Join Us in Supporting Farmworkers During National Farmworker Awareness Week!
The Oregon Human Development Corporation (OHDC) and the Association of Farmworker Opportunity Programs (AFOP) are spearheading a vital initiative to support our farmworker community. In honor of National Farmworker Awareness Week (NFAW), which takes place from March 24th to 31st, 2024, they are hosting a long sleeve shirt drive. This drive aims to assist farmworkers in lowering exposure to harmful pesticide residues and reducing direct heat exposure.
Protecting Farmworker Health: The Importance of Long Sleeve Shirts
2.5 million farmworkers face long hours of arduous work, putting their health and safety at risk due to exposure to dangerous pesticides and heat stress. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency indicates that over 20,000 cases of doctor-diagnosed pesticide poisoning are reported yearly," reads AFOP.org.
According to AFOP, a gently used long-sleeve shirt that is light-colored and made of natural fabric can help prevent exposure to pesticide residues and prevent suffering from heat-related illnesses.
Drop-off Locations:
Drop off long-sleeved shirts at our Hood River and The Dalles Clinics
or at any of the other participating locations
The Next Door, 1113 Kelly Ave The Dalles OR 97058
The Next Door
965 Tucker Rd, Hood River OR 97031North Central Public Health, 419 E 7th St The Dalles OR 97058
The Hood River Library, 502 State St Hood River OR 97031
Oregon Human Development Corporation, 1100 E Marina Way, Suite 102 Hood River Oregon 97031.
Why Celebrate National Farmworker Awareness Week?
Farmworkers are the backbone of our agricultural industry, contributing significantly to our daily lives. Did you know that 85% of our fresh fruits and vegetables are handpicked by farmworkers? Despite their invaluable contributions, farmworkers often labor under challenging conditions and remain largely invisible in our society.
"There are an estimated 2.5-3 million men, women, and children who work in the fields in the United States. Farms are in every state, including yours, yet farmworkers remain largely invisible and continue to live and work in horrific conditions. We demand dignity for farmworkers," says AFOP.
To learn more about National Farmworker Awareness Week or how to become an AFOP partner, visit AFOP.org. Let's come together to support and uplift our farmworker community during this important week
