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

Abstract #65201

Michael Rodriguez, MD, MPH, Department of Family Medicine, University of California, Los Angeles, 924 Westwood Blvd., Suite 650, Los Angeles, CA 90095, (310)794-0394, mrodriguez@mednet.ucla.edu and Jennifer L. Toller, BA, School of Public Health, Department of Community Health Sciences, University of California, Los Angeles, Box 951772, 36-071 CHS, Los Angeles, CA 90095-1772.

California depends upon a large seasonal workforce to plant, sustain and harvest agricultural products. California’s migrant agricultural workforce is more than 95% Latino; two-fifths are undocumented immigrants. Despite the economic value of the harvest they produce, migrant workers remain marginalized, impoverished and excluded from labor regulations and health and safety protections. We will discuss the impact that relative lack of access to health / social services has had on migrant agricultural workers, including high rates of injuries, poor nutrition, chronic disease and depression. Although access to affordable quality health care for California’s migrant women and children has improved, it still falls below national standards. Evidence shows significant numbers of migrant women and children are eligible for programs but are unaware of them, face bureaucratic barriers, or are afraid to sign up because of immigration status. Almost half of the males have not seen a physician in over 2 years. Dental care remains almost non-existent in many farm areas. Given these challenges, much work can be done in communities and at legislative levels and we will share examples of promising efforts aimed at eliminating the health disparities that this population faces.

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
• Articulate the health status and barriers to healthcare of California’s migrant farm workers;
• Describe three innovative programs currently serving migrant workers; and,
• Identify five suggested policy changes for improving health and reducing barriers to healthcare for migrant workers at the state, federal and bi-national levels.

Keywords: Latino, Access to Health Care

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
I do not have any significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.