In September, CalAgrAbility attended the Woodland Farmers Market Health and Resource Fair where the Health Education Council was present, who expressed interest in collaborating with the program in serving rural families. Staff also represented CalAg at the Lodi Grape Festival in south Sacramento County and the Walnut Festival in the east bay county of Contra Costa. These are valuable venues in touching base with growers. The Children's Nutrition and Safety Health Fair in Lodi drew about 400 farm and rural folks. CalAg staff spoke to about 200 students about arthritis, diabetes, and nutrition. Staff members explained to the children as well as the parents in attendance about the importance of arthritis and diabetes prevention through nutrition. CalAg also participated in the health fair sponsored by the Ventanilla de Salud and Champions for change at the Mexican Consulate. About 100 people showed up for free flu shots, asthma and dental screenings, and glucose and blood pressure checks.
CalAgrAbility made a valuable connection with the Allergy Medical Group of Sacramento, who specializes in allergies and asthma. The physician expressed interest in collaborating with the program and the Asthma & Allergy foundation of America (AAFA)-California Chapter in Los Angeles. Staff will be hooking up with their education and outreach specialist. The Capay Crush Organic Grape Festival in Yolo County was a good connection with local grape farmers as was the Lodi Health Fair held late in September. The Hear! Here! Meeting was held at the Davis Senior Center. CalAg continues to collaborate with the HLAA of Yolo and sit on the board each month to assist in directing activities.
CalAg staff attended the AT Network Northern Regional meeting where 20 AT professionals discussed common issues. Attendees included AT Advocates from Chico, Salinas, San Mateo, San Francisco, Berkeley, and Sacramento. CalAg gave a brief presentation about the program's services. Staff members are working with the Yuba-Sutter Children's Type 1 Diabetes Support Group & Resource Center to set up Taking the Reins: Work and Living with Arthritis on Farms. The exercise classes, Get Moving, are very popular. CalAg trained at the Siga Moviéndose Arthritis Exercise Class at the Woodland Family Resource Center and at the Fibromyalgia Support Group in Vacaville, the John Artesi II Family Farm Labor Migrant Center, the Mission Oaks Community Center in Carmichael, and Clinica Tepati UC Davis Medical Center. Staff was also invited by Yuma, Arizona Cooperative Extension advisors and Goodwill to conduct a 2-day workshop about California AgrAbility.
Submitted by Martha Stiles