Rural Health News from WSU College of Nursing

Washington State University (WSU) College of Nursing is proud to highlight the inspiring work of its faculty, students, and alumni dedicated to improving health outcomes for underserved rural communities. From agricultural health research to mental health services and substance use disorder interventions, these efforts exemplify the College’s commitment to advancing health equity in rural areas.

Empowering Agricultural Workers through Research and Advocacy 

Agricultural workers in rural regions face distinct health challenges, from climate hazards to occupational exposure risks. Dr. Julie Postma, Associate Dean for Research at WSU College of Nursing, leads a vital program of research focusing on these issues, alongside a dedicated team including Dr. Molly Parker ’24, Dr. Sheila Hurst, and pre-licensure nursing student Juliana Romo. This work addresses the growing impact of climate change on agricultural health and safety, particularly concerning wildfire smoke exposure. 

Juliana Romo, a WSU Tri-Cities campus nursing student and daughter of an agricultural worker, recently presented her Honors project, “Evaluating the Implementation of the Wildfire Smoke Ruling and Workplace Culture in Washington State Agriculture,” at the Washington State Public Health Association (WSPHA) conference. Her project builds on previous research led by Dr. Postma and Dr. Parker and aims to improve workplace safety and environmental conditions for agricultural communities in Washington State. Reflecting on her personal connection to the project, Romo shared her commitment to advancing policies aligned with Healthy People 2030 goals and addressing social determinants of health for vulnerable populations. 

Impactful Research on Rural Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder 

Derrick Greenwood ‘25, a current student in WSU’s Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) program with a specialization in Psychiatric Mental Health, exemplifies dedication to rural mental healthcare. Greenwood was honored in October 2023 for his unwavering commitment to providing mental health support in underserved rural communities. As a recipient of the Lois Spratlen Foundation Scholarship, Greenwood’s work focuses on addressing the mental health challenges faced by rural populations who often have limited access to mental health services. 

Additionally, DNP graduate Soura Mustapha ’24, has made significant strides in substance use disorder (SUD) research in rural healthcare settings. Recognized with the Rayce Rudeen Foundation Scholarship, Mustapha’s project on SUD screening and intervention with Dr. Bacon at the Heartland Medicine Colville Clinic in Colville, Washington, brings much-needed resources and care to rural patients. Her work aims to refine the identification and referral processes for SUD, improving patient outcomes through evidence-based practices and support from community partners like the Hope Street Project in Colville. 

Advancing Rural Health Research and Policy 

WSU College of Nursing’s ongoing research includes three related studies that examine agricultural workers’ and employers’ perspectives on climate risks, wildfire smoke rules, and occupational health. Dr. Molly Parker’s article, “Agricultural Worker Perspectives on Climate Hazards and Risk Reduction Strategies,” co-authored with Mary Jo-Ybarra-Vega and Dr. Julie Postma, delves into climate-related hazards faced by agricultural workers, particularly due to increasing wildfire smoke exposure. 

In collaboration with Dr. Postma, doctoral students and researchers, including WSU College of Nursing Honors student, Juliana Romo, are working on a forthcoming paper that addresses agricultural supervisors’ perspectives on occupational wildfire smoke policies, submitted to the Journal of Agromedicine for review in August 2024.

Rural Health Promotion 

Dr. Shawna Beese ‘23, PhD, RN, a champion of rural health promotion at Washington State University, has shifted her focus from hospital administration to community health. After a 20-year career in nursing leadership, she returned to school to complete a PhD in Nursing, emphasizing population health. Now serving as an Assistant Professor with WSU Extension, Dr. Beese’s work explores neighborhood determinants of health, rural disparities, and the unique stress factors impacting rural residents. Her research aims to improve rural health outcomes by examining how neighborhood characteristics influence well-being and foster resilience. 

Dr. Beese’s initiatives address key resource gaps in rural areas. She leads programs like FarmStress and AgrAbility to support farmers with mental health resources and assist those with disabilities. Her work on QPR (Question. Persuade. Refer) suicide prevention provides tailored interventions for underserved communities, while efforts to enhance food resilience and broadband access tackle fundamental barriers to health equity. These projects are vital as they connect rural residents to essential services and promote community well-being. 

Central to Dr. Beese’s strategy is the Grassroots Neighboring Program, which engages communities in participatory approach to promote neighborhood resilience. Her work has led to the innovation of measurement tools like the Rural Neighborhood Development Scale (RNDS). Highlights from the 2023-2024 annual report showcase significant achievements, including expanded behavioral health outreach, initiatives enhancing food security, and broadband access. Dr. Beese’s work exemplifies the College of Nursing’s commitment to advancing health equity and improving the quality of life in rural communities. 

These projects underscore WSU’s commitment to improving rural health outcomes through research, advocacy, and community engagement. This National Rural Health Day, we celebrate the achievements of Derrick Greenwood, Soura Mustapha, Juliana Romo, and others at WSU College of Nursing, whose dedication continues to make a positive difference in rural communities across Washington State. 

Learn More: 

• DNP Student Honored for Dedication to Rural Mental Healthcare 
• WSU College of Nursing Celebrates DNP Student Scholarship Award for Substance Use Disorder Research 
• Agricultural Worker Perspectives on Climate Hazards and Risk Reduction Strategies 
• Dr. Beese’s Rural Health Promotion Annual Report 2023-2024 (PDF)