Oral

The US is still dependent on migrant and seasonal farmworkers for the production of fruits and vegetables. Since the time of Ramazzini, agriculture has been documented as a very hazardous industry producing many work-related injuries and illnesses. The pressure to perform tasks under deadlines determined by the seasons and the weather forces farmworkers to work in fields in the extremes of weather, under conditions conducive to injury, and in close proximity to pesticides and chemical fertilizers. Weak regulatory protection, lack of compliance with existing regulations, and gaps in health service provision characterize the working conditions of farmworkers. It is difficult to separate the occupational, economic, and social issues in this population. Issues such as poor housing, education opportunities, health care access, poor field sanitation, as well as specific job tasks, all may impact health. Along the spectrum of occupational safety and health in the farmworker population, the needs are more basic, the workforce less protected, and the existing laws less enforced than in the more formal workforce. This session will provide a background on the health care delivery issues affecting migrantes in the United States. The fragmented health care options for migrant farmworkers and the limitations and benefits of the Mexican Health Care system will be discussed. Finally, gaps in research and policy formulation related to health needs will be presented working towards a goal of public health without borders.

Session Objectives: 1. Identify the Medicaid barriers for access to health care among eligible migrant farmworkers in the U.S. 2. Recognize Mexican government approaches for provision of health care. 3. Prioritize research and policy issues for immigrant migrant health.

CE Credits: CME, Health Education (CHES), Nursing