By: Ryan Duey

K-State 105 has announced a new initiative to help provide more comprehensive health assistance for people in agriculture and rural communities. Wade Reh, District Director with the K-State River Valley District, spoke on this new initiative.

“The Rural Ag Health Community Health Worker project focuses on sustaining the health and safety of rural Kansans and the agricultural workforce.

This pilot project will provide a community health worker as a resource to help ensure clientele can get the help they need. This individual will be employed by the River Valley Extension District through funding from K-State 105 and will work throughout Clay, Cloud, Republic, and Washington Counties.

When called upon, the extension’s community health workers will provide health coaching, client support, nonclinical services, care coordination, and outreach activities in collaboration with local Extension Agents and local health and care services. In the long run, we hope to help rural residents manage chronic conditions, prevent injuries, and reduce the risk of illness.”

Reh said they are currently working on hiring a Community Health Worker for this Program.