WashMasks Heat Stress Prevention Drive
May 31 - June 23, 2024
As temperatures rise in Washington, so does the risk of heat stress exposure. During the run of Jinkx Monsoon & Major Scales: Together Again, Again! (May 31 - June 23, 2024), Seattle Rep is partnering with WashMasks to collect requested donations for Washington farmworkers and help protect those who feed us.
What Can I Donate?
- Long-sleeve cotton shirts
- Sunhats and baseball hats
- Cooling neckbands
- Protective eyewear and sunglasses
- KN95 masks
Check out the donation registry for other highly requested items such as hydration packs, pop-up tents for emergency shade, etc.
What is heat stress and its impact on farmworkers?
Heat stress is when the body cannot get rid of excess heat, leading to heat-related illness. Heat-related illnesses include heat cramps, heat exhaustion, heat rash, or heat stroke. Symptoms can be sweating, dizziness, cessation of sweating, and collapse. If untreated, heat-related illness can lead to heatstroke and become life-threatening. One can die from heat stress in under two hours.
Farmworkers die of heat-related illness 20 times greater than the entire U.S. civilian workforce. They face risk of heat stress in the fields, packing areas, and housing. Many migrant agricultural workers are at the mercy of their employers for housing. Some farmworker housing fails to have air conditioning, fans, or adequate cooling. This extends their exposure to heat stress.
About WashMasks
WashMasks Mutual Aid works and collaborates with communities to provide care, creative joy, and community to Washington farmworkers, their families, and other BIPOC rural communities. We believe farmworkers and rural communities deserve safety, equity, and dignity.
WashMasks was formed in April 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. WashMasks is an all-volunteer mutual aid consisting of artists, classroom teachers, public school administrators, activists, and the extended arts community from across Washington state. The communities we work with deserve support, dignity, and advocacy. WashMasks works in solidarity with rural community activists, schools, organizations, educators, farmworker unions, migrant youth, and farmworkers themselves. WashMasks aims to amplify and support these communities and their leaders.
What is Mutal Aid?
Mutual aid is an act of solidarity among communities and neighbors. Mutual aid work happens when communities work collaboratively in addressing community needs.
Instagram: @washmasks
Facebook: WashMasks