Brenda Sánchez: Championing Healthcare Access for Arizona’s Farmworkers Amidst Political Turmoil
Brenda Sánchez’s journey began in 2018 as an undergraduate intern at the Southeast Arizona Health Education Center (SEAHEC) in Nogales. Her initial project, developing the Agua Limpia Health Curriculum, reflected her deep commitment to improving the lives of farmworkers in Arizona’s borderland communities. This curriculum not only addressed systemic issues surrounding clean drinking water but also provided immediate solutions like water filters, empowering farmworkers to take control of their health. Seven years later, Sánchez now leads SEAHEC as its executive director, her dedication to healthcare access for farmworkers unwavering.
SEAHEC, serving rural communities in five Arizona counties, focuses on providing specialized outreach to Spanish-speaking populations. This mission has become increasingly critical under the current political climate, characterized by increased immigration enforcement and significant cuts to federal funding. These policies have created considerable hardship for the borderland communities that SEAHEC serves, leaving many residents vulnerable and fearful. Sánchez and her team have had to adapt their strategies to navigate these challenges and continue providing essential services.
Community health workers, or promotoras, play a vital role in SEAHEC’s work. These individuals, deeply embedded within the communities they serve, act as trusted messengers, bridging the gap between healthcare providers and vulnerable populations. They possess an intimate understanding of the specific needs of their communities and serve as a crucial conduit for information and resources. In the face of growing fear and distrust, promotoras remain a reliable source of support and guidance.
Sánchez recounts how community health workers identified a significant barrier to accessing nutrition services: fear stemming from the current political climate and concerns about immigration status. To address this, SEAHEC began offering constitutional rights trainings, empowering community members with knowledge of their rights regardless of their immigration status. The high turnout for these trainings underscores the trust placed in the promotoras and the effectiveness of their outreach efforts.
The Trump administration’s policies have significantly impacted SEAHEC’s work. Funding cuts have forced the closure of programs, such as the migrant program that provided healthcare coordination for newly arrived asylum-seekers. While SEAHEC continues to serve the migrant population, the scope of their services has been constrained. Furthermore, the political environment has necessitated a shift in language and outreach strategies to avoid jeopardizing funding, hindering their ability to connect with vulnerable communities. Despite these obstacles, SEAHEC remains committed to its mission, collaborating with other agencies to maximize their collective impact.
The current climate has taken a toll on SEAHEC’s team. The uncertainty surrounding funding creates anxiety and fear of job loss, placing an emotional burden on staff members. Moreover, witnessing the struggles of community members and their inability to access essential resources leads to secondhand trauma and burnout. Despite these challenges, Sánchez and her team remain resilient, inspired by the resilience of the communities they serve.
Sánchez finds hope in the fact that, despite the challenges, SEAHEC continues to serve 100 people a month. While this number is significantly lower than previous levels, it represents 100 individuals who would otherwise be without essential resources. She remains optimistic that the current difficulties are temporary and that SEAHEC will be able to expand its services in the future. The resilience of the communities they serve – their ability to find joy and maintain hope in the face of adversity – fuels Sánchez’s optimism and strengthens her resolve. She and her team at SEAHEC continue to fight for healthcare access for all, drawing strength from the very people they strive to serve.
