Georgia Farm Worker Health Program’s Fall 2007 Project a success

Rainy conditions did not dampen participation in Georgia Farm Worker Health Program’s Fall Project 2007 as public health professionals and students and physicians from the Emory School of Medicine conducted exams, provided education, offered screenings and distributed personal hygiene and other products to 267 clients at four separate Decatur County sites Oct. 5-7.

“The project provides care to a population that is underserved and may not receive medical or dental care due to barriers to access, such as transportation, language, healthcare coverage, ability to pay and so on,” explained Southwest Public Health District Farm Worker Health Program Director Shelia Ramer.

Patients were registered and served at sites where farm workers live or are employed, she said. “We were hampered by the weather conditions this year. Rain affected two of our four sites,” said Ramer. “However, in spite of the weather, the number of patients served was about the same as the last Fall Project, when the weather did not pose a problem.”

Weather plays a role in the event because screenings are provided outdoors, and are offered when workers have time off, such as at night and on weekends. “Insects, weather, darkness, all must be dealt with,” Ramer explained, adding that healthcare providers must also coordinate with growers at sites where farm workers are living or employed.

On Oct. 5, for example, project activities began at 5 p.m. and continued until midnight. The next day – Saturday, Oct. 6 -- healthcare workers moved operations to another site from 8 a.m. to noon, then to a third site from 4 p.m. to midnight. The project, which continued Oct. 7 at 8 a.m. at a fourth location, concluded at noon.

Two Georgia Farm Worker Health Program projects are conducted annually: the Summer Project in June and the Fall Project in October, said Ramer. The projects are coordinated with growers during peak planting, harvesting and packing seasons to reach the greatest number of clients.

“By providing much needed healthcare services to migrant workers and their families, we are improving the health status of one of our most vulnerable groups. Doing so strengthens our entire community,” Ramer said. “During these healthcare visits, we screen for communicable and chronic diseases and provide treatment as needed to ensure the health of those who grow and handle our food.”

During the Fall 2007 event, Emory Physician Assistant Program students charted medical histories and provided physical exams. In addition, physicians were on-site for consultation. Services included screenings for vital signs, glucose and hemoglobin levels and dental health. Echocardiograms were also performed if needed, Ramer said.

Participants were educated about sun exposure, cancer, hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, dental hygiene and sexually transmitted diseases. Additionally, free personal care items were distributed.

“The project is a team effort,” said Grant. “The hours are long, we are at the mercy of the weather and other conditions may also be outside of our control. The PA students must travel a considerable distance to provide care. Logistics may be complicated, since equipment and materials have to be packed, moved and unpacked. Kudos to all of the personnel who remained flexible and provided linguistically appropriate care. Many thanks to all who pulled together, despite the weather, and made this a successful project. The entire community will reap the rewards.”