FREMONT, CA – Bay Area Community Health and On Lok, two of the Bay Area’s leading community healthcare organizations, are presenting on November 15th a special screening of the award-winning documentary short film Campesinos: America’s Unsung Heroes which tells vivid, compelling stories of California farmworkers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Essential farmworkers continue to face income inequality, racial tension, a lack of resources and affordable housing, as they work hard to bring fresh produce to tables throughout California and the country. This moving documentary documents their dedication, courage, and perseverance during the pandemic, shines a light on their daily lives and recognizes their outstanding contributions with gratitude and appreciation.
Campesinos has received a tremendous response from viewers at film festivals and private showings, garnering numerous awards, including “Best Film Winner” at this year’s Los Angeles Documentary Film Festival. A compelling trailer can be viewed at https://youtu.be/NRcXm8rb07w
The special event begins at 5:30 p.m. with a welcoming session and light refreshments, followed by the film screening at 6:30 p.m. A panel discussion and Q&A session with the filmmakers will follow. The panel will be moderated by On Lok COO, Nicole Torres, and includes Joe Poni, director, and filmmaker; Alex Ontiveros, producer, and Silicon Valley Latino founder & CEO; and Dr. Victor Salazar, medical director, Bay Area Community Health.
Many farmworkers live and work in the areas served by Bay Area Community Health and On Lok. Both organizations hope to expand awareness of their services to farmworkers as an essential part of their community outreach efforts.
“Migrant farmworkers are particularly vulnerable to illness because high rates of respiratory diseases are an occupational hazard, they have low rates of health insurance coverage, and many have substandard living and working conditions,” said Dr. Salazar. “Bay Area Community Health hopes to increase awareness of the plight of migrant farmworkers and to gain support for developing a stronger public health infrastructure that improves their quality of life.”
On Lok currently serves some seniors who were formerly farmworkers. “We feel confident that Campesinos will help us raise awareness of On Lok among that population and attract even more farmworkers who will benefit from our services,” added Torres.
The screening is free and open to the public, but registration is required.
DATE: Tuesday, November 15, 2022
TIME: 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
LOCATION: Mexican Heritage Plaza, 1700 Alum Rock Avenue, San Jose.
RSVP: https://tinyurl.com/Campesinos1115.
About Bay Area Community Health
Bay Area Community Health (BACH) was formed in 2020 through the merger of southern Alameda County’s Tri-City Health Center and Santa Clara County’s Foothill Community Health Center. BACH brings more than 70 years of combined service to an area extending from Union City to Gilroy. BACH serves more than 100,000 people who rely on high-quality healthcare services, regardless of their immigration status, ethnicity, disabilities, or ability to pay. For more information about BACH, please visit www.bach.health.
About On Lok
On Lok is a nonprofit organization that empowers older adults to age with dignity and independence. With 50 years of experience, On Lok is a trusted resource in San Francisco, Santa Clara County, and the Tri-City area of Alameda County. On Lok founded and still operates the Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly (PACE), which allows eligible seniors to live at home for as long as possible by providing comprehensive medical care and social services. On Lok 30th Street Senior Center, the largest multipurpose senior center in San Francisco, provides a second home, health programs, activities, and case management services to active seniors. The On Lok Mission Nutrition Program provides more than 250,000 meals annually to seniors through its dining locations and meal delivery program. For more information, please visit www.onlok.org.
