Migrant and seasonal farm workers (MSFWs) are one of our country’s least visible populations. The health status of MSFWs is compromised due to the physically demanding nature of their work, the potential for substandard housing, little to no access to care, and geographic isolation. Most MSFWs live below the poverty line, lack health insurance, experience interruptions in their medical care, and may struggle with issues of immigration status. MSFWs also face a lack of culturally and linguistically appropriate services and may be unfamiliar with the local health system or other resources.

In addition to all of these obstacles to accessing health care, they often need transportation and face difficulties in taking time off from work. While MSFWs make an overwhelming contribution to our lives and health through the work of harvesting our fruits and vegetables (80% of which is done by hand in this country), they remain a critically vulnerable community. Unfortunately, our nation has come to take for granted the low-cost, high-quality produce available in our local grocery stores and does not consider the individuals or families that plant, nurture, and harvest these crops.

Maine Migrant Health Program is dedicated to providing quality primary and preventative healthcare services to migrant and seasonal farmworkers throughout the state. Over 1000 mothers, fathers, and children were served last season during the harvests of broccoli, eggs, apples, blueberries, tree-planting, and Christmas wreath making.
 
			9 Green St, P.O. Box 405 · Augusta, Maine 04332
			Tel:	(207) 622-9252, (888) 351-9634 
			Fax:	(207) 626-7612 
			email:	mmhp@mainemigrant.org
			website:www.mainemigranthealth.org