As a way to say thank you for their support of a recently completed study, researchers from Diane Rohlman’s Lab sponsored a book drive for the Hood River County Library during the last two weeks in September. Families from the Hood River community participated in a research project examining health effects in children living in an agricultural community. The Hood River Library provided space for data collection. During 2008 and 2009, researchers were there almost every weekend between the months of September and January, meeting with families and having children complete a series of neurobehavioral tests and games. This study is part of a research project conducted with the Pacific Northwest Agricultural Safety and Health Center (PNASH) at the University of Washington.

In 2010 the Hood River County libraries closed due to budget issues. Fortunately for the project, the county school system and other area libraries were able to meet our needs, however nowhere was as recognizable or convenient as the iconic downtown Hood River library.  As a result of community outcry and support, the library reopened earlier this summer, allowing the study to once again use their space for the final round of data collection and to pilot test a computer-based training on pesticide safety developed for community residents.

Thanks to the many generous donations from people and departments at OHSU we were able to collect over 600 books during the two week drive. Thanks to everyone who donated and allowed us to have the opportunity to show our gratitude with more than just words.

Submitted by: Andrew Kirk, Research Assistant, CROET