Making the Invisibles Visible: A Health Literacy Campaign for Eastern North Carolina Migrant Farmworkers

Abstract

Despite there being over 3 million migrant farmworkers in the United States, the migrant farmworkers represent one of the most marginalized and underserved populations (Bail et al., 2012, pg. 1). Their status as migrant farmworkers allows for less acculturation into the U.S. culture and health system (Reyes-Velarde, 2012). In spite of major health risks as a result of their occupation, farmworkers face limited access to health services due to poverty, low literacy, language and cultural barriers (Facts, 2017, pg. 3). Limited health literacy reportedly limits the use of preventive services and management of chronic conditions, and is also associated with misunderstanding prescription medication labels, increased preventable hospital visits and mortality (Baur, 2010, p. 9). This project is integrated into current initiatives by the Association of Mexicans in North Carolina, inc. (AMEXCAN) targeting the Eastern North Carolina migrant farmworker population. This campaign intends to reduce the health disparity migrant farmworkers face as a result of their occupation and background by improving health literacy, and therefore quality of care received.