Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has announced an expansion of its farmworker hotline, 833-SIAYUDA (833-742-9832), to include resources and services for farmworkers affected by influenza A (H5N1). The MDHHS Farmworker Outreach Services Division initially launched the toll-free SIAYUDA hotline in February 2023 to provide information and service referrals in a farmworker’s primary language. Given that two-thirds of Michigan’s seasonal farmworker population speak only Spanish, the hotline offers translations in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole.

Michigan has previously reported two human cases of influenza A (H5N1) among dairy farmworkers. In light of this, MDHHS is reminding residents about the bilingual SIAYUDA hotline, which continues to offer culturally appropriate education aimed at keeping Michiganders healthy and safe.

“Immediate bilingual services like translations of safety, well-being and emergency press releases and more are available to seasonal farmworkers through the MDHHS Farmworker Hotline,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director. “MDHHS is proactively providing resources about health topics like influenza A (H5N1) for seasonal farmworkers in Michigan to ensure the health of all residents.”

In addition to English and Spanish, a translation service is available for calls in other languages. MDHHS contracts with industry professionals to ensure quality healthcare access for Michigan residents.

MDHHS remains committed to equipping bilingual residents with tools to prevent disease, improve health outcomes, and enhance well-being.

For more information visit:

Michigan.gov/farmworkeroutreachservices

Michigan.gov/help4migrants

Michigan.gov/SIAYUDA

Michigan.gov/InfluenzaA

Michigan.gov/birdflu

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