Submitted by Amy G. Bull, director of communications and development –
Eastern Shore Rural Health System Inc. was honored at the Conference for Agricultural Worker Health on May 2, in Denver. The Conference for Agricultural Worker Health, sponsored by the National Association of Community Health Centers, is the only annual conference dedicated solely to the health and well-being of America’s migratory and seasonal agricultural workers and their families. Rural Health was honored for outstanding contributions in migrant health. The awards this year hold special significance as migrant and community health centers join to celebrate the 60th anniversary of the migrant health program.
“We take pride in recognizing colleagues who have done so much on behalf of our migrant and seasonal agricultural workers,” said Rachel Gonzales-Hanson, interim president and CEO of the NACHC. “Each in their own way has shown what it takes to make healthcare meaningful and responsive for this vital part of the nation’s workforce under extraordinary challenges. These honorees have lifted barriers to care and advanced equity during an unprecedented global pandemic. We celebrate their service, courage, and contributions to the Community Health Center Movement.”
Eastern Shore Rural Health was among a group of migrant health leaders and organizations receiving awards at the national conference. Rural Health received the 2022 Outstanding Migrant Health Center award.
Community and Migrant Health Centers serve approximately 22 percent (nearly one million) of agricultural workers and their families currently living in the U.S. Throughout the pandemic, health centers have responded to the health needs of the nation’s essential agricultural workers who harvest the food on our table and who have suffered disproportionately higher rates of infection and death from the COVID-19 virus.
About National Association of Community Health Centers
Established in 1971, the National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) serves as the leading national voice for America’s Health Centers and as an advocate for health care access for the medically underserved and uninsured. To learn more, visit www.NACHC.org
