July 12, 2007 Fair provides free medical screenings to migrant workersBy Hayley Day, Staff Writer URBANA — Diana Gutierrez of Texas has visited a doctor 17 times — one for each year she's been alive. And although her doctor at Community Health Partners' annual Migrant Health Fair is located more than 1,000 miles from her hometown, Gutierrez has learned to be patient. "Sometimes I get worried when I'm sick because I can't go to the doctor. I try to take advantage (while I'm here) as much as I can," said Gutierrez, who on Wednesday attended the 18th annual health fair at Michael Farm in Urbana. Five Community Health Partners physicians helped kick off the fair. About 80 migrant workers originally from Texas and currently employed at Michael Farm from June to November were screened for such treatments as cholesterol and blood sugar levels, vision and TB. Michelle Adkins, director of the community outreach program at Community Health Partners, said many workers don't visit doctors regularly because of language barriers and a lack of insurance, increasing the need for immediate medical care. "Last year was the first time we did blood work, and about five came back abnormal," said Adkins. "Sometimes we find diabetes or heart disease." All screenings and medicine are free, she said. To comply with workers' schedules, the fair altered its follow-up care this year. Instead of sending patients to Community Hospital Health Care Center on Pleasant Avenue because of its no-insurance policy, a Keifer Mercy Health Center nurse will treat patients out of a van at the farm weekly. Scott Michael, co-owner of Michael farm, stopped production for the day to hold the fair. "Like any company, the employees are the most important part," said Michael. "I just want to take care of them." |