Migrant and Seasonal Farmworkers Resources for Providers The following Websites provide handouts for providers who may see migratory farm workers and samples of printed materials, in Spanish, useful to migrant and seasonal farm workers. KDHE, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the National Center for Farm Worker Health have developed some materials that we would like to recommend which are available by contacting the following Websites: http://www.ncfh.org/resources/catalog.htm#other http://www.ncfh.org/resources/catalog.htm#educate
Statewide Farmworker Health Program The Statewide Farmworker Health Program mission is to assure access to primary health care services for low-income and medically underserved migratory and seasonal farmworkers. KDHE accomplishes its goals by coordinating a state-wide primary care case management system for migratory and seasonal farmworkers to obtain health services. Vouchers for covered services are obtained from over 80 Access Point Agencies made up of state-funded primary care clinics and local health departments. The philosophy of the program is that preventive services and early intervention create a healthier population and reduce the need and the total cost of personal health services. For this reason, regional case managers assist their clients in obtaining services through other programs such as Medicaid, M&I, WIC, well-child exams, family planning, and Health Wave, the new child health program. This system is a dynamic process and requires a partnership between state, local and private providers. The KDHE farmworker health program is limited to primary care defined as:
Farmworkers and their dependents are eligible regardless of immigration status. A farmworker is a person who reports employment, at any time during the last 24 months, in either of the two following categories: MIGRATORY AGRICULTURAL WORKER: defined as an individual whose principle employment is in agriculture on a seasonal basis, who has been so employed within the last 24 months, and who establishes, for the purpose of such employment, a temporary place of abode; or SEASONAL AGRICULTURAL WORKER: defined as an individual whose principle employment is in agriculture on a seasonal basis and who is not a migratory agricultural worker. In order to qualify for services payable through the voucher program, the family must, in addition to meeting the farmworker definition above:
Generally, migrant/seasonal farmworkers experience the same misfortunes as others who are low-income and have little or no access to employer-sponsored health insurance. Their plight is compounded by other barriers, however. Wages rates are typically lower, transportation less reliable, and fewer families can afford phone service. Language, culture, and work opportunities may keep them isolated. They may migrate with large supportive families who are also have health care needs. Housing is generally substandard. Finally, health professionals are often unfamiliar with problems of this group or resistant to treating them in their private practices. A significant barrier to care for the MSFW population is inability to speak fluent English. Poor language skills act as an isolator, hampering both the provider and client. Health professionals who are willing to provide care are generally not bilingual and may have difficulty planning care or responding to health concerns and treatment goals. For more information call: Kansas Statewide Farmworker Health Program Phone: (785) 296-1200
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