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Rural Health
News by Topic: Farmers and farmworkers

Jun 25, 2024 - Outlines new bird flu resources from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services, including a hotline available in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole. Notes that two cases of bird flu have been confirmed in Michigan dairy workers this year.
Source: Michigan Advance
Jun 19, 2024 - Highlights a new campaign to reduce injuries occurred while cutting grass, with particular focus on youth working on farms. Notes previous campaigns related to youth on farm equipment. Offers recommendations for safely operating lawn mower equipment for youth.
Source: Marshfield Clinic Research Institute
May 31, 2024 - Details federal efforts to respond to the H5N1 outbreak in dairy cattle and mitigate risks to farmworkers. Highlights initiatives related to PPE distribution, safety guidance, treatment, education, and testing.
Source: U.S. Department of Health and Human Services
May 30, 2024 - Discusses the increased risk of H5N1, also known as avian flu or bird flu, for farmworkers. Notes the importance of personal protective equipment (PPE) and farmworker education on appropriate use of PPE.
Source: The Associated Press
May 29, 2024 - Features the perspective of a psychologist on the factors contributing to mental health issues among farmers. Discusses barriers to care, best practices for providers, and essential resources for support.
Source: Sanford Health
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