Collaborating to promote workers' rights and occupational health: Community-based partnerships in Houston

Community-based health clinics (CHCs), such as federally-qualified health centers, have missions deeply rooted in serving the community, no matter a person's ability to pay. CHCs may also be the first point of access for low-income and/or vulnerable workers seeking care for work-related or other health concerns. CHC's service philosophy suggests they may be enthusiastic partners for other groups committed to improving the lives of individuals in the local community. Workers' rights centers are just such groups. They are community-based organizations for low-wage and other vulnerable workers to help them learn about their rights and organize to improve working conditions. Some of the most pressing problems identified by their members are wage theft, exposure to H&S hazards, and discrimination. All of these can contribute to health disparities in a community. Healthcare providers may be witnessing adverse health consequences of these forms of workplace injustice. Some providers may actually recognize the connection, but feel helpless to address its causes. The Houston Interfaith Worker Justice Center (HIWJ) is surrounded within a five mile radius by more than a dozen CHCs. The authors set out in early 2012 to introduce the local CHC staff to HIWJ's work, and establish relationships with CHCs to enhance their knowledge of worker health and safety issues. Preliminary findings will be presented, including CHCs' offers to collaborate with HIWJ, feedback from participants on impact of collaboration, and perceptions of CHCs' staff on prevalence of work-related health conditions among their patient population.