Immigrant Farmworkers as a Vulnerable Population
Immigrant Farm Workers as a Vulnerable Population
Ronda LaVigne
HCS 531
August 29, 2011
Doris Chimera, RN, MA, MHA
Immigrant Farm Workers as a Vulnerable Population This essay will provide an overview of immigrant farm workers as an example of a vulnerable population in society. A sample population demographic and background information about the community provides characteristics and context about why this group constitutes a vulnerable population. A discussion about the challenges and disparities farm workers incur when accessing health care with an assessment of the impact on federal, state, and local health care delivery systems. Key stakeholders in public and private domains are noted outlining the imprint immigrant farm workers have on American businesses as employers and providers of health care. Last, a review on how health care systems can best serve this particular group of people. Background and Demographics Frohllch and Potvin (2008) describe vulnerable populations as something different from populations at risk. They propose vulnerable populations are subgroups of populations at risk. They share social characteristics that place them at higher levels of risk. In turn, a population at risk displays a homogenous high- level exposure to one risk factor. For example, environmental toxins would place a population at risk. Socioeconomic status, education levels and language barriers are examples of social characteristics that create a vulnerable population. Oxnard California located in Ventura County is an agricultural and beach community approximately 60 miles north of Los Angeles. Primarily an agricultural county known for growing beets, the city’s name originates from the Oxnard brothers who made their fortune with this crop in the early 1900s. The last decade has brought tremendous development to the area as beach communities have gained popularity as places to live.
Ronda LaVigne
HCS 531
August 29, 2011
Doris Chimera, RN, MA, MHA
Immigrant Farm Workers as a Vulnerable Population This essay will provide an overview of immigrant farm workers as an example of a vulnerable population in society. A sample population demographic and background information about the community provides characteristics and context about why this group constitutes a vulnerable population. A discussion about the challenges and disparities farm workers incur when accessing health care with an assessment of the impact on federal, state, and local health care delivery systems. Key stakeholders in public and private domains are noted outlining the imprint immigrant farm workers have on American businesses as employers and providers of health care. Last, a review on how health care systems can best serve this particular group of people. Background and Demographics Frohllch and Potvin (2008) describe vulnerable populations as something different from populations at risk. They propose vulnerable populations are subgroups of populations at risk. They share social characteristics that place them at higher levels of risk. In turn, a population at risk displays a homogenous high- level exposure to one risk factor. For example, environmental toxins would place a population at risk. Socioeconomic status, education levels and language barriers are examples of social characteristics that create a vulnerable population. Oxnard California located in Ventura County is an agricultural and beach community approximately 60 miles north of Los Angeles. Primarily an agricultural county known for growing beets, the city’s name originates from the Oxnard brothers who made their fortune with this crop in the early 1900s. The last decade has brought tremendous development to the area as beach communities have gained popularity as places to live.
References: Connor, A., Rainer, L. P., Simcox, J. B & Thomas, K. (2007). Increasing delivery of health care services to migrant farm worker families through a community partnership model. Public Health Nursing, 24 (4). Frohlich, K. L., & Potvin, L. (2008). The inequality paradox: The population approach and vulnerable poplations.. Journal of Public Health, 98 (2). Ginn, J. (2011 July/August). Frustrated states take on immigration. Capitol Ideas Council of State Government, (). McCauley, L. A. (2005). Immigrant workers in the united states recent trends, vulnerable populations, and challenges for occupational health. AAOHN, 53 (7). (2011). Quality care for all. Trustee Magazine, (all). United States Census Bureau. (2000). U.S. census bureau state and county quick facts. Retrieved from http://quickfacts.census.gov/qfd/states/06/0654652lk.htm Source: US Census, 2000