Core D: Community Engagement Core

The Community Engagement Core supports the work of the University of Kentucky Superfund Research Center (UKSRC) by working with various community partners to develop creative solutions to improve diet and physical activity because of the critical role that these healthy lifestyles have in reducing a person’s exposure to environmental hazards. Educating communities and providing opportunities to incorporate healthy lifestyle choices are methods used by the CEC to generate positive public health impact and support the overall goal of the UKSRC. To accomplish this, the CEC engages with established community partners, as well as new partners, in eastern Kentucky and with the older adult population. The prevention and intervention strategies of the CEC are grounded in evidence-based approaches by intervening at multiple levels of the Social Ecological Model of health behavior change, including the individual, community and organizational levels. Intervening at multiple levels allows the CEC to implement healthy lifestyle and environmental pollution education into existing community programs that reach populations across the lifespan. The CEC’s programs and activities are designed to meet the community’s needs and are evaluated by measuring outcomes that demonstrate community sustainability and improved knowledge, attitudes, and health behaviors focused on reducing health risks associated with exposure to environmental pollutants.

Educational Handouts and Research Briefs

• BerryCare: Protection from Pollution with Phytonutrient-Rich Berries (ID-257)

• BerryCare: When Blackberries and Other Berries are in Season (ID-256)

• BerryCare: Building a Blackberry Community (ID-255)

• Body Balance: Protect Your Body from Pollution with a Healthy Lifestyle

  • Body Balance: The Connection between Pollution and Nutrition (FCS3-596)

  • Body Balance: Cut Down on Environmental Pollutants in Your Food (FCS3-597)

  • Body Balance: Make Your Plate a Rainbow (FCS3-598)

  • Body Balance: Healthy Ways to Flavor Your Food (FCS3-599)

  • Body Balance: Fundamentals of Fermented Food (FCS3-600)

  • Body Balance: Picking out Produce: All About Organic and Conventional Food (FCS3-601)

  • Body Balance: Safe Storage for Food and Drink (FCS3-602)

  • ​​Body Balance: Nutritious Nuts and Seeds (FCS3-603)

• NIEHS Superfund Research Program Research Brief 235: Reducing the Risk of PCB-associated Type 2 Diabetes with Fruit and Vegetable Consumption

• Hazardous Chemicals and Your Body: Eating Right for a Healthier You (CES Booklet)

• Hazardous Chemicals and Your Body: Eating Right for a Healthier You (CES Technical Document)

• Phytonutrient Table

• What is Pollution

• A Rainbow of Healthy Foods