Rural agricultural communities throughout the country have significant seasonal and migrant populations that typically are not included in population estimates.  Ensuring the health of these groups is clearly in the interest of rural communities as they seek to reduce the spread of infectious diseases and the burden of uncompensated hospital/clinic care.  During an emergency, however, the challenges increase as communities work to address the needs of: 1) their own citizens; 2) potential evacuees who arrive from other affected areas; and 3) seasonal and migrant populations that are often uncounted.  Taken together, these populations have the potential to overwhelm limited rural resources. 

In order to explore the issues migrant and seasonal workers face and understand how preparedness responders can work effectively with this community, NORC convened a panel in Genesee County, a rural county located in Western New York state.  The panel included representatives from public health, migrant advocacy, emergency response, farming and agricultural interests, social work and other relevant parties.   The anticipated planning guide that will result from this project will provide specific recommendations and planning considerations to minimize service disruptions and address the needs of migrant and seasonal populations during an emergency, focusing specifically on such issues as language barriers, distrust of authorities, and lack of regular sources of care.