Backpacks Aid Hydration for North Carolina Farmworkers

Why this is here: In 2025, North Carolina recorded 5,748 emergency room visits for heat-related illness between May and September—considerably higher than the average of the past five summers.

Elizabeth Mizelle, a nurse and professor at East Carolina University, is testing $20 hydration backpacks with farmworkers in North Carolina. Inspired by military gear, Mizelle collaborates with agricultural workers to improve hydration in fields where temperatures can exceed 110 degrees Fahrenheit. Average spring temperatures in the state have risen by 2.5°F since 1970, contributing to 5,748 heat-related emergency room visits in 2025.

Mizelle’s 2020 study found roughly 46% of outdoor workers began their shifts dehydrated, and all were dehydrated by the end. Initial trials with 47 workers in 2022 showed 90% found the backpacks helpful for staying hydrated. Follow-up data from 2025 mirrors these findings.

However, the 8.8-pound weight of a full backpack may exacerbate existing back pain among farmworkers. Cost remains a challenge, as the $20 price represents a significant portion of daily wages for some.

Mizelle hopes farmers and workers will share the expense, and advocates for policy changes similar to those in California to protect outdoor workers. The research continues to assess long-term benefits and address potential drawbacks.