Partners will take on shared responsibilities and risks as well as rewards. In that context, this article describes the development, activities, and outcomes of a rural community health partnership. The partnership was formed to promote health and safety among a potentially underserved rural population and to encourage clientele access to existing health services. In 1995, representatives for health service agencies and educational institutions met to discuss the health and safety needs of ranch and farm families within the region. Early in the planning process the partners identified the four leading causes of unintentional work-related deaths for U.S. farmers to be agricultural machinery, motor vehicles, falling objects, and electricity.
Agricultural machinery is also a leading cause of non-fatal injuries among farmers.
Livestock-related accidents and respiratory disorders among hog and cattle confinement operators also are concerns for this population. These morbidity and mortality figures for farmers and ranchers indicated a need for a programming effort to address prevention steps. It was decided that a special event that would include a combination of health screening, educational seminars, and opportunities for immunizations would be useful. A 1-day educational event preceded by prearranged opportunities for health screening was organized. Opportunities for health screening were deemed essential in assisting families into the health care system.