February 2021 FRSAN-NE Newsletter
Hi there,
This is the first newsletter for the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Network-Northeast ! We are kicking off 2021 with several announcements and a Network Member Feature.
2021 Network Members Quarterly Calls
- Wednesday, February 24th, 10 am -12 noon
- Wednesday, May 26th, 10 am -12 noon
- Wednesday, August 25th, 10 am -12 noon
- Wednesday, November 17th, 10 am -12 noon
FRSAN-NE’s New Online Presence
We created a new landing page to provide updated information on FRSAN-NE, including small grants available now, resources for farmers, and Young Farmer podcasts on farmer mental health . Check out the FRSAN-NE landing page!
Farmer Advisory Board
FRSAN-NE is excited to form the 10-member Farmer Advisory Board to provide producer input on the Network’s directions, goals, and content in resources, trainings, and communications. The Farmer Advisory Board will ensure that the Network’s work adequately reflects and addresses farmer stress and is accessible and appropriate (i.e. culturally-, ethnically-, racially-, linguistically-, and socio-economically-sensitive). The Farmer Advisory Board members will receive paid stipends . Please share the call with farmers in your communities! Applications are due February 22, 2021 .
Upcoming Network Trainings
Hans Hageman , Land to Learn Executive Director, is offering a three-part workshop series on breathwork to the Network to help improve member’s ability to manage stress as a service provider and to bring these practices to work with farmers. Stay tuned for dates and registration information.
Network Member Feature: Migrant Clinicians Network
Migrant Clinicians Network (MCN) is a national nonprofit that creates practical solutions at the intersection of vulnerability, migration, and health. MCN supports clinicians who serve the most vulnerable through on-the-ground and virtual technical assistance and trainings; resource development; advocacy; and direct virtual care of patients through our bridge case management system, Health Network. In Maryland, where MCN’s Environmental and Occupational Health office is located, MCN serves migrant and immigrant agricultural workers and their families . Work in agriculture is one of the most dangerous occupations in the U.S. and they face unique environmental and occupational health risks.
MCN offers expertise on migrant farm worker health and wellness, such as guides to migrant/seasonal farmworkers and COVID-19 resources for farmworkers . To learn more about MCN, read their active blog , sign up for trainings , or subscribe to the newsletter .
Leslie J. Rodriguez, Esq. now serves as MCN’s Bilingual Program Manager for Occupational and Environmental Health in the Salisbury, Maryland office. Rodriguez is the newest Co-PD participating in the Advisory team and co-leading the evaluation working group. Rodriguez has experience working with vulnerable populations on the Delmarva Peninsula. Rodriguez works towards improving the health and safety of immigrants, farmworkers, and their families. Rodriguez is bilingual (English/Spanish) and bicultural. She has a Juris Doctor degree from New England Law Boston. Rodriguez was born to immigrant parents from the Dominican Republic where she visits frequently.