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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
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The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA |
Chester Evans, DPM, School of Graduate Medical Sciences, Barry University, 11300 NE 2nd Avenue, Miami, FL 33161, 305-899-3250, cevans@mail.barry.edu
Migrant and seasonal farm workers (MSFW) and their children experience more severe health problems than the general U.S. population. The Barry University Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Program has developed a multidisciplinary partnership with the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation, Health Foundation of South Florida, Dade County Area Health Education Center and other community health organizations. The Open Door Health Center aims to respond to the primary health care need of 28,000 MSFW in Florida City. Due to a variety of barriers less than 20% of this population currently receives health care services. In response, the Center cares for patients despite their inability to pay, immigration status and furthermore developed an innovative evening and weekend clinic schedule. Podiatric health care delivery provided by Barry includes diabetic screening, pediatric services, disease prevention programs and health care screening. In addition, counseling and educational services are offered via informational brochures, health lectures and health fairs. Public health promotion and disease prevention efforts focus on diabetes and hypertension. Podiatric residents and students receive training including exposure to culturally sensitive clinical techniques that can encourage further development of their commitment and interest in working with the indigent population. Preliminary data shows a high incidence of diabetic mellitus, endemic superficial mycoses, and other uncommon foot pathologies. This model project attempts to improve health care access, community collaboration, and public health education in a cost-free setting.
Learning Objectives:
Keywords: Community Health, Prisoners Health Care
Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: Barry University Podiatric Medicine and Surgery Program
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.