The 131st Annual Meeting (November 15-19, 2003) of APHA

Abstract #63856

Benjamin H. Flores, MPH, Bureau of Primary Health Care, Health Resources and Services Administration, DHHS, 4350 East West Highway, 7th Floor, Bethesda, MD 20814, 301-594-4160, BFlores@hrsa.gov and Anne Kauffman Nolon, MPH, Hudson River HealthCare, 1200 Brown Street, Peekskill, NY 10566.

There are 3 to 5 million migrant and seasonal farmworkers living and working in US agribusiness, with 700,000 being served by migrant health centers, strategically located throughout the US. Additionally, there are a growing number of migrants coming from Mexico every year, seeking employment in urban areas, requiring health services. The presenter will discuss the system of federally funded migrant health centers in the US. The unique model of care that they offer including culturally competent and enabling services distinguishes these centers from the other sectors of the health system in the US, yet compares closely with the Mexican "Centros de Salud." The presenter will describe why this system of community governed health care is effective in addressing the health needs of migrants in the US and why massive migrant and community health center expansion is underway over the next five years in the United States, protecting the health of migrants and all underserved.

Learning Objectives:

At the conclusion of this presentation, the participant will be able to (
• Describe the delivery system of Migrant Health Centers throughout the US that serves migrant workers, largely from Mexico, identifying gaps in services.(2)Articulate the differences and similarities between the Health Centers in Mexico and those in the US (
• Understand the unique model of care that meets the needs of the migrant farmworker including culturally competent and enabling services (
• Identify current financing and future funding opportunities for new and expanded migrant health centers throughout the US to assist in the protection and improvement of the health of migrant workers.

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Health Resources and Services Administration/Bureau of Primary Health Care
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: I am the Director of the Office of Minorities and Special Populations, an employee of the Federal Government, HRSA/BPHC.