
As we dive into the second year of the RESPIRAR program and continue our mission to support the Latino immigrant community, our Maryland team has been hard at work. Here's an update on our recent activities:
RESPIRAR Project Progress
The RESPIRAR (Research Employing Environmental Systems and Occupational Health Policy Analyses to Interrupt the Impact of Structural Racism on Agricultural Workers and Their Respiratory Health) project continues to make strides in understanding and addressing health disparities within the farmworker community. Key activities include:
Open Learning Course: From May 28 to June 1, we launched an intensive course at the Community Foundation of the Eastern Shore in Salisbury, MD. Students gained hands-on experience in environmental and health issues affecting migrant farmworkers, combining classroom learning with community visits.

2024 Outreach Season: Our research team is actively conducting site visits throughout Maryland's Eastern Shore. We're engaging with farmworkers and recruiting new participants for the project.
COVID-19 Testing: As part of our study, we're conducting nasal swabs to detect COVID-19 infections early.

Housing Investigations: Our team is examining farmworker housing conditions, focusing on ventilation, air quality, and sanitation to understand how living environments impact respiratory health.
Expanded Accessibility: This year, we've translated consent forms into Haitian Creole to reach a broader population.
Currently, we have around 43 participants across 6 farms in different counties. While some workers are hesitant to participate, others are showing interest in the study.
Additional Community Initiatives
Beyond RESPIRAR, our Maryland team has been involved in other crucial activities:
Chicken Catcher Rights: We collaborated with the Centro de los Derechos de los Migrantes to meet with migrant workers employed as chicken catchers. We uncovered concerning practices, including unfair wage deductions and excessive charges for workplace damages.

Educational Outreach: Our team conducted a cultural immersion program with Wicomico County Public Schools, hosting 4 sessions for 80 participants. This initiative aimed to bridge cultural gaps and provide information about free services available to migrant families.

Join Us in Building a Stronger Community
Your voice matters, and your rights are important. If you're in Maryland and have questions about labor rights or immigration, we're here to help. Our doors are open, and our team is ready to support you.
Take the First Step:
📍 Visit us: CATA office, 200 E Church, Suite B, Salisbury, MD 21801
📞 Call for an appointment: 410-572-5959
Don't hesitate to reach out – your journey towards empowerment starts with a simple conversation. We're looking forward to meeting you!
Comments