Rural Health
News by Topic: Agricultural health and safety
Aug 30, 2024 - Describes an ongoing study funded by the National Institutes of Health to develop wearable sensors that would alert farmworkers to the warning signs of heat-related illness. Features the perspectives of Florida farmworkers who are participating in the research. Notes that farmworkers experience significantly increased risk of death due to heat exposure, and heat-related regulations to protect workers currently vary from state to state.
Source: NBC News
Aug 27, 2024 - Features the perspectives of Colorado farmworkers on the
availability of personal protective equipment (PPE) and
other workplace precautions to prevent the spread of bird
flu. Notes challenges faced by state health and agriculture
departments in distributing free PPE to producers and
educating farmworkers on protective measures.
Source: KFF Health News
Aug 6, 2024 - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has ordered an immediate suspension of a pesticide, citing the risks to pregnant farmworkers.
Source: U.S. Environmental Protection Agency
Aug 6, 2024 - Highlights work by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to support farmworker health in celebration of Farmworker Appreciation Day. Release and associated fact sheet details outreach, research, technical assistance, grants, and tools related to heat, wildfire, civil rights, Migrant Health Centers, migrant mental health, H5N1, and more.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
Jul 31, 2024 - Describes new research finding H5N1 cases are likely underdiagnosed due to limited testing. Discusses barriers to improved surveillance including systemic issues common to farm workers such as precarious employment, being uninsured, lack of personal protective equipment, and more. Notes potential opportunities for spread and common symptoms.
Source: NPR, KFF Health News
Jul 30, 2024 - The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention has announced funding for influenza vaccinations and training for farmworkers as a measure to reduce the risk of H5N1 mutation. Notes that dual influenza infections increases the opportunity for mutation which could be a significant concern for general public health. Discusses recent H5N1 outbreak trends.
Source: Kansas Reflector
HRSA: Meeting of the National Advisory Council on Migrant Health
Federal Register
Jul 23, 2024 - The National Advisory Council on Migrant Health (NACMH) will hold a virtual public meeting on October 22-23, 2024. Agenda items include discussions on topics related to migratory and seasonal agricultural worker health, including impacts of heat and wildfire smoke; farmworker data; and best practices for fostering partnerships between farmworkers, health centers, growers, and community organizations. The agenda and information on how to join the meeting 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