Rural Health
News by Topic: Farmers and farmworkers
May 14, 2024 - Describes the work of the AgrAbility project, part of a U.S. Department of Agriculture and National Institute of Food and Agriculture grant program in which land grant universities partner with disability nonprofits in 22 states. Michigan AgrAbility supported 215 clients in 2023, and is a partnership is between Michigan State University Extension and Easterseals MORC.
Source: Easterseals Blog
May 10, 2024 - Describes steps taken by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to help reduce the impact of H5N1 on bovines and humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Food and Drug Administration are increasing screening and testing capacity, genomic sequencing, and other interventions to protect the safety of dairy and other food items.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 9, 2024 - Notice from the Rural Housing Service (RHS) correcting the April 19, 2024, notice that announced the acceptance of pre-applications for Section 514 Off-Farm Labor Housing (Off-FLH) loans and Section 516 Off-FLH grants. Specifically, this notice corrects errors to the commitment letter requirements.
Source: Federal Register
May 2, 2024 - Profiles two rural Minnesota farmers - one baby boomer and one millennial - and their respective approaches to mental health. Discusses generational differences in stigma and willingness to seek mental health care.
Source: The Farmer
May 2, 2024 - Examines likelihood of additional bird flu spread among agricultural workers and the general public. Discusses barriers to increased testing among agricultural workers, including lack of health insurance and immigration status.
Source: NPR
In Preparation for Rising Temperatures, Health Care Providers Access New Tools to Monitor Heat Risks
Apr 26, 2024 - Highlights 2 tools from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to track heat and air quality data. Discusses potential uses of the tools for Community Health Centers and outreach to farm workers.
Source: Georgia Public Broadcasting, PBS, NPR
HRSA: Meeting of the National Advisory Council on Migrant Health
Federal Register
Apr 19, 2024 - The National Advisory Council on Migrant Health (NACMH) will hold a virtual public meeting on May 15-16, 2024. Agenda items include discussions on topics related to migratory and seasonal agricultural worker health. Meeting information will be published on the NACMH website. Requests for public comment should be sent to the Designated Federal Official at least 3 business days before the meeting.
Source: Federal Register
Apr 19, 2024 - The Rural Housing Service (RHS) is accepting pre-applications for Section 514 Off-Farm Labor Housing (Off-FLH) loans and Section 516 Off-FLH grants for the construction of new off-farm FLH units for domestic farm laborers, retired domestic farm laborers, or disabled domestic farm laborers. This program aims to increase the supply of affordable housing for farm laborers. Pre-applications will be accepted until July 3, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Related funding:
Off-Farm Labor Housing Direct Loans and Grants
Apr 11, 2024 - A new initiative in Kansas for farmers and rural residents will address healthcare challenges including local access, caregiver support, telehealth, behavioral health, maternal healthcare worker shortages, and grant writing support.
Source: Brownfield Ag News
Apr 10, 2024 - Highlights the work of promotoras in rural Northern California including assisting eligible residents with enrolling in Medicaid. Discusses the impact of Health Provider Shortage Areas (HPSAs) on healthcare access, policy, and insurance access for undocumented farmworkers.
Source: Ethnic Media Services