Relevance
The stability of the Vermont dairy industry depends on immigrants who work an average of 69 hours per week in a physically demanding job. Barriers like language, lack of transportation and fear of lost income delay workers from receiving care, resulting in more significant health problems, decreased productivity, and increased work absenteeism.
Response
The statewide Bridges to Health (BTH) program, a collaboration among ¶¶Òõ̽̽ Extension, Bi-State Primary Care Association, the Open Door Clinic and Vermont Care Network, is the only health care support system in Vermont for immigrant farmworkers. Outreach to workers on local farms helps them communicate emergent, urgent and preventative care needs to employers and receive timely, affordable care -- in their local communities and native language. In 2018, BTH coordinated nearly 1,700 in-clinic and on farm health appointments for farmworkers in all 14 Vermont counties.
Results
BTH's coordination and support allowed 450 immigrant farmworkers/family members to gain access to health care services at over 90 health sites. This assistance allowed farmworkers to maintain physical, mental, and emotional health. For employers, avoiding costs of health-related absenteeism, turnover, lost productivity and expertise, and training/replacing new employees helps the bottom line.
Public Value Statement
Bridges to Health helps Vermont's immigrant farmworkers maintain physical, mental, and emotional health. For employers, avoiding costs of health-related absenteeism, turnover, lost productivity and expertise, and training/replacing new employees helps the bottom line.
Statement Synopsis
The stability of the Vermont dairy industry depends on immigrants who work an average of 69 hours per week in a physically demanding job. In 2018, the Bridges to Health program assisted 450 immigrant farmworkers/family members access health care services to maintain their physical, mental, and emotional health.