Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Health – News

CDC: Request for Public Comment on the Draft Hazard Review: Wildland Fire Smoke Exposure Among Farmworkers and Other Outdoor Workers Federal Register

Sep 13, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) seeking comments and technical review on the draft Hazard Review: Wildland Fire Smoke Exposure Among Farmworkers and Other Outdoor Workers. The purpose of the Hazard Review document is to provide an overview of the relevant health effects literature and present evidence-based recommendations to protect outdoor workers, including farm workers, construction workers, oil and gas workers, park rangers, emergency responders, and others, from the adverse health effects of occupational exposure to wildland fire smoke. Comments are due by November 12, 2024.

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Experimental Sensors Aim to Detect Early Signs of Heatstroke and Warn Farmworkers

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.

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With Only Gloves to Protect Them, Farmworkers Say They Tend Sick Cows amid Bird Flu

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.

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HHS Marks Farmworker Appreciation Day; Expands Language Access and Increases Support for Workplace Evaluations, Clinician Education, and More

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.

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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.

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