[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 90 (Thursday, May 23, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E557]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




      HONORING THE PROMOTORAS IN OUR COMMUNITY TO COMBAT COVID-19

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. VERONICA ESCOBAR

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 23, 2024

  Ms. ESCOBAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the remarkable efforts of 
community leaders and organizations in battling the COVID-19 pandemic, 
including AYUDA, Inc., Familias Triunfadoras, Dona Ana County--Health & 
Human Services, and Family Support Services of Amarillo, along with 
dedicated leaders like Nora Hernandez, Josiah Heyman, Mark Jurado, 
Adriana Orozco, Gina Nunez-Mchiri, and the memory of Patricia Juarez 
Carrillo.
  The COVID-19 pandemic brought unprecedented challenges to our 
communities, particularly impacting vulnerable populations such as 
farmworkers, dairy workers, and meatpacking workers. Recognizing the 
urgent need for targeted interventions, our dedicated leaders partnered 
with the National COVID-19 Resiliency Network (NCRN) to address the 
specific needs of these communities.
  Our leader's collaboration with community-based organizations aimed 
to provide essential resources and support to migrant workers and food 
production workers in El Paso, Moore, TX, and Dona Ana, NM counties. 
The project began with disseminating vital COVID-19 information and 
evolved to address emerging needs, including vaccine access, mental 
health support, and promoting the NCRN application.
  By early February 2024, substantial progress had been achieved in 
providing essential COVID-19 resources to farmworkers, dairy workers, 
and meatpacking workers. Crucial, targeted outreach efforts meant 
thousands of these workers received the COVID-19 vaccine, tests, 
resources, and more. These initiatives highlight a comprehensive 
approach to supporting essential workers' health and well-being and our 
greater community. The collaborative efforts of these organizations and 
leaders have been crucial in mitigating the impact of COVID-19 and 
promoting health equity in our communities, reflecting the spirit of 
compassion and solidarity.
  Today, I am honored to pay tribute to all those involved in this 
noble endeavor. Their selfless contributions have made a profound 
difference in the lives of countless individuals and families, and 
their legacy of service will be remembered for generations to come.

                          ____________________