Osteoarthritis Action Alliance
Arthritis is consistently one of the top three disabling conditions reported by AgrAbility clients. The disease can affect many joints in the body with a wide range of symptoms, and thus, its impact on farm-related tasks can be profound. On a larger scale, arthritis affects one of every three adults in rural areas, and approximately half of rural residents with arthritis report experiencing arthritis-attributable activity limitations.
These and other factors make Osteoarthritis Action Alliance (OAAA) a natural partner for the National AgrAbility Project. Formed in 2011, OAAA is a national coalition of more than 30 concerned organizations mobilized by the Arthritis Foundation and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The Alliance is headquartered at the Thurston Arthritis Research Center at the University of North Carolina School of Medicine.
OAAA became a NAP partner in September 2020 to begin exploring ways that AgrAbility clients could receive enhanced resources and support for arthritis-related issues. For the current project year, the Alliance is scheduled to focus on the following activities:
- Development and delivery of a pilot survey to begin exploring the needs of agricultural workers regarding arthritis education content and preferred media
- Preparation and submission for publication (in a major trade journal or magazine for agricultural workers) of at least one article about arthritis and symptom management strategies targeting the agricultural community
- Identification of additional funding opportunities, including development and submission of at least one grant application to procure funding to support future/ongoing collaborative efforts between the OAAA and the NAP.
During NAP’s 2021-25 grant cycle, OAAA plans to build on these activities and add others, such as webinars and participation at the NTW. Visit www.oaaction.unc.edu for more information about the Alliance.
AgriSafe Network
Anyone involved with agricultural safety has likely encountered resources or events from AgriSafe Network. Founded in 2003 by rural nurses, the organization focuses on training professionals to care for agricultural producers and on assisting the producers themselves.
AgriSafe’s frequent webinars feature experts from around the country to provide health and safety training. Many of its activities offer continuing education credits, including the Nurse Scholar program from which participants can receive a certificate and 20 hours of continuing nursing education.
“Total Farmer Health” is a theme of AgriSafe’s work that emphasizes both healthy bodies and healthy minds. As part of its initiatives, AgriSafe has made significant investments in addressing stress-related issues. These include training for professionals to aid them in recognizing signs and symptoms of stress, identifying people who may need mental health support, and connecting those people with resources for information and care. AgriSafe also provides training and resources for combating the opioid epidemic.
During the 2021-25 grant period, AgriSafe plans to promote AgrAbility resources and services through its extensive network of rural health professionals. AgriSafe staff plan to participate as presenters at the NTW and serve on the National AgrAbility Advisory Team. In addition, the organization is scheduled to provide training to both national and state AgrAbility project staff members on the topic of opioid misuse prevention.
For more information about the AgriSafe Network, and to access its webinars, courses, and resource library, visit www.agrisafe.org.