Rohlman urges farm communities to talk about mental health

At a recent community seminar, Diane Rohlman, director of Healthier Workforce Center of the Midwest, discussed the stressors of farming and the need to connect people to mental health resources. "We need to reduce the stigma associated with mental health, and the only way we're going to do that is talk about it," Rohlman said. (AgriNews) Published April 19, 2019

Criminal justice, immigration, and community health panel is April 22

How do law enforcement and incarceration intersect with health and health equity in Iowa? Attend a panel discussion to hear diverse perspectives from community members and CPH graduate students conducting research in this area. This CPH Spotlight Series presentation will take place Monday, April 22 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm in C217 CPHB. Published April 18, 2019

Janssen comments on farmers in crisis

A story about the downturn in the farm economy notes that Iowa's crisis hotlines are getting more calls. Farmers are at higher risk of suicide, given economic volatility, isolation, feeling a lack of control, and access to firearms, among other factors, says Brandi Janssen, executive director of Iowa's Center for Agricultural Safety and Health at the University of Iowa. (Des Moines Register) Published April 17, 2019

Core course focuses on agricultural safety and health

A core course focused on agricultural safety and health is being offered this June to increase both the awareness of the hazards associated with farming as well as ways that professions can help reduce these hazards. "Our long-term goal really is to reduce injury and illness," said Diane Rohlman, the course training director and CPH associate professor of occupational and environmental health. (Daily Iowan) Published April 17, 2019

Matt Nonnenmann leads undergrads through ‘Finding Patient Zero’

A bubble machine, Instagram, and movies about deadly outbreaks aren't typical classroom tools, but they're all part of an innovative course offered at the University of Iowa College of Public Health. The course, "Finding Patient Zero: The Exploration of Infectious Disease Transmission and Pandemic Threats" introduces undergraduate students to public health and core concepts of how infectious disease is transmitted and how transmission can be prevented. The course is taught by Matt Nonnenmann, CPH associate professor of occupational and environmental health. Published April 10, 2019

Two generations of Roeder family enrolled at UI this spring

Shamus Roeder, a fellow in the Heartland Center for Occupational Health and Safety in the College of Public Health, plans to graduate from the University of Iowa this spring with a master's degree in biomedical engineering. But the UI will still have plenty of Roeders to go around. Shamus' brothers, Tristan and Teagan, and his mother, Shona, still will be students. Published April 4, 2019

Story cites UI research on suicides among farmers

A story about the high rate of suicide among farmers cites research co-authored by CPH professor Corinne Peek-Asa and colleagues. The research suggested possible causes for farmers' high suicide rate, including social isolation and loneliness, access to guns, financial stress, chronic pain or illness, and ruinously unpredictable weather. (Reader's Digest) Published April 3, 2019

GPCAH seeking pilot grant proposals

The Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health (GPCAH) pilot grant program Request for Proposals (RFP) is now available. The center funds pilot projects (up to $30,000 per project) intended to promote innovative outreach and research efforts to prevent agricultural injury and illness. This year, proposals addressing the following topics are especially encouraged: safe transport and handling of commodities (e.g., grain, hay); slip/trip/fall prevention; mental health/stress; or sleep deprivation. The deadline is July 1, 2019. Published April 2, 2019

Agricultural Safety & Health: The Core Course runs June 10-14

Registration is now open for Agricultural Safety & Health: The Core Course, which will be held June 10-14, 2019, at the College of Public Health Building. This course, offered by the Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health, provides the information and skills needed to enable safety and health professionals to anticipate, recognize, and prevent occupational illnesses and injuries among members of the agricultural community. Published March 27, 2019

Professor emeritus Tom Cook helps promote Ponseti clubfoot treatment

CPH professor emeritus Tom Cook currently serves as director of global operations for the UI-based Ponseti International Association. The Ponseti Method is recognized as the gold standard for clubfoot treatment by global health organizations. The nonsurgical and highly effective method was developed 70 years ago by celebrated UI orthopedic physician Ignacio Ponseti. Published March 27, 2019