Collaborating with community health centers to serve needs of low-wage workers

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. The authors have been exploring ways in which CHCs are, or could be, collaborators to address the work environment as a contributor to adverse health. The work environment is defined broadly to include physical, social and economic factors. The presentation, ideally for a Roundtable Session, will report on an April 2013 workshop with CHC leaders, workers' rights advocates, and occupational health and safety experts on ways to expand community support for low-wage and other vulnerable workers. Activities stemming from the workshop recommendations will also be presented.