Local farmworkers roll up their sleeves ahead of winter vegetable season
From COVID-19 to the flu, even Hepatitis - News 11's April Hettinger reports
SAN LUIS, Ariz. (KYMA, KECY) - Local farmworkers and commuters from across the U.S.-Mexico border added an extra level of caution to their routine Thursday morning.
National organizations came from across the country to help with the vaccination process in a partnership with Campesinos sin Fronteras.
"The majority of the people here are farmworkers. Some of them do live here in San Luis. Some of them are coming from south of the border. They might commute on a daily basis," says Executive Director of Alianza Nacional de campesinas Mily Trevino-Sauceda.
Way before the sun came out, these agricultural, essential workers took part in a critical fight against the coronavirus pandemic, as well as a few other health hazards.
Since farmworkers are constantly in close quarters, organizers of the mass vaccine event clarify that it is critical for them to stay healthy. In this situation, they were able to receive shots for COVID-19, Hepatitis and the flu.Â
"They are considered to be very essential workers. Without them, we don't have food on our tables," shares National Supervisor of Alianza Nacional de Campesinas Anna Obregon.
Yuma County is at the peak of planting season where growers need all hands on deck from sunrise to sunset, leading farmworkers to gather on Main street in San Luis from 2:30-6 a.m. Thursday morning.
