When Services are within Reach

When Services are Within Reach

A Project Protect Community Engagement Sessions Report

July 15, 2024

Executive Summary

During April and May of 2024, Project Protect Food Systems Workers (“Project Protect”) conducted Community Engagement Sessions in six rural regions of Colorado to assess the impact and accessibility of programs that can potentially address health disparities in agricultural worker communities. Regional Directors of the Project Protect Promotora Network (“PPPN”) orchestrated the Community Engagement Sessions to collect qualitative data documenting the experiences of workers and their families when trying to access (1) health insurance, (2) adult education opportunities, and (3) food assistance. Project Protect staff analyzed audio recordings and notes from the Community Engagement Sessions to garner insights to can inform strategies for future outreach and programming of the PPPN. The following insights were elevated during this process:

Insight Area: Healthcare

• Access to health insurance varies greatly across rural, agricultural communities and is affected by household finances, immigration status, and availability of state insurance programs. People are grateful for the help they received from Medicare and emergency health care programs, and remain curious about their options.

• Unstable situations push some people to weigh their finances against their health needs. The economic burden of health care is unmanageable for families employed in agriculture and some have been turned away from care for not being able to pay without insurance.

• Financial reprieve for health care costs, even without health insurance, can be found in the community. Some rely on discount cards offered by some clinics, while others seek out hospitals that offer reasonable payment plans, assistance with Medicare applications, or programs for low-income individuals.

• Undocumented individuals face great struggles with accessing affordable health care. Some in dire need have paid full price for health services. Overall, they state firmly and clearly that health is a human right and no one should be denied treatment and care.

• The US healthcare system can be unfamiliar and confusing. Many are unsure how to navigate hospitals, access insurance, and coverage, and even register complaints of discrimination. Experiences of discrimination and poor treatment are evident and result in choosing to travel farther for quality care.

• Colorado’s OmniSalud program, which offers undocumented Coloradans access to affordable health insurance plans, has extremely limited enrollment. Experiences for a few lucky enrollees have been positive, but many are blocked from participation due to limited enrollment. Workers hope for an insurance option specifically to support agricultural workers, either through their employer or otherwise.

Insight Area: Adult Education

• Time and transportation are limitations that should be considered when scheduling classes for agricultural workers. Summertime necessitates long working hours for agriculture, making late nights or winter months the best options for scheduling.

• English and literacy classes were some of the most requested adult education topics. Many participants requested more class options so that beginner and intermediate students were separated, with options for more immersive courses. English language learners hope to gain the skills needed to navigate daily errands in town, communicate with their English-speaking kids, and take certification or licensing programs.

• It is discouraging when adult education, certifications, and university classes are only taught in English because English fluency doesn’t represent one’s aptitude for learning a skill. These types of classes include GRE, CDL, and other trade skills like carpentry, welding, knitting, and sewing.

• Health and wellness classes, especially cooking classes, were a common request for students of all ages.

Insight Area: Food Security

• Food is an urgent need and people ask, “do not forget about us.” The Project Protect Promotora Network is successfully meeting this dire need.

• The seasonal nature of the agricultural industry directly affects food access because the seasonal fluctuations in income impact SNAP benefits.

• Food is expensive and many are navigating a tension between between paying rent and eating since wage increases rarely match the inflation rates.

• SNAP applications and eligibility requirements are note very accessible due to their length, the documentation needed for all household members, citizenship requirements, and income limits.

• Undocumented adults utilize the WIC program successfully and use the SNAP program and school lunch programs for children who have citizenship status. However, undocumented older adults have far fewer options for assistance.

• Information about food access services is passed along social networks, but there is also confusion and misinformation. Men are the least likely to know about hunger relief programs, which presents challenges for a large number of unaccompanied men working in Colorado agriculture.

The Community Engagement Sessions demonstrate the need for government agencies and nonprofit organizations to dedicate more resources to support Colorado’s agricultural workers and their families. Changes to existing policies, regulations, and legislation will be important in addressing health disparities affecting rural Colorado.

Report by Project Protect Food Systems Workers

Kassandra Neiss, Data Director, Project Protect Food Systems Workers

Hunter Knapp, Esq., Development Director, Project Protect Food Systems Workers

Dolores del Campo, Regional Director of the Promotora Network: Northeast 3

Zoila Gomez, Regional Director of the Promotora Network: San Luis Valley

Ere Juarez, Regional Director of the Promotora Network: Northeast 1

Angeles Mendez, Regional Director of the Promotora Network: Western Slope

Ana Schultz, Regional Director of the Promotora Network: Northeast 2

Betty Velasquez, Regional Director of the Promotora Network: Southeast

2024 Community Engagement Session Report.pdf

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