Utilizing the Strengths of a Utilizing the Strengths of a Land-Grant Institution: The Land-Grant Institution: The
University of Kentucky University of Kentucky SBRP and Cooperative SBRP and Cooperative
Extension Service Working Extension Service Working Together for Increased Together for Increased
Stakeholder EngagementStakeholder Engagement
Lisa Gaetke, Ph.D., R.D.Lisa Gaetke, Ph.D., R.D.
Working Together
Academics Cooperative Extension Service Community members
AcademicsAcademics
UK’s SBRP’s researchers focus:UK’s SBRP’s researchers focus:
How nutrition affects the How nutrition affects the consequences of exposure to consequences of exposure to environmental contaminants environmental contaminants
Nutrition Nutrition Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
and other chlorinated compoundsand other chlorinated compounds
UK SBRP Research:UK SBRP Research:
Exposure to coplanar PCBs contributes to Exposure to coplanar PCBs contributes to oxidative damage and an increased risk oxidative damage and an increased risk for chronic diseases:for chronic diseases: Cardiovascular disease (CVD)Cardiovascular disease (CVD) DiabetesDiabetes
Health risks are worsened by poor dietHealth risks are worsened by poor diet Intake of anti-oxidants may protect Intake of anti-oxidants may protect
against oxidative stressagainst oxidative stress
UK’s SBRP’s UK’s SBRP’s Community Outreach CoreCommunity Outreach Core
Superfund Community Action Superfund Community Action through Nutritionthrough Nutrition
(SCAN) (SCAN)
(Nutrition education programs)(Nutrition education programs)
SCAN Programs
Translate nutrition research to the public
Evidence-based information Evidence-based information proven with clinical trialsproven with clinical trials
Registered Dietitians - Registered Dietitians - credentialed and licensedcredentialed and licensed
SCAN Objectives
1. Identifying groups and individuals affected by pollutants for programs
2. Recruiting and earning trust
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 KYPaducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant
Eastern KYEastern KY National Electric Coil Co/Cooper IndustriesNational 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”
Isn’t a PRP going to say they don’t need to clean up a site if those living
nearby can reduce impacts of exposure by changing their diet?
Couldn’t 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)Supported by NIH/NIEHS (P42ES07380)
