SPECIFIC AIMS STUDY METHODS AND DESIGN

ISSUES OF CONCERN

BACKGROUND

PUBLIC HEALTH CONCERN

RECOMMENDATIONS

CONCLUSIONS REFERENCES

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

The main harvest season in Southwest Arizona is from October to March

More and more farm workers are staying in the region and do not follow the traditional migration loop to California, Oregon or Washington and back to the Southwest

Granted in 19764, many of those who are eligible collect Unemployment Insurance Benefits

Maximum an individual can collect is $240 per week for a maximum of 6 months

This research was conducted to 1) Gain further understanding of unemployment during the

off-season for domestic, seasonal farm workers

2) Provide an assessment of the particular concerns associated with farm worker unemployment

3) Offer recommendations to aid in development of effective programs, methods and policies to assist in greater sustainability, self-sufficiency and independence

ASSESSMENT OF THE UNEMPLOYMENT SEASON IN THE YUMA COUNTY

SEASONAL FARM WORKER COMMUNITY

by: Brenda C Pecotte de Gonzalez, MPH

1.Bartley, M. (1994). Unemployment and Ill health. Journal of Epidemiology and Community Health. 48: 333-7.2.Dooley, D. et. al. (1996). Health and Unemployment. Annual Review of Public Health. 17: 449-65.3.Frumkin, Howard, ed. (2010). Environmental Health: From Global to Local, 2nd edition. San Francisco, CA: John

Wiley & Sons, Inc.4.Sakala, Carol. (Fall 1987). Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers in the United States: A Review of Health Hazards,

Status, and Policy. International Migration Review. 21(3): 659-687.

Although limited research exists on unemployment for seasonal employees, the links between unemployment and health have been documented1,2,3 .There are many associated health concerns, specifically for farm workers, which include:

Physical• Diet• Activity level / exercise

Psychosocial• Lack of social interaction• Self-esteem• Anxiety• Demoralization

Psychiatric• Substance abuse• Depression• Suicide

* Univariate, demographic data collected * Qualitative semi-structured, open-ended interviews

* 27 interviews with farm workers * 11 interviews with local, community key informants* convenience sampling at two farm worker orientated

NGOs in San Luis, Arizona* Content analysis was performed on all interview data * Common themes were identified as issues of concern

LEVEL RECOMMENDATION

Local

“Rapid Response Teams” - a proactive collaboration of the Dept. of Economic Security and local NGOs

at the end of the harvest season to educate the community on UI benefits and available services

Financial Literacy workshops - a local NGO or collaboration of NGOs to present workshops and seminars

to the community before and/or during unemployment on subjects such as budgeting, debt, taxes, fraud, identity theft, credit and loans

Educational class offerings - an assessment of the level, need, variety and interest of classes and training

programs, such as ESL, GED, computer and job skills with consideration of language, location, time of day, cost, and season

Advocacy - continue efforts from the local Farm worker Coalition and local agencies to

effect change on the county, state and national level surrounding the identified issues

County/State

Introduction of industry in Yuma County- during the off-season there is not an industry to support the surge in unemployed,

low-skill workers Transportation- the current rural, county transportation system that connects the rural areas, it is

not sufficient nor reliable for individuals to access services or rely on to secure employment outside of farm work

UI benefits- a review of the current State’s minimum and maximum benefits along with

investigation into enforcement regulations of employers. An extensive review would consider the applicability of the general UI program to the farm worker population

Federal

Basic Education Policy & Services- Reevaluation of current federal educational funding policy and restrictions, such as

residency or language proficiency that make needed classes and subsequent classes and training opportunities inaccessible

UI Benefits- each state’s UI policy is based off of federal guidelines and mandates including the

farm worker program; perform an assessment of all state farm worker programs to report best-practices and potential changes

Indirect Factors Disability and Aging

•No longer able to work•Cannot work as long•No other option

The well-being and overall health of farm workers is important to the security and production of the US food supply

Stakeholders need to be identified and included in the collaborative dialogue in addressing issues surrounding farm worker unemployment The author would like to acknowledge: the farm workers of Yuma County; the local key informants;

Arizona AHEC, Ms. Janine Duron of C.I.T.A.; Dr. Cecilia Rosales; Ms. Jill de Zapien; Ms. Maia Ingram

Economic Stability Financial literacy

•Credit cards & loans•Budgeting•Identity theft•Income taxes

Educational Opportunities Classes & Training Programs

•When & where?•Logistical barriers

Employment Issues Arizona UI policy

•Max. $240/wk•Discrepancies in working•Lack of regulation

Available employment•Lack of options•Requirements

Job support •Obtaining & retaining employment

SES Health Factors

Transportation•Reliable•Costs

Technology •Discomfort•Necessity

Health Insurance•Unsure about qualifying

• Instable coverage Residence

•Cost of living•Determines eligibility for services