Review of Outreach Activities: Knowledge Diffusion and Technology Transfer - Agriculture Forestry and Fishing Research at NIOSH - page 118

or hazard exposure data; nevertheless, these many examples provide ample docu-
mentation of intermediate and end outcomes.
REVIEW OF THE NIOSH CENTERS FOR AGRICULTURAL DISEASE AND
INJURY RESEARCH, EDUCATION, AND PREVENTION (AG CENTERS)
The programs of the NIOSH Centers for Agricultural Disease and Injury Re-
search, Education, and Prevention (Ag Centers) were reviewed from the perspective
of the diffusion of knowledge and the incorporation of research results in outreach
programs.
Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety
The Western Center for Agricultural Health and Safety ( http://agcenter.ucdavis.
edu ) serves California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Arizona. The Western Center dem-
onstrated substantial research and extension partnerships with state agencies in
pesticide exposure and illnesses and incorporated a major r2p effort. As part of
the r2p program, the center used social marketing approaches, increased electronic
communication, and supplied some funding for the AgSafe conference to provide
education, train the trainers, and educate agriculture workers. There is no evidence
of an evaluation of the impact and outcomes of the effort, but several long-term
evaluation studies are proposed or under way.
Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center
The Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (PNASH, http://
depts.washington.edu/pnash/ ) works with employers, workers, health professionals,
and government agencies to identify hazards and implement solutions that will
prevent or reduce workplace injuries and illnesses in northwestern farming, for-
estry, and fishing. The center operates in Washington, Oregon, Idaho, and Alaska.
Through its Advisory Board and using a priority-setting process in which stake-
holders provided input, it initiated forums for outreach and extension to workers,
employers, and health professionals. The focus was on pesticide exposure and the
use of technology, intervention measures, and training to reduce exposure. The
research program also addressed ergonomics and injuries in vineyards, orchards,
packing sheds, and forests—specifically, traumatic injuries, musculoskeletal dis-
orders, noise, and vibration exposure. Special populations at risk were hired farm
workers, family workers, and family members; a goal was to prevent pesticides from
being carried home in vehicles and on clothes. The center has also undertaken a
capacity-building effort in the Hispanic communities, with agricultural employers,