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Rural Health Information Hub
Rural Health Information Hub

Rural Health
News by Topic: Farmers and farmworkers

Dec 19, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Rural Housing Service (RHS) amending its regulation to implement changes related to the smoke alarm requirements for properties that receive funding from the Multi-Family Housing Section 515 Rural Rental Housing and the Section 514/516 Farm Labor Housing Direct Loan and Grant Programs. This rule is effective January 21, 2025.
Source: Federal Register
Dec 13, 2024 - Highlights a free mobile clinic in rural Arizona making routine healthcare more accessible to farmworkers in the area. Discusses effective outreach methods including collaborations with the farm supervisors and using promotoras.
Source: Arizona Luminaria
Dec 6, 2024 - Announces the start of the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) National Milk Testing Strategy in response to the spread of avian influenza in dairy cattle. Describes the implementation of a nationwide testing system to identify infected herds and protect the health of farmers, farmworkers, and the public. Notes the issuance of a new Federal Order and outlines compliance requirements for dairy industry stakeholders.
Source: U.S. Department of Agriculture
Nov 25, 2024 - Provides overview of data on bird flu spread in western states. Notes the possibility of numerous unreported cases among farmworkers due to a widespread lack of testing. Features varying perspectives on the testing of asymptomatic individuals and best practices for increasing testing among farmworkers.
Source: Idaho Capital Sun
Nov 19, 2024 - Highlights a recent study examining the challenges for female farmers. Discusses their roles on and off the farm, running a household, and the mental stressors unique to them. Notes policy measures that could ease the burden for female farmers including more childcare options in rural communities.
Source: UGA Today
Nov 15, 2024 - Notice from the Rural Housing Service (RHS) correcting the effective date in the October 25, 2024, final rule, which amended the current regulation for the Off-Farm Labor Housing (Off-FLH) program to clarify the grant agreement term and adopt the period of performance as required by Federal award information requirements. The enforcement date is now November 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register
Nov 14, 2024 - Highlights an initiative to increase vaccination for influenza among Kansas farmworkers. Discusses the increased risk of co-infection with H5N1 bird flu and seasonal influenza as well as the strain seasonal illnesses can place on low-staffed rural hospitals.
Source: KCUR, NPR
Oct 31, 2024 - Notice from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) extending the comment period 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 now due by January 10, 2025. An informational webinar about the draft Hazard Review document will be held on December 3, 2024, at 1:00p.m. Eastern. Registration is required.
Source: Federal Register
Oct 27, 2024 - Discusses safety for children on a farm and challenges with finding childcare for farmers. Offers examples of age-appropriate activities.
Source: Ohio Country Journal
Oct 25, 2024 - Notice of final rule from the Rural Housing Service (RHS) amending the current regulation for the Off-Farm Labor Housing (Off-FLH) program to clarify the grant agreement term and adopt the period of performance as required by Federal award information requirements. This rule is effective October 25, 2024.
Source: Federal Register