Our partner, the National Center for Farmworker Health (NCFH), is excited to announce that workshop and speaker information is now available for preview for the Agricultural Worker Health Fall Symposium!

Click Here to Register!

Updated draft At-A-Glance Schedule with Session Titles and Speaker Information

See the most up-to-date programming developments and plan your Symposium experience.

Plenary Session Preview: What to Expect from Expert Insights

In anticipation of the inaugural Symposium, we would like to recognize our plenary speakers and provide an overview of the four sessions that will set the stage for the workshops that follow. These plenaries will address key issues impacting agricultural worker health, from occupational hazards to the broader dangers posed by a rapidly changing climate. Below, you'll find a preview of the topics that will serve the professional development of clinicians, administrative professionals and outreach workers that champion the MSAW population.

Emerging Issues: A Federal Overview

The opening plenary session at the fall Symposium will feature federal partners Tonya Bowers, MHS, Deputy Associate Administrator, Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health Resources and Services Administration and Demetre C. Daskalakis, M.D., M.P.H., of the National Center for Immunization and Respiratory Diseases, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). 

This discussion will focus on Infectious Disease as an emerging issue and will feature updates on the latest federal initiatives on this topic. You’ll hear about the current priorities and programs of key federal agencies and learn how they’re addressing emerging health challenges. 

This is a unique way to learn how federal policies and investments are shaping public health outcomes. Participants will also have an opportunity to engage with panelists during an interactive Q&A. Don’t miss this chance to connect with federal experts and deepen your knowledge of health initiatives impacting agricultural worker communities nationwide! 

Agricultural Worker Health and Safety: A Look at Workplace Hazards in a Dangerous Industry

Dr. Linda Forst of University of Illinois Chicago School of Public Health in Environmental and Occupational Sciences will lead the Symposium’s second plenary session. The presentation will emphasize that the physically demanding tasks and dangerous work environments in agriculture present unique musculoskeletal risks for its workers, while many healthcare providers are not trained to recognize or address these occupational hazards.  In addition to exploring the specific health challenges faced by agricultural workers, Dr. Forst will provide practical strategies for clinicians to identify, assess, and manage work-related injuries and illnesses. Participants will gain insights on how to better support these workers, both in diagnosing health issues and offering guidance on minimizing adverse health impacts.

Addressing the Impact of the Climate Crisis on Ag Worker Populations: A Panel Discussion with the Farmworker Health Network

General plenary three, led by Alexis Guild of Farmworker Justice and Amy Liebman of the Migrant Clinicians Network, will spotlight the reality that agricultural workers are on the frontline extreme weather events such as floods, wildfires, and heatwaves that are brought about by intensifying changes in climate. Panelists will examine how these environmental challenges impact agricultural worker health, particularly in the context of extreme heat. Together, Guild and Liebman will cover the regulatory landscape surrounding heat exposure and share a health center model designed to mitigate heat-related health risks. Attendees will also receive practical resources and best practices for outreach and care, helping health centers better support agricultural workers in an increasingly hostile climate.

Emergency Response Preparedness and Agricultural Worker Resiliency

The fourth and final plenary session will feature three influential agricultural worker health champions, Dr. Marysel Pagan of the Migrant Clinicians Network, Gerardo Reyes Chavez of the Coalition of Immokalee Workers (CIW) and Yesica Ramirez from the Farmworker Association of Florida (FWAF). The presentation will emphasize that the impact of climate change presents agricultural workers with unique challenges, ranging from extreme weather to economic instability.  Drawing from their extensive experience, the panelists will discuss how community health centers and clinicians can integrate climate literacy into their care models to better serve agricultural worker populations. Attendees will learn how to apply climate resilience tools in healthcare settings, develop culturally relevant interventions, and address the health impacts of climate change through a justice-driven approach. This session will also explore the role of social and environmental justice in strengthening community resilience and supporting farmworker rights in the face of climate challenges.

Sponsorship & Exhibit Opportunities at Symposium

Sponsorship and exhibitor opportunities are still available for the Fall Agricultural Worker Health Symposium. This event will gather multi-disciplinary professionals and thought leaders in the field of Migrant Health, offering a prime platform for visibility, networking, and collaboration.

If you're interested in becoming a sponsor or exhibitor and showcasing your work to a highly engaged audience, please explore the Sponsor and Exhibitor Packet to learn more about partnering with NCFH, and contact [email protected] with any questions.

Reminders:

Whova App: If you have already registered for the Symposium, be sure to download the Whova app

(Android and IOS) to start planning your schedule.

Hotel: If you reserved a hotel room and are no longer able to attend the event, please contact [email protected] before cancelling your reservation.

Questions? Contact [email protected]

We look forward to seeing you in Tampa!

This project is supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of an award totaling $1,742,242.00 with 0 percentage financed with nongovernmental sources. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by HRSA, HHS or the U.S. Government.

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