The Great Plains Center for Agricultural Health (GPCAH) at the University of Iowa aims to protect the health and safety of farmers, ranchers, farm workers, their families, and agricultural community members. Supported by the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), GPCAH conducts research, offers education, training, outreach, and works on translating research into effective prevention methods for work-related injuries and illnesses in agriculture across the Midwest and beyond.
The Community Pilot Grant program, launched by GPCAH, focuses on addressing occupational hazards that affect farmers and farm workers within a 9-state region which includes Iowa, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Nebraska, Missouri, Minnesota, Ohio, and Wisconsin. This grant prioritizes projects that tackle issues such as work-related stress and mental health, prevention of slips, trips, falls, other traumatic injuries, and chemical safety. It supports community-track pilot projects developed by organizations with deep connections to agricultural workforces, aiming to develop, implement, and evaluate agricultural safety and health interventions or outreach/education programs. Projects funded have included respiratory protection training, suicide prevention training, and mental health-focused podcasts. Applicants may request up to $30,000 for direct project costs, which can include salary, supplies, equipment, software, and certain travel expenses, with overhead costs also being eligible for support.