April 3, 2002

MIGRANT POPULATION IN SW IDAHO NEEDS, DESERVES MEDICAL ATTENTION

By Milena Arthur and Ermelinda Garcia

Migrant and seasonal farmworkers contribute substantially to Idaho’s economy by cultivating and harvesting crops that provide affordable food. The members of this underserved segment of our community often toil under conditions that put their own health at risk. They usually earn low wages, work in poor conditions and frequently endure isolation and discrimination. Since most of them cannot afford health insurance and lack access to quality health care, many migrant and seasonal farmworkers are unable to seek medical attention when it is needed.

Because of these circumstances, diseases such as diabetes, high blood pressure, tuberculosis, breast cancer and glaucoma often go undetected and untreated among this segment of southwest Idaho’s population. In addition, two eye diseases called pterygium and pinguecula, which that are caused by overexposure to the sun, wind and dirt, have a high incidence among migrant and seasonal farmworkers.

According to the Idaho Division of Vocational Rehabilitation, there were more than 40,000 migrant and seasonal farmworkers in Ada, Canyon and Owyhee counties in 2000 — a significant number of people to say the least. And in many cases this significant number of local citizens is receiving inadequate health care. Migrant and seasonal farmworkers need to be educated, screened and made aware of common health problems affecting them and their families. Through education they can be empowered to make informed choices about their health risks and learn ways to prevent illnesses.

To assist in this cause, a free health fair will be held from 3-7 p.m. April 13 in Marsing at Marsing Elementary. The objective of the event, in which migrant and seasonal farmworkers and their families will be screened for a variety of diseases, is to improve the health of and increase access to health care in this underserved population.

A group of Boise State University nursing students — in collaboration with Eye Associates, Terry Reilly Health Services, Boise Sunrise Rotary, Boise Bench Lions Club, Idaho Migrant Council, Migrant Head Start and several other area organizations — will conduct the screenings and provide information for follow-up care. All services provided at the health fair are free to all participants.

In addition to screening for pinguecula and pterygium, the attendees will be screened and educated about breast cancer, glaucoma, diabetes, high blood pressure, hearing problems and dental care. Immunizations and mammograms will also be provided. Other booths will provide information about prenatal care, nutrition, environmental concerns such as pesticides, heat and skin protection, and the use of hats and sunglasses for protection from the wind, dirt, dust and sun. Donated hats and sunglasses will be distributed to the attendees. More than 500 workers and their families are expected to attend.

In an effort to increase and encourage participation, free transportation to and from the fair will be provided. There will be a barbecue, door prizes and soccer, and children’s books will be give to children in attendance.

We urge those in need to attend the fair. With events such as this, the members of our migrant and seasonal farmworker population will empowered to make informed choices about their health.