The 130th Annual Meeting of APHA

Abstract #43186

Angela J Camilleri, MPH, MA¹, Jennifer Price, RN, CDE², Julia D Portale, MPPM, MPH¹, and Kenneth S Babamoto, PharmD, MPH¹. (1) Community Health, Pfizer Health Solutions, 2400 Broadway, Suite 500, Santa Monica, CA 90404, (2) La Clinica del Carino, 849 Pacific Avenue, Hood River, OR 97031, 541-308-8378, angela.camilleri@pfizer.com

The health status of agricultural workers in the US is diverse and complex compared to the general population. Health disparity issues significantly affect farm workers, the majority being Latino immigrants. Problems include lack of health insurance, access to care, health literacy and language barriers. Diabetes and cardiovascular disease, including metabolic syndrome (hypertension, obesity and dyslipidemia), are common medical problems in this difficult to treat population. La Clínica del Cariño Family Health Center, a non-profit community health clinic provides health care services to migrant and seasonal farm workers and indigent, underserved residents living in Hood River, OR, through the Cuidando Nuestra Salud Program ("Salud"). The Salud program expands access to health care to rural Latino residents through use of community health workers, incorporating a grassroots, culturally competent diabetes curriculum in a nurturing and trusting environment. Health promoters are trained in cultural competency, disease education and communication skills, and interventions to address barriers such as low literacy and limited resources. Care managers and health promoters visit patients in clinic and community settings including home visits to help monitor progress and support patients on the importance of self-monitoring, diet, exercise, medication use and regular check-ups. To date, over 200 patients including migrant and seasonal farm workers, have been enrolled in the program. Significant decreases in HbA1c and cardiovascular risk factors have been reported from patients enrolled in the Salud program. The program methods, health worker training curriculum and results for this chronic illness management model will be reported.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe three specific health disparity issues faced by migrant and seasonal farm workers.
• List three barriers faced by farm workers in achieving diabetes self-management skills.
• Discuss the central role of CHW training curriculum in educating migrant and seasonal farm workers.

Keywords: Community Health Promoters, Migrant Farm Workers

Presenting author's disclosure statement:
Organization/institution whose products or services will be discussed: La Clínica del Cariño Family Health Center Pfizer Health Solutions
I have a significant financial interest/arrangement or affiliation with any organization/institution whose products or services are being discussed in this session.
Relationship: Employment