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Five on Friday: Workers, Heat, and Immunization

 Five on Friday banner image for July 25, 2025, Workers, Heat, and Immunization. A worker shields his eyes from the sun.

Welcome back to Five on Friday! Catch up with MCN staff as we share the five of the many stories, resources, and papers that crossed our desks this week. Check them out before you head into the weekend.

bar dividerA child gets a bandaid placed on her recent vaccination. Heading reads, "Fearing Coverage Could Change, Some Parents Rush to Vaccinate Their Kids"

Sonia shared this article from NPR and KFF Health News, which highlights the concerns parents are having about upcoming vaccine availability for their children. Changes in the ACIP are fueling the alarm, as well as the funding cuts to Medicaid under the new budget law. Fearing Coverage Could Change, Some Parents Rush to Vaccinate Their Kids

bar dividerA worker gathers crops under the bright sun. The heading reads, "Trends in Rates of Heat-Related Deaths Across Population Groups in the United States, 2000-2023"

Pam provided this paper from the National Library of Medicine, an analysis of the rates of heat-related mortality among different demographics. Trends differ among populations for a variety of unique reasons; understanding these factors is key to developing interventions and health policies tailored to each group. Trends in Rates of Heat-Related Deaths Across Population Groups in the United States, 2000-2023

bar dividerA plane in the air, the clouds behind it are pink. Heading reads, "The Forgotten Side of Deportation: The Cost of Ignoring Returnees’ Reintegration Challenges"

Alma offered this article from the MPI, which provides perspective on what unauthorized individuals experience when they are returned to their country of origin. Reception differs among countries, and the lack of coordination between agencies often creates more stress for returnees. Additionally, most initiatives focus economic reintegration, placing less emphasis on social and mental health support for returnees. Addressing the needs of returnees before and after their arrival may help to improve integration outcomes and provide long-term stability needed to succeed within their communities. The Forgotten Side of Deportation: The Cost of Ignoring Returnees’ Reintegration Challenges

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A pregnant person speaking with a clinician. Heading reads, "Reproductive Health Hotline (ReproHH)"

Elizabeth sent in this new resource from UCSF’s Department of Family and Community Medicine, a free and confidential service for healthcare providers, CHWs, and more. Staffed by UCSF clinicians experienced in sexual and reproductive health, the goal of the hotline is to deliver on-demand information to help improve health outcomes, address health issues, and provide resources for other forms of support. Reproductive Health Hotline (ReproHH)

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Farmworkers crouched among crops. Heading reads, "Immigrant Farmworkers Win Housing Rights in Vermont"

Weekly Win: Vermont recently became one of the few states to implement housing protections for immigrant farmworkers, joining California, Colorado, Washington, New York, Oregon, Washington, D.C., and Illinois! This article sent in by Esther, from Civil Eats, details the history of the bill, first introduced in 2023, and the efforts made by Migrant Justice to advocate for the proposal on behalf of the farmworker community. The passing of this measure means that farmworkers no longer need to tolerate poor housing conditions from employers or rejection from landlords, despite proper references and the ability to pay. Immigrant Farmworkers Win Housing Rights in Vermont

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Have a safe and healthy weekend!