Access to Phones and Use of International Numbers Among Farmworkers in North Carolina, 2023–2024

OBJECTIVES: Communication barriers can hinder health promotion and healthcare services. Migrant and seasonal farmworkers face substantial challenges to healthcare access. We used a mixed-methods approach to assess access to phones and use of international numbers among agricultural workers, specifically migrant and seasonal farmworkers, and to explore potential implications for healthcare, emergency services, and public health outreach. MATERIALS AND METHODS: = 34). RESULTS: Among survey respondents, 19% reported being unable to consistently make phone calls at their housing, and 10% reported using a phone with a number from another country. Interviews and listening sessions revealed three themes related to farmworkers' cell phone use during the agricultural season, including use of international numbers, challenges with cell phones, and the utility of phones. CONCLUSIONS: Healthcare providers, emergency services, and public health practitioners should be aware that farmworkers may face barriers to making and receiving phone calls as well as sending text messages. Healthcare systems should consider how to ensure access to care for farmworkers using phones with numbers from their country of origin. While most farmworkers have access to phones, a meaningful minority cannot consistently make a phone call to coordinate care, report an emergency, or access health promotion services.