Health Care Resource Planning and Development for Migrant Farm Workers

摘要

The number of migrant farm workers employed in the agricultural industry in Michigan each year, is estimated at approximately 40,000 workers and family members. The migrant workers begin their important work of planting, cultivating, harvesting, and processing farm commodities as early as the month of April and continue well into the late fall. There are approximately 50 counties in the state where the agricultural industry requires the assistance of the migrant people during some period of the summer season. Health care for this population group is a major concern primarily due to the itinerant character associated with the occupation, and in a big majority of cases, cultural differences and language barriers.