of diverse AgFF populations.” The SW Ag Center team consists of multidisciplinary faculty, staff, investigators, regional advisors, and extension partners who are organized to foster cohesive, coordinated, and synergistic operations. Proposed research includes two basic science projects led by experienced PIs. They will (1) investigate the role of bacterial extracellular vesicles from organic dust in lung inflammation and (2) characterize and compare worker health status on western US dairy farms. The SW Ag Center portfolio includes three intervention projects aimed at different regional audiences: These projects address (1) health disparities among commercial fishermen, (2) safety climate in grain handling facilities, and (3) safety considerations for agricultural pilots and operators. The Center's translation project focuses on hearing conservation for independent contract loggers and surveillance research will integrate motor vehicle crash and injury data in AgFF sectors. The regional capacity for AgFF research will be strengthened through the Center's pilot feasibility program. Outreach activities will develop pragmatic approaches to move research findings and best practices into the workplace. Early-stage professionals will also be supported through outreach mini grants, internships, practicum experiences and capstone projects. Research and outreach will be guided and continuously improved by a cohesive and coordinated evaluation plan. The SW Ag Center is equipped with the necessary experience and resources to identify practical solutions to persistent and emerging issues while cultivating effective partnerships with diverse AgFF groups.