Missouri

Karen Funkenbusch, David Middleton, and Kirk Funkenbusch, all members of Missouri AgrAbility and the North Central Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center programs at MU Extension, took part in the annual professional conference of the Brain Injury Association of Missouri in St. Louis. The schedule was filled with educational sessions, inspiring speakers, chances to network with colleagues and vendors, and access to valuable resources. This conference was a great opportunity to connect with professionals, advocates, and survivors who are committed to improving the lives of individuals affected by brain injury. Missouri AgrAbility at MU Extension was proud to sponsor the Resources in Rural Missouri track. About 160 professionals from agriculture, mental health, vocational services, medical care, rehabilitation, community support, and veteran services participated. Missouri AgrAbility was featured in the BIA-MO conference program and during the event welcome. Representatives from Missouri AgrAbility, including Karen Funkenbusch, Kirk Funkenbusch, and David Middleton, set up two exhibit tables, helped with conference sessions, and connected with attendees.

This month, the Integrated Marketing Communications (IMC) team collaborated with the University of Missouri Extension to develop a marketing strategy focused on engaging key audiences through a short video. The video showcases Navy veteran Kit Smith, an AgrAbility Ambassador, as he shares his healing journey, the connections he has made, and his renewed sense of purpose through Heroes to Hives of MO & MAP. You can watch the video on YouTube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tyv_2-GpqtM.

Karen Funkenbusch had the chance to attend the 111th International Association of Industrial Accident Boards and Commissions (IAIABC) Convention, which took place from October 6-8, in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The IAIABC is a group of workers' compensation agencies from various jurisdictions worldwide, along with private organizations that provide workers' compensation benefits and services. The IAIABC aims to identify best practices, create and enforce standards, and facilitate education and information sharing. It empowers, educates, and connects the global workers' compensation community to minimize harm and support recovery from work-related injuries and illnesses.

Submitted by Karen Funkenbusch

Extension Agents participating in the Innovative Small Farmers' Outreach Program (ISFOP) at Lincoln University Cooperative Extension (LUCE) also carried out significant Missouri AgrAbility educational programs and marketing efforts. Extension agents Susan Jaster and Mary Keeter showcased Missouri AgrAbility: Adaptive Farming Strategies at a conference organized by Lincoln University. The 2025 Missouri train-the-trainer conference took place in Jefferson City, MO, from October 20-22, attracting 135 participants from across the State.

Submitted by Mark Lucas, LUCE ISFOP

Maureen Cunningham, who is with BIA-MO and is a co-PI for Missouri AgrAbility, increased the distribution of the Brain Injury Resource Kits by collaborating with the marketing team of Missouri AgrAbility. This took place during a meeting with the staff of Select Medical Specialty Hospital - Springfield on October 27. Select Medical Specialty Hospital provides services to farmers and ranchers dealing with injuries and illnesses that may result in disabilities.

Submitted by Maureen Cunningham, BIA Inc.