Promoting healthcare access for migrant workers through the implementation of an on-site occupational health vehicle

According to the 2010 United States Census Bureau, the term migrant worker is commonly utilized to describe a low wage worker who performs manual labor on farms and fields; these individuals are often illegal immigrants without valid work visas. Migrant workers are often underserved within the United States healthcare system, despite great efforts established to promote care to this at risk population. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (2011) stated that nearly one third of all migrant workers chose to self-medicate, 33.3% took no health promoting measures, and 19.7% of sick migrants who should have sought medical attention failed to do so. In the late 1990's a mid-sized Catholic university in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania partnered with a racetrack in Bensalem, Pennsylvania to introduce health promotion to its migrant workers. After years of assessment and providing the population with primary and secondary preventative care, it was concluded that an on-site occupational health program would be beneficial. In the Fall of 2011, ongoing research on initiating an occupational health vehicle at the racetrack to provide healthcare to the migrant workers was conducted. Currently goals and objectives for a successful occupational health program are being formulated. Recommendations provided by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Occupational Health and Safety Administration are also being explored. The overall goal of the program is to provide migrant workers with access to primary healthcare, screenings, immunizations, and to help promote healthier lifestyles. Implementation of the program is expected in early 2013.