CALEXICO — On Friday, Oct. 25, the Consulate General of Mexico in Calexico hosted its annual Farmworker Breakfast as part of the 24th Bilateral Health Week, with field workers ready at 1 a.m. gathered at the consulate.
The early start time for the Consulate General’s event is necessary because of the early schedules farmworkers are accustomed to, such as Lizbeth Buelna, who has worked as a field worker for 31 years and is grateful for the event and its service. expressed his intentions.
Lizbeth poses with Oscar Reyes, a colleague of more than 20 years, after Buelna won a coffee machine in a raffle held at the Binational Health Week event in Calexico on Friday morning, Oct. 25.・Mr. Buelna (left). Yamir Aguilar photo
“Most days I’m ready to start work at 2 a.m. and get home around 8 p.m.,” Buelna says. “This is a huge effort on the part of the embassy and we really appreciate it. Every year the situation gets better and all our questions and concerns regarding health are answered, especially learning about new laws and services available. Good for us. It makes us aware of our rights and health. Don’t let it be taken away.”
As part of the event, the Consulate General partnered with numerous agencies and organizations to provide accessible medical, legal, and financial services to local field workers. Of note, the flu vaccine was provided by Legacy MD Medical Group, and the consulate also provided employees with a complimentary McDonald’s breakfast with coffee.
Consul Ricardo Hernández Recanda emphasized the importance of agricultural workers and how important they are not only to Mexicali, but to Calexico.
“We couldn’t sustain agriculture, especially in California, without Mexican workers,” Hernandez-Recanda said. “It is our commitment as the Mexican government to respond appropriately and appropriately to the necessities of Mexican citizens across the border, and with the help of these events and collaborations with organizations, we are able to We can proceed with it in the right, responsible and effective way. ”
Legacy MD Medical Group partners with the Consulate General to provide farmworkers with medical services ranging from cholesterol tests, diabetes testing, and vaccines to keep them healthy. Adding to the services offered Friday morning, Luis Romero, chief operating officer of Legacy MD, said:
“Right now in October, with the focus on breast cancer awareness, we are providing services to women in the Imperial Valley to help them self-examine.The clinic is also offering support to others regarding breast cancer. “Anyone who wants to get a free health check, we’re here to help them and guide them through all the benefits available to them,” Romero said.
Field workers line up at various information booths to learn more about available services during the Binational Health Week event in Calexico on Friday morning, Oct. 25. Yamir Aguilar photo
The Calexico Wellness Center will also be on hand during the event, with general physicians, pediatricians and gynecologists providing care on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays at the Wellness Center, located at 420 Heffernan Avenue, Suite D.
“Any worker can visit our clinic to get in touch with us and learn more about the services available to us,” said Susana Peña, an outreach member of the Wellness Center. “I’m just grateful to be able to participate in these events and help provide workers with the information they need and help them get the services they need.”
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The Sure Helpline Center is also now available as a support organization for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault. Counseling services and support groups are also available for anyone in need. All services are confidential and free. The center offers a 24/7 helpline at 760-352-7873.
“If someone is a victim of sexual assault or domestic violence, we will help them with financial assistance with utility bills, including rent, food and clothing cards, if applicable.” said Gabriela Cabrales of the helpline’s community activities. coordinator.
Mexican Consulate General Staff Member Brenda García Resendiz (from left) and Consul Ricardo Hernández Recanda of Legacy MD Medical Group during a Bilateral Health Week event in Calexico on Friday morning, October 25th. Posing with staff members Karen Alvarado and Luis Romero. Yamir Aguilar photo
Gustavo Montejano, who has been working in the fields for 30 years, took advantage of the services available at the event and received a free flu vaccine.
“This is not the first year that I have participated in this event, so I am happy to continue it. This is a very special event and I have already had my flu vaccine and have also been tested for coronavirus. I received a lot of services and everything is perfect,” Montejano said.
