All-Hazard Preparedness Among H-2A Guest Workers

H-2A workers are a rapidly growing segment of the U.S. farm labor force. They may face unique challenges in emergency preparedness. The primary objectives of this rapid community assessment (RCA) were to assess 1) the prevalence of emergency preparedness training, 2) the prevalence of general emergency preparedness behaviors, and 3) emerging infectious disease vaccination uptake and access to local health care resources among H-2A workers.

Surveys were conducted in Monterey County, California, and Yakima County, Washington, due to the high number of H-2A workers who arrive on a seasonal basis. Participants were recruited at randomly selected housing sites and non-randomly selected community sites. A descriptive analysis of participants' responses and a comparative analysis of Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants were conducted.

A total of 307 surveys were completed in-person in Monterey County (n = 144) and Yakima County (n = 163). Data collection took place in August for both counties. The majority of participants had received training on emergency preparedness topics and had access to recommended emergency preparedness items, but this was less common among Indigenous participants. Vaccine uptake was similar among Indigenous and non-Indigenous participants, but uptake of the Tdap/TD vaccine was lower among Indigenous participants.

This RCA provides actionable insight into emergency preparedness, healthcare access, and vaccine uptake among H-2A workers. While most participants indicated receiving training on critical aspects of emergency preparedness, a substantial minority had not. Critical gaps remain in emergency preparedness, such as education and overall emergency readiness, that need enhancement in these communities.