Help Migrants Access Mental Health Services

Dear Friends,

Between the severe weather destroying the crops and the levee break, it has been a difficult year for migrant workers in Northern California. The same workers who produce 1/3 of the vegetables, 2/3 of the fruits and nuts and 90% of all strawberries grown in the United States. According to the Center for Farmworker Families, migrant farmworkers suffer as a result of inadequate nutrition, terrible living conditions and no health insurance. The average life expectancy of a migrant farmworker is 49 years of age.

The CARE collaborative, made up of Livity Rising, Integrative Healers Action Network and Acupuncturists Without Borders, provided over 1800 treatments to migrant workers in Northern California. They can choose between chiropractic, massage, acupuncture, ear seeds or any combination of the above which are provided free of charge. Many people arrive with pain and keep coming back because they feel better as a result of the different treatments offered.

Here is a short summary of what has been accomplished this fiscal year:

• Over 1299 people were treated and over 1800 treatments were given (because people received multiple treatments!)
• 91% of people reported improved mental health as a result of improved sleep, less anxiety and less depression.
• 93% of people reported they were in less physical pain as a result of the treatments.

In their own words:

I didn't feel well before. The therapies you guys have been giving me have been really helping me. My pain level was between 4-5 (on a pain scale of 0-5) in my back and shoulders. Now I feel really good. There is no more pain. I received chiropractic, massage, acupuncture and ear seeds. Thank you for your work!

I have come here around 6 times and I continue to return because I feel really good. I hurt my back and hips and at one time I could not walk. I feel really good with the treatments, and since I do not have money to pay and here they do not charge, that's why I continue to return. When asked, "Do you think we really help you?" The answer: Yes of course that is why I come. If not, I would not return. 

If you can provide financial support, please do so.

Thank you for all you do to make the world a better, healthier and safer place!