Leveraging Resources to Improve Access to Occupational Healthcare for Farmers

Abstract

Occupational stress among agricultural workers, limited access to care, and poor health literacy lead to substandard health outcomes for farming communities. Alternative healthcare delivery models can assist in meeting the needs of underserved populations. Leveraging resources from collaborative partners in southeastern North Carolina provided an opportunity to create a one-day occupational wellness event for the farmers. Seventy farmers attending the event received opportunities to participate in mandatory pesticide training, farm safety training, medical clearance, respirator fit-testing, health screenings, and farm stress education. Farmer participation, post-event surveys, and a 4-week follow-up telephone questionnaire indicated success with improved respirator compliance, desire for future events, established primary care, and treatment plans developed for newly diagnosed chronic illness. Future recommendations include expanding the model across the state, including family member participation, and increased educational offerings focused on primary health concerns in farming communities.