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Health of Agricultural Populations

MPH students in any department of CPH can opt for an emphasis in the Health of Agricultural Populations (HAP). This program is funded by the CDC/NIOSH Central Appalachian Regional Education and Research Center (ERC) and is coordinated by the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention.

HAP students take a series of courses, seminars, and field practice experiences that emphasize the health and/or safety of farmers, farm workers, farm families, and other workers in production agriculture, forestry, and commercial fishing. The purpose of the HAP emphasis area is to prepare public health professionals who can work effectively as members of interdisciplinary teams to promote health and prevent injury among agricultural populations. Students' capstone and practicum should focus in agricultural health and/or safety.

Student funding is available on a competitive basis: MPH students are eligible for a NIOSH traineeship, which provides partial stipend and/or partial tuition support. Students must be a U.S. citizen or a U.S. permanent resident. Funding is also available to support capstone projects, data collection, practicum travel, and travel to professional meetings.

NOTE: Students do not pay back these funds. This is a scholarship, not a loan. Receiving the funds does not obligate the student to federal employment or require the student to work in a particular part of the country post-graduation.

The HAP program requires 45 to 50 semester hours; this is above the minimum of 42 hours in the MPH. Students enrolled in the Health of Agricultural Populations emphasis area must complete the following courses:

Students must also complete all requirements for ERC trainees, including ERC seminars, field experiences and other activities.

Interested students should contact Robert McKnight, MPH, ScD, Professor and Director of the Southeast Center for Agricultural Health and Injury Prevention, 859-323-6836, rmcknig@uky.edu and arrange an interview.

Updated and available online: The Kentucky ROPS Guide

To protect unguarded tractors with lifesaving roll bars (ROPS), farmers and technicians can easily determine ROPS retrofit availability by tractor make and model: http://www.ca.uky.edu/rops