Spotlight on NC Farmworker's Project

By Kenzie Mann, 2014 SAF intern

Today we want to highlight one of the Farmworker Advocacy Network’s members the NC Farmworker’s Project. Not only do they do extensive health outreach, they also work with Wake Forest University to do community based research on farmworker issues.SAF intern Kenzie Mann (on left) is working at the NC Farmworker's Project for the summer

Check out an excerpt from Student Action with Farmworkers’ health fellow Mackenzie Mann’s reflection of her work there:  

“The NC Farmworkers Project works to connect farmworkers with health and dental services, and to provide health education on pesticides, heat illness, green tobacco sickness, HIV and STIs, drinking and driving, substance abuse, and tobacco use. In the past three weeks, we have been visiting farmworker camps to conduct health assessments, measuring BMIs, taking blood pressures, and talking to farmworkers about their health concerns. The Project also organizes a mobile medical van that visits farmworker camps and a weekly clinic night so that farmworkers can see doctors when needed. I’ve had the opportunity to interpret during doctor’s visits, conduct health assessments, deliver prescription medicines, and learn a lot from my coworkers... and I am loving every minute of it!

Practicing taking blood pressureOne of my favorite moments so far was during one of our mobile van nights, when Leonardo arrived at the camp with a guitar to sing with the farmworkers while they waited to see the doctor. While Leonardo played, one of the farmworkers sang “La Mancha”—to the delight of Janeth, who had been practically begging him to do so all evening. Hearing everyone sing and sway to the tune of the song made me so happy! I couldn’t stop smiling and neither could anyone else there. To be able to witness this bonding experience between the farmworkers and the Project staff, and to be part of it, made me feel even more included in the Farmworker Project’s community. I am so glad to be here!”