Agricultural Leaders Drive Skin Cancer Awareness in Colquitt County
The agricultural community in Colquitt County is taking proactive steps to address the pressing issue of skin cancer, a growing concern for farmers who spend long hours in the sun. At the forefront of this initiative is Preston Jimmerson, the owner of Moss Family Farms, who has been a vocal advocate for increased awareness and protection for those in the agricultural sector.
Challenges Facing Farmers
Farmers are among the most at-risk populations for developing skin cancer due to the nature of their work, which often requires prolonged exposure to the sun. Despite this risk, there tends to be a lack of awareness and preventive measures taken to address skin cancer within this community. Recognizing this gap, Jimmerson and other community leaders have pushed for educational efforts that target farmers directly.
Building Awareness Through Partnership
During a 2025 meeting of the Colquitt County Archway Partnership, Jimmerson highlighted the urgent need for initiatives that focus on skin cancer awareness among local farmers. His calls to action did not go unheard. Matthew Clifton, Vice President of Ancillary Services at Colquitt Regional Medical Center, along with Jeremy Kichler, Colquitt County Agriculture & Natural Resources Agent, and Sara Hand, an Archway Professional, began working on a plan to bridge the medical community with farmers. Their aim was straightforward yet impactful: bring essential medical expertise directly to the agricultural workers in a familiar, non-intimidating environment.
Educational Outreach to the Heartland
In February, this collaborative effort came to fruition during an agricultural meeting held specifically for this purpose. Over 45 members from the farming community, including farmers, crop consultants, and other industry representatives, gathered to hear from Dr. David Green, a family medicine resident with Georgia South Medical Education. The focus of Green’s presentation was twofold: raise awareness about the early signs of skin cancer and provide practical advice on how farmers can protect themselves while working outside.
Practical Strategies for Sun Safety
Dr. Green's presentation was comprehensive, addressing not only the medical aspects of skin cancer but also sharing pragmatic strategies for minimizing risk. Simple yet effective measures such as wearing wide-brimmed hats, long sleeves, and using broad-spectrum sunscreens were emphasized. Green also highlighted the importance of regular self-checks and recognizing the early warning signs of skin changes that could indicate cancer.
Proactive Health Screenings
An invaluable component of the meeting was the on-site skin cancer screenings conducted by Dr. Green and his colleague, Dr. Christian Edwards, who is also a family medicine resident. These screenings provided immediate value, allowing attendees to receive an expert evaluation without needing to visit a clinic. The involvement of Dr. Kayla Batchelor, the attending physician overseeing these residents, was pivotal in ensuring the success of the screening process. Her guidance was instrumental in the planning and coordination of the educational and screening sessions.
The Role of the Archway Partnership
The Archway Partnership, an initiative of the University of Georgia's Public Service and Outreach unit, played a critical role in facilitating this event. Known for its innovative approach to community engagement, Archway has a track record of fostering initiatives that result in tangible benefits for local communities. Its involvement in the skin cancer awareness meeting is a testament to its commitment to addressing local needs through collaboration and innovation.
Economic and Health Impact
Over the past three years, the Archway Partnership has made significant economic contributions, generating over $22.9 million in return on investment for Georgia communities. Their focus on health initiatives, like the recent skin cancer awareness meeting, demonstrates that their impact extends far beyond financial metrics—improving community health and well-being is equally important.
Inspiring Continued Action
The success of this initial meeting sets a precedent for future efforts aimed at protecting the well-being of those in the agricultural industry. By bringing the medical community directly to farmers, the initiative not only raises awareness but also builds trust and encourages proactive health management.
As more farmers and industry insiders embrace these educational efforts, the hope is that skin cancer incidence rates will decrease among these at-risk populations. Empowering farmers with knowledge and resources to take active measures against skin cancer is a significant step forward in ensuring their health and safety.
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