Utilizing the Strengths of a Land-Grant Institution: The University of Kentucky SBRP and Cooperative Extension Service Working Together for Increased Stakeholder Engagement Lisa Gaetke, Ph.D., R.D.

Working Together Academics Cooperative Extension Service Community members

Academics UKs SBRPs researchers focus: How nutrition affects the consequences of exposure to environmental contaminants

Nutrition Nutrition Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other chlorinated compounds Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other chlorinated compounds

UK SBRP Research: Exposure to coplanar PCBs contributes to oxidative damage and an increased risk for chronic diseases: Exposure to coplanar PCBs contributes to oxidative damage and an increased risk for chronic diseases: Cardiovascular disease (CVD) Cardiovascular disease (CVD) Diabetes Diabetes Health risks are worsened by poor diet Health risks are worsened by poor diet Intake of anti-oxidants may protect against oxidative stress Intake of anti-oxidants may protect against oxidative stress

UKs SBRPs Community Outreach Core Superfund Community Action through Nutrition (SCAN) (Nutrition education programs)

SCAN Programs Translate nutrition research to the public Evidence-based information proven with clinical trials Evidence-based information proven with clinical trials Registered Dietitians - credentialed and licensed Registered Dietitians - credentialed and licensed

SCAN Objectives Identifying groups and individuals affected by pollutants for programs Recruiting and earning trust

3. 3. Offering meaningful programs that can be shown to be helpful

Cooperative Extension Service (CES) Mission: to provide educational programs to the citizens of the state from the knowledge and research generated by public universities 1914

CES Agents: Trained in communication Designated by area of educational programming Agricultural/Environmental Science – includes environmental issues Family and Consumer Science – includes health, food and nutrition issues Located in every county in the state

How have CES agents helped us? Live in, and are trusted members of, the community Participate in SCAN programs

Joint publication of technical and low-literacy publications Encourage graduate student participation in community programs

SCAN Community Superfund Sites Western KY Eastern KY

Western KY Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant

Eastern KY National Electric Coil Co/Cooper Industries

What can I do to protect myself from the contaminants found at the neighboring Superfund site Eat foods to maintain health and improve your immune system

Eat more fruits and vegetables (contain vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants) Eat more fiber and whole grains (plant-based foods) Eat low fat foods

What type of nutritional information could an RPM or health official give? Educate on nutrition – health officials Government, USDA information – Food guide pyramid, 5 A Day Counsel on nutrition – Registered dietitian or physician RPM – comfort level

Are there potential legal issues with recommending nutritional intervention strategies? One site with pending litigation – could not collect food records Attorney supported SCAN programs, but not participating in research

Isnt a PRP going to say they dont need to clean up a site if those living nearby can reduce impacts of exposure by changing their diet?

Couldnt a PRP use this information to blame impacted populations for health issues for failing to follow nutrition guidelines? Limited studies Legal causation issues

How long did the relationship building process take with the community? Western KY - 3 yrs from initial contact to actual SCAN presentation Eastern KY - 7 months

Please elaborate on the train-the- trainer approach. SCAN programs for trainers Use of government, USDA programs like Food Guide Pyramid, 5 A Day

How can RPMs get student involvement and extension officers at Superfund sites? Nearby University dietetics and environmental science programs – experiential learning State land-grant university

Supported by NIH/NIEHS (P42ES07380)