Our History
WHO WE ARE
History of The Kentucky Partnership for Farm Family Health & Safety
Farming remains one of the most hazardous occupations as documented by the
National Institute of Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH). In the early 1990’s this risk led Dr. Susan Jones, a nursing faculty member at WKU, to take action. In 1991, Dr. Jones attended a conference on Agriculture Safety and Health and recalls the plea for more focus on research, surveillance, and preventive interventions aimed at reducing farm injuries and illnesses. “The session she remembers most was a mother, Marilyn Adams, who emotionally shared the heart wrenching story of the death of her young son who was playing in a grain wagon,” said Jones. After leaving the conference, Dr. Jones collaborated with Dr. Robert McKnight with University of Kentucky and together they applied for and was awarded a grant to reduce hazards on the farm through empowering farm women. This led to the creation of a new non-profit, the Kentucky Partnership for Farm Family Health and Safety, Inc (KY Partnership).
DID YOU KNOW
Farming is one of the most hazardous occupations with farmers at risk for both fatal and non-fatal injuries. Children living on farms are not exempt as a child dies in an agriculture-related incident about every 3 days. Also, farmers encounter multiple noncontrollable challenges resulting in increased stress, mental health issues, and even alarming rates of suicide.
Ninety-five percent of all U.S. farms are owned by individuals, family partnerships or family corporations. Each American farmer produces food and fiber for 166 people annually both in the US and abroad. Kentucky is home to 69,425 farms and is primarily comprised with small family farms. Compared to other occupations, farming is considered one of the most dangerous.
The goal of the KY Partnership is to prevent injury and promote mental and physical health of farmers and their family members. The KY Partnership accomplishes this goal through their collaborative efforts with multiple community partners to increase awareness of the challenges confronting farmers and serve as a conduit to offer advocacy, health, and educational services.