MDHHS Expands Bilingual Hotline for Influenza A (H5N1) Info

LANSING, Mich. – The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has expanded its farmworker hotline, 833-SIAYUDA (833-742-9832), to include information and resources for those affected by influenza A (H5N1). This toll-free service, launched in February 2023, provides assistance in English, Spanish, and Haitian-Creole.

Two-thirds of Michigan’s seasonal farmworker population speak only Spanish. The hotline offers translations and culturally appropriate education to keep farmworkers informed and safe. This service comes in response to two reported cases of influenza A (H5N1) among dairy farmworkers in Michigan.

“Immediate bilingual services, including translations of safety and emergency information, are available to seasonal farmworkers through the MDHHS Farmworker Hotline,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS Director. “We are proactively providing resources about influenza A (H5N1) to ensure the health of all residents.”

Translation services for other languages are also available, ensuring comprehensive support for Michigan’s farmworker community.

For more information, visit:

• Michigan.gov/farmworkeroutreachservices
• Michigan.gov/help4migrants
• Michigan.gov/SIAYUDA
• Michigan.gov/InfluenzaA
• Michigan.gov/birdflu

Read full press release here.