Migrant Health Program
The Migrant Health Program was launched in 1997 as a federally funded program. Its goal is to provide basic health care services to migrant and seasonal farm workers and their families in Park, Washakie, Big Horn, and Fremont counties in northwestern Wyoming.

The program recognizes the need for health care management among this predominantly Hispanic population as well as the economic, language, and cultural barriers that prevent them from accessing the needed services. While the program attempts to meet the primary medical needs of all eligible farm workers and their families, it is important to remember that it is not an insurance program or a replacement for existing public health care services.

Since the program serves migrant and seasonal farm workers whose primary source of income must come from agricultural work, the target population changes each season. Although the program runs year round, the vast majority of the patients are seen during the summer months, which coincide with the peak of agricultural activity in the region. The initial stages of program development every summer involve publicizing the program and locating potential clients. This is accomplished through conducting health fairs, making public announcements, or contacting farm workers and growers alike. Bilingual outreach workers, who receive training in triaging and cultural competency from qualified professionals, are critical part of the process. The outreach workersserve as liaison between the clients and the health care providers and it is, therefore, essential that they establish rapport with them.

Basic health care services are provided by mid-level medical professionals, who conduct clinics in Powell, Worland, and Basin or at the public health offices in the four-county area, who are also contracted to provide services. When the mid-level practitioners deem that the problem at hand necessitates the services of medical professionals, then a voucher system is utilized to refer the patients to local physicians, dentists, optometrists, hospitals, and pharmacies. The program collaborates with all medical providers who are willing to serve this population.

Due to the nature of the program and the limited financial resources available, the Migrant Health Program does not pay for more complicated medical procedures and extensive treatments.

It does not pay for hospitalization or for many types of specialists. If a health care provider orders a follow-up, however, efforts are made to ensure that the client does indeed show up for appointments and carry out the prescribed course of treatment.

In addition, case management involves assistance for other immediate problem our clients face by tapping into other available community resources.

The Migrant Health Program truly is a result of the collaborative efforts of the administrative staff , the dedication of the outreach workers, the caring and commitment of medical providers, and the time and support of community leaders.