Missouri

During fall semester 2016, two Rockhurst University occupational therapy students will complete their Level 1 Field OT 6901 with Missouri AgrAbility. This fieldwork is the third required Level 1 fieldwork for Rockhurst OT students. Missouri AgrAbility will provide Kristyn Keith and Amelia Muir with assigned observational and educational opportunities, including: assisting with AgrAbility level 1 offsite farmstead assessments and level 2 onsite farmstead assessments; completing AgrAbility intake questionnaires; and interacting though written and oral communication with clients, families, caregivers, and significant others.

Submitted by Karen Funkenbusch

Pharm to Farm, a program of the University of Missouri-Kansas City School of Pharmacy and Missouri AgrAbility Project partner, provided outreach and rural wellness screenings at mid-Missouri regional county fairs in July. Farmers and farm families at the Audrain County Fair, Cooper County Youth Fair, and Randolph County Fair were provided rural wellness screenings and safety information. In total, 25 farmers and farm families were provided with Missouri AgrAbility Project and Pharm to Farm brochures. Wellness screenings, including diabetes risk assessment, blood pressure/heart health, wrist bone density, and medication safety education, were provided for 94 attendees and farm families at a value of over $4100. Twenty-one individuals had not followed through with primary care for years and were referred, based on results, to seek care to ensure continued safety and wellness.

Submitted by Kelly Cochran

The Brain Injury Association of Missouri hosted "Unmasking Brain Injury" with survivors of brain injury painting masks to visually represent their brain injury. The decorated masks will be displayed across Missouri for educational purposes. The "Calm Before the Shake" depicts a veteran who sustained a TBI in combat and the challenge he and his family now face.

Submitted by Maureen Cunningham

Staff Changes

Say hello to Amelia Muir, currently a second year student in the occupational therapy program at Rockhurst University located in Kansas City, MO. In May of 2015, she graduated Cum Laude from Rockhurst University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology. In May of 2017 she will follow in her mother's footsteps and graduate with a Master of Occupational Therapy degree. Before coming to Kansas City, she lived and attended school in a small town in southern IL. As a child, she developed an interest and respect for agriculture and the outdoors from her parents. Her father was a farmer for sixteen years before returning to school to become a machinist, and she spent time helping in the large garden her mother planted every year. After graduation she plans to move to southern Minnesota to begin working as an occupational therapist. Amelia is very grateful and excited for the chance to have a fieldwork experience with AgrAbility, an opportunity that will offer the chance to learn how best to help future clients that are part of a unique population.

Welcome Kristyn Keith a second year occupational therapy student at Rockhurst University in Kansas City, Missouri. She grew up in north central Missouri and will be moving back to the area in December. Kristyn graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in psychology in May of 2015 and will graduate with her Master of Occupational Therapy degree in May of 2017. Her family has been involved in row crops, mainly corn and soybeans, and she is getting involved in raising beef cattle. Kristyn and her family are also involved in soil conservation practices and education. She will be practicing occupational therapy around her hometown and is excited for the opportunity and experience that AgrAbility will give her for helping future farming clients.