California staff have been preparing for several new consumers, post-9/11 and other veterans, who have been referred by various agencies. In March, the program sent staff to be trained in Mental Health First Aid and received in-service training from the Traumatic Brain Injury Association of California on how to assist consumers. In addition, CalAgrAbility attended and staffed an information table at the Veteran Forum held in the Davis Veteran's Memorial Building. The event was hosted by assemblywoman Mariko Yamada and the Veteran Affairs Coalition. Many other agencies were represented and gave presentations to assist veterans. CalAg was also contacted by a state legislator regarding the program's work with veterans.
As the agricultural season kicks in, many organizations plan events for the influx of seasonal employees. CalAg was invited to the Migrant Center Inter-Agency Conference. About 20 agencies attended, including healthcare and medical agencies, Health Education Council, Department of Pesticide and Health Regulation, Yolo Interfaith Network, Unified School Districts, Department of Public Health, and many others. This provides a networking opportunity as these agencies will be collaborators in assisting AgrAbility consumers.
CalAg was also represented at the state diabetes conference in Sacramento as well as the annual Almond Festival in Capay Valley. Staff attended the Walk for Thought event held at the state capitol to disseminate information and learn more about mental health issues. Along with the Arthritis Foundation partner, CalAg conducted a two-hour Spanish-language arthritis land exercise class at Clinic Tepati, UC-Davis Medical Center.
Submitted by Martha Stiles