Leveraging Resources to Improve Access to Occupational Healthcare for Farmers

Abstract

Farming is the third deadliest occupation in America, however, less than 20 % of farmers seek healthcare (North Carolina Farmworker Health Program, 2022). Mandated medical clearances are a prerequisite to respiratory fit testing according to the Environmental Protection Agency, EPA, and are updated every two years, or sooner if needed (Buhler, 2023). Respiratory fit testing is an annual requirement for those who work with pesticides (Buhler, 2023). Bringing healthcare into the community and providing the above-named requirements, emphasizes the importance of outcomes and displays the commitment to the cause. Coordination of multiple working parts and agencies requires diligence and perseverance. This quality improvement project was developed to bring together evidence-based education, health screenings, medical clearance, and respiratory fit testing for farmers in a single location.