Burlington — The first-ever National Rural Health Day is planned for Nov. 17 and it will make its debut in Vermont, too. The event is planned to increase awareness of rural health-related issues and promote the work of health and farm safety organizations nationwide in rural and agricultural communities.
Created by the National Organization of State Offices of Rural Health (NOSORH), the day helps recognize the efforts of organizations including University of Vermont Extension whose farm health and safety programs provide ongoing education and assistance to farmers and rural residents throughout the state.
These programs include Rural and Ag VocRehab, the Vermont AgrAbility Project, the Vermont Roll Over Protection Systems (Program and the Vermont Farm Health Task Force.
In Vermont approximately two-thirds of the population live in rural areas, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Economic Research Service.
Farmers face health and safety issues unique to their work situation including chronic illness and disabling conditions from on-farm accidents or exposure to chemicals, dust and other contaminants.
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