CHCs Get Care to Washington's Agricultural Workers

Agriculture is a cornerstone of Washington’s economy, made possible by thousands of community members who work in fields and orchards across the state. Our community health centers support the health care needs of 98,000 migratory and seasonal agricultural workers year round, regardless of their ability to pay.

CHCs can provide services to meet the needs of people doing this work including:

• Delivering care in their preferred language

• Using mobile vans to provide care onsite at rural workplaces

• Caring for patients no matter their current employment status or ability to pay

• Providing culturally-appropriate education and outreach through workshops and presentations on critical health topics

Here are a few specific examples of how CHCs across the state are working to improve the health of Washington’s agricultural workers.

• SeaMar’s Migrant and Seasonal Farmworker Promotores Program brings linguistically and culturally appropriate health care services to the farmworker community all year round.

• In 1978, Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic was started with the simple idea of closing the gap in health care for seasonal and migrant farm workers. They offer whole health care for the vibrant farm worker communities in the Yakima Valley.

• Staff from Columbia Valley Community Health frequently travel to local agricultural sites to educate workers on occupational health hazards, such as heat stress and wildfire smoke.

• Yakima Neighborhood Health Services uses mobile medical units that bring services directly to agricultural communities.

Reach out to your local community health center to learn more about services in your area. You can find your closest center by visiting the Health Resources and Services Administration here.