The 2024 State of the Science Meeting from the Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety brought together several researchers and Extension professionals working at the intersection of agricultural health and safety research, policy, and outreach communication. In this episode, two speakers from the meeting reconvene to share a conversation about innovative rural health initiatives. Dr. Holly Cost, assistant vice president for University Outreach and Public Service at Auburn University, and Dr. Mark Holmes, director of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Cecil G. Sheps Center for Health Services Research, explore the challenges and disparities in healthcare access between urban and rural communities, touching on issues like hospital closures, limited specialty services, and the importance of local leadership. They emphasize the need for tailored healthcare solutions to address the unique needs of rural populations.

The 2024 State of the Science Meeting from the Southeastern Coastal Center for Agricultural Health and Safety brought together several researchers and Extension professionals working at the intersection of agricultural health and safety research, policy, and outreach communication. In this episode, three speakers from the meeting reconvene to share a conversation highlighting the importance of culturally sensitive health interventions and innovative solutions to bridge healthcare gaps in rural areas. You’ll hear Dr. John Diaz. Dr. Lauri Baker, and Dr. David Buys discuss how factors like economic stability, education access, healthcare quality, neighborhood environment, and social context influence the health and well-being of farmworkers. Our guests also emphasize the vital role of Cooperative Extension in connecting land-grant universities with communities, particularly in the context of medicine and public health. Examples from Florida and Mississippi are highlighted, showing how the roles of Extension have evolved from primarily agricultural and home economics education to encompassing broader health initiatives.

Resources:
2024 SCCAHS State of the Science Meeting
On The Farm Film Series: https://www.onthefarm.life/
CAFE Latino: https://extadmin.ifas.ufl.edu/teams-and-programs/cafe-latino/

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/

In this episode of Science by the Slice, Dr. Angie Lindsey and Aly Morrison introduce a new course from PIE Academy, the PIE Center’s professional development education component. Dr. Lindsey and Morrison explain the unique needs of agricultural and natural resource (ANR) communities, especially amid the 2024 Atlantic hurricane season, and how this course will help those who live and work in ANR be more resilient through disasters. Disaster Management and Communication for Agriculture and Natural Resources addresses preparedness, mitigation, response, and recovery, and includes interactive elements and resources. Registration details and course access are available on the PIE Center's website at https://piecenter.com/pie-academy/.

Resources:
PIE Academy webpage: https://piecenter.com/pie-academy/
Florida Extension Disaster Education Network: https://piecenter.com/fl-eden/

Transcripts available here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/#transcript

Are you an educator? The Science by the Slice podcast aims to inform diverse audiences about important issues in agriculture, natural resources, and public health. Check out our learning guides that were created as an educational tool to facilitate discussions related to the topics presented in podcast episodes. Download the learning guides here: https://piecenter.com/media/podcast/learn/