Project Salud, a community nursing center, serves a large population of Mexicans who work in the mushroom industry. Though the first clients were single men, families began to arrive in Chester County when the 1986 change in the immigration law occurred. Though this agency had established connections with care providers in Mexico and in Kennett Square to improve individual and family health, more connections became necessary as increasing numbers of workers settled in the region. Community, health, and business leaders noted the need for more extensive partnerships. They recognized the value of the Mexican mushroom worker to Chester County, and noted the growing informal connections with the state of Guanajuato, Mexico. They started efforts to create larger partnerships to meet our mutual needs and develop our strengths through establishment of cooperative efforts involving universities, community and government agencies, and local citizens. An early effort, led by a county commissioner and a group of mushroom growers, raised money to provide full scholarships for two health care students from the University of Guanajuato to complete master’s degrees at West Chester University. In an effort to further partnership efforts and mutual knowledge, a diverse group comprised of a community leaders group and students from West Chester University, traveled to Guanajuato and met with many university and community groups. This presentation will further describe these efforts.
Learning Objectives: 1. List at least three potential collaborators for partnerships that expand beyond geopolitical boundaries. 2. Describe two potential approaches to establishing cross -cultural partnerships for improvement of health
Keywords: Partnerships, Migrant Farm Workers
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Project Salud
University of Guanajuato
West Chester University
Disclosure not received
Relationship: Not Received.