* Presented in Spanish with simultaneous interpretation to English *
In recent years we have observed the increase in frequency and intensity of climate-related events, including high temperatures, such as those we have seen in recent weeks where the heat index exceeded 116°F in some municipalities. In Puerto Rico and in the United States thousands of workers from different industries are affected every year by high temperatures, which not only affect their health, but can also cause their death. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, exposure to heat killed 815 workers and seriously injured more than 70,000 workers from 1992 to 2017, figures that are probably under reported, since in 2019 this number increased dramatically. As temperatures continue to rise, heat related illnesses are becoming more common in the workplace, and excessive heat exposure may cause life-threatening heat stroke. It also exacerbates pre-existing health conditions, such as asthma, kidney and heart disease, and diabetes. Although heat related illnesses and death often occur in occupations such as construction or agriculture where work is largely outside, the problem affects all workers exposed to excessive heat, including drivers, restaurant workers, and healthcare workers.
This webinar will provide information on how to recognize the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses, as well as the effects it has on the worker health. In addition, worker rights and responsibilities will be identified, as well as the resources available to prevent heat related illnesses.
Watch the Webinar Recording
Presenters
Alma
Galván
MHC
Director of Community Engagement and Worker Training
Migrant Clinicians Network
Alma Galván, MHC (she/her/ella), is the Director of Community Engagement and Worker Training with MCN. Bicultural and bilingual, Galván has worked for more than three decades to improve the health of communities disadvantaged by structural inequities in the United States, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and Latin America. Her work has focused on a broad range of public health topics including infectious diseases, environmental health and justice, climate justice, worker health and safety, drug prevention, water and sanitation, cultural competency, and community development water and sanitation. She has worked with community-based organizations and international agencies such as the Pan American Health Organization. At Migrant Clinicians Network, she fosters innovative and participatory approaches to building capacity among immigrant and migrant communities and other underserved populations. She contributes to the development, implementation, and evaluation of multiple projects. Galván has extensive expertise in providing technical assistance and developing culturally contextual curricula and educational materials for Limited English Proficiency and low-literacy adult learners, community health workers, health professionals, health educators, and clinicians. Her unique approach to adult learning and expansive expertise in community-based approaches to health promotion helped hundreds of community health workers, clinicians and health department personnel bring culturally contextual COVID-19 resources and strategies to immigrant and migrant communities in order to promote vaccination and address mis/disinformation. Galván has worked extensively with MCN partners, community-based organizations, health agencies, and local and state health departments promoting health equity through language access and cultural competency. Galván has a strong health and social science background and has designed, implemented, and assessed programs for over 30 years. Galván is bilingual in English and Spanish. She is passionate and committed to addressing health inequities and lessening disparities. In her free time, Galván spends time with her family, and enjoys movies, reading, and learning about different cultures.
José
Rodríguez
MD
Senior Medical Advisor, Puerto Rico
Hospital General Castañer, Puerto Rico
José Rodríguez is the Medical Director at Hospital General Castañer, Puerto Rico. Dr. Rodríguez also serves as a Senior Medical Advisor in Puerto Rico for Migrant Clinicians Network.